HOME + GARDEN
MEET THE GARDENER CONT .
© National Trust / Eva Nemeth
© Samantha Ready
Describe your typical day .
The work is very varied and depending on the season I could be mowing , cutting hedges , planting , weeding , mulching , deadheading , staking , pruning and training , or making plant supports . We work in all weathers !
What ’ s your biggest achievement as a gardener ?
Getting a full-time gardening position at the worldfamous Sissinghurst was such an exciting moment for me .
Do you have a favourite plant / tree ?
There are too many to choose from and to be amazed by . I ’ m terribly fickle and it tends to be what has caught my eye on a particular day . Sometimes this can be one plant in particular or a beautiful combination – the joy of working in a garden is it never sits still .
What ’ s the one plant / tree everyone should have in their garden ?
An apple tree . The blossom is beautiful in spring , and there ’ s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked apples come autumn .
What ’ s your favourite season in the garden ?
Spring , the garden is fresh and poised with hope for the future .
TOP 5 MEDITERRANEAN GARDENING TIPS FROM SAFFRON PRENTIS , DELOS LEAD GARDENER
What ’ s the best place in my garden to create a Mediterranean feel ?
We assume a Mediterranean garden must be sunny but many suitable plants are happy in shade . The key to success is selecting the right plant for the situation you have . Drainage is also key . If you don ’ t have a free-draining area of garden you could create a pot display with your favourite Mediterranean plants , instead .
What can I plant to give a taste of the Mediterranean ?
Cistus , lavender , rosemary , thyme and euphorbia are just some of the plants you can use . Try to use a mix of perennials , annuals ( such as poppies , nigella , orlaya ), shrubs and trees to create maximum interest . Annual grasses are great and allowing them to selfseed will give a relaxed , natural feel .
How do I plan a Mediterranean garden ?
Designing a garden is very personal and can be approached in different ways . I like to carry a notebook with me so I can note down plants and features that I see in other gardens and when on holiday . You can also keep photos and magazine clippings to create a ‘ mood board ’ to help guide your decisions .
Vita and Harold ’ s Delos garden was inspired by a Greek holiday and in particular the wildflowers they saw – drawing on your own experiences will make for a more personal and meaningful space .
When is the best time to plant a Mediterranean garden ?
Spring is the best time to plant a Mediterranean style garden , as this will allow the roots to establish before warmer weather arrives .
What sort of maintenance does a Mediterranean garden like Delos need ?
Our thick gravel mulch discourages the usual garden weeds while encouraging pioneer plants to seed about , forming colonies . We ‘ edit ’ the selfseeders if they become too dominant , to ensure we get the balanced look we want . If you want to create a truly natural feel , you could also cut shrubs into mound shapes to mimic the effect of animals grazing the foliage .
Sissinghurst Castle Garden , including the new Delos garden , is open 363 days a year , closed 24 and 25 December . For opening times and prices visit www . nationaltrust . org . uk / sissinghurstcastle-garden .
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