HOME + GARDEN
MEET THE GARDENER
NATAN COINTET
Head Gardener , Scotney Castle , National Trust
© National Trust © National Trust Images / Sam Milling
© National Trust Images / Nina Elliot-Newman
Where did your interest in gardening begin ?
In the beautiful South of France . I started my career as an apprenticeship on an organic vegetable farm near Lagrasse in the Corbières region , a thirty minute drive from Carcassonne .
Why did you want to be a gardener ?
To work with the land , soil , and nature . It ’ s all good for my physical and mental wellbeing . The sun helps too !
Where did you study ?
I undertook my foundation degree in horticulture at Writtle College , Essex , after completing my apprenticeship at Lycée Agricole Pierre Reverdy , in Languedoc , France .
Who was your inspiration ?
My great-grandfather , Guy Clutton Brock – he brought people together by working with the land in Rhodesia , now Zimbabwe ; and my uncle , Jean- Baptiste . He worked with the land to produce amazing goats cheese , eggs , vegetables and bread .
How long have you worked here ?
One whole year ! What appealed to you about working here ?
I have always wanted to work for the National Trust . It ’ s a fantastic organisation with conservation at its core . Here I am able to share with many different people my passion for horticulture . Scotney is a picturesque romantic garden steeped in history . Could I ask for a more wonderful place to work ?
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