Fergus Garrett of Great Dixter

The
BUZZ
®
An Exclusive For Our Society
Summer 2016
Volume 23 • Issue 2
Fergus Garrett of Great Dixter
By Nita-Jo Rountree
G
reat Dixter,
constantly change and
in Northiam,
evolve, and they are a
East Sussex,
resource for learning.
England, is the
No one is a better
Holy Grail of
teacher than Fergus!
gardens. It is
He conducts weekone of the most
long symposiums
famous and
at Great Dixter
beloved gardens in
and gives exciting,
the world, and is a
inspiring lectures
mecca for garden
in an effort to raise
lovers across the
money to maintain
globe. The garden
the quality and
was designed
in the early
twentieth century
in the Arts and
Crafts style by
homeowners
The Long Border at Great Dixter in June. Photo by Carol Casselden.
Nathaniel and Daisy
Lloyd, with the help of the well-known architect, Sir Edwin
unique atmosphere of Great
Lutyens, but it was their son, Christopher Lloyd, who made the
Dixter. It is his labor of love
garden famous. For over fifty years, the garden was the focus of
to protect the house and its
his energy and enthusiasm—a passion that fueled him to write
contents, and to ensure that the
over forty books and articles and to speak around the world.
garden remains open to inspire
In 1993, Fergus Garrett arrived as Dixter’s new head gardener,
and educate visitors with its
and Dixter exploded into even more magnificent displays.
exuberant and dynamic style of gardening.
Exotic, tropical plants were paired with roses, and ever changing
Because of his international horticultural celebrity status, as
electric bedding displays created excitement and energy. Fergus
well as his rigorous schedule, it is extremely difficult to book
says that Christopher gave him direction and opportunities.
Fergus for a speaking engagement. Fortunately, he loves coming
“He taught me to see, to really see. He had such a brilliant
to our region because, as he says, “The Pacific Northwest
mind, such a deep understanding of his subject.” He continues,
is a hotbed of horticulture where pure plantsmanship is so
“Christopher always said that I was his closest friend. But I
beautifully combined with artistic talent that is so abundant in
never, ever forgot that Dixter was his garden, not mine.”
the area.”
Christopher’s intent was that Fergus would take over the
The Bellevue Botanical Garden is thrilled to present
garden after his death, and he had the foresight to set up the
Fergus Garrett on Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. He will give a
Great Dixter Charitable Trust in 2003. When he died in 2006,
PowerPoint presentation, Great Dixter: Past, Present,
the Trust took over the running of the estate with Fergus at the
and Future. Advance reservations are strongly
helm. Under his stewardship, Great Dixter is an historic house,
suggested. $25 for BBGS members; $40 for
garden, center of education, and a place of pilgrimage for
non-members.Visit our website at www.
horticulturists from around the world.
bellevuebotanical.org to reserve
It’s a balancing act to retain the familiar feeling of the garden,
your spot. Thank you, Wells Medina
while at the same time to be excitedly different. Gardens should
Nursery, for sponsoring this event.
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