“Great Dixter – Past, Present and Future” with Fergus Garrett.
Fergus, chosen by Gardens Illustrated as one of the 30 most influential living garden designers and horticultural educators in Britain, talks about the history of Great Dixter, the 15th century manor house and its restoration by the famous arts and crafts architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. In a wide ranging talk, he explores the influence of Nathaniel Lloyd on its infrastructure and design. His wife Daisy Lloyd, on the garden, which she softened with her semi-naturalistic style and their son, Christopher, who became one of the world’s greatest gardeners and garden writers. The design of the borders, the planting style, meadow gardening and the importance of a biodiverse garden will be discussed, including the experimental and creative aspects of each. Fergus also discusses the way forward for a sensitive historic garden and estate such as Great Dixter with reference to the setting up of The Great Dixter Charitable Trust to protect the legacy of the Lloyd family.
Fergus shares his memories of Christopher (Christo) Lloyd, their relationship, the way they worked together to develop Dixter, how they challenged and experimented with garden design, made decisions, and took the garden to another level.
