6 minute read
MY GREAT WEST WAY: Peter Jones, RHS Garden Wisley
Discover the Beauty of RHS Garden Wisley through the eyes of Garden Manager Peter Jones, responsible for some of the most beautiful parts of the garden, from Oakwood, the historic heart of the garden, to the recently completed Oudolf Landscape, a newly developed garden showcasing a complex and diverse range of perennials and grasses.
RHS Garden Wisley is a world-renowned garden located in the county of Surrey, east of the Great West Way route.
Covering an area of 240 acres, the garden is a horticulturist's dream, boasting a diverse range of plant collections, themed gardens, and experimental displays. For many years, Peter Jones has been an integral part of Wisley's team, leading the Hardy Ornamental department as the Garden Manager. In this interview with Peter we learn more about RHS Garden Wisley, its history, and its unique features that make it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts from around the world, along with Peter's favourite places to visit on the Great West Way.
Please tell us about your journey in becoming Garden Manager for Hardy Ornamental at RHS Garden Wisley?
I started my journey at RHS Garden Wisley as a student, studying on the 2 year diploma course. While I was studying, the RHS celebrated its 200 year anniversary with the opening of a brand new 3000m² Glasshouse. I was lucky enough to be on placement in this area during the build-up to opening, and developed a love for gardening under glass. After completing my course, I stayed on, working in the glasshouse looking after the temperate section, specialising in tree ferns. After a few years I became the team leader for the glasshouses at RHS Garden Wisley and managing this section. The glasshouses here are such an inspirational part of the garden, displaying many, many different and wonderful plants that most people would have never have seen and giving our visitors a small sense of what it may be like to walk in a rain forest or see fully grown cacti. After about 5 years I was ready for a new challenge, and the opportunity to venture back outside was presented. I became Garden Manager for Hardy Ornamental, my current role. This remit sees me managing 3 of the garden teams at RHS Garden Wisley that look after some of the most beautiful parts of the garden, from Oakwood, the historic heart of the garden, an old oak woodland garden that predates Wisley itself, to our recently completed Oudolf Landscape, a newly developed garden designed by Piet Oudolf showcasing a complex and diverse range of perennials and grasses. The exciting thing about RHS Garden Wisley is that it is such a dynamic garden, which displays so many different types of gardening, so there’s always something new and interesting to see.
What does your role involve and what does a typical day look like?
My role is an interesting mix of horticultural development and managing people. I work closely with my garden teams to maintain and develop the gardens at RHS Garden Wisley, to create an exciting and engaging experience for our visitors. My typical day varies greatly, from area walks with team members planning the upcoming work to planning long term garden projects and the resourcing required, to preparing plant idents for our horticultural students and giving guided tours to our RHS members. No two days are the same.
What do you love most about your job?
RHS Garden Wisley is quite unique as a garden as it changes and evolves quite quickly in gardening terms, and we get to experiment and demonstrate a wide range of gardening styles. I also love seeing my teams develop and “grow” in their roles, and creating some wonderful horticulture.
Do you work with a wider team and what achievements are you most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements to date is the creation of Clear Lake, this was a 2 year project to create a large lake that acts as a rain water store that we use during the summer to irrigate parts of the garden. This project involved working with many different teams and was a great collaborative effort. The new lake holds roughly 9000 m³ of rain water which is harvested off our recently built Hilltop science and learning facility. As well as having an important water resource to help safeguard the garden against our increasingly dry summers, it was an excellent opportunity to create something beautiful. I was lucky enough to design the tree planting schemes and two beautiful oak framed lakeside shelters. It’s a part of the garden I’m truly proud of.
What do you find most inspiring day to day?
I find inspiration from seeing the garden change with the seasons, as plants come into growth this can be noticing a new flower for the first time, or our visitors enjoying a part of the garden and learning something new to try in their own spaces.
Are you a city, town, or country person?
I’m very much a country person, I’m originally from north Shropshire, and spent most of my childhood outside playing on my grandparents small holding.
What’s your favourite food or drink along or within easy reach of the Great West Way?
One of my favourite places to visit on the Great West Way is Iford Manor Gardens in Wiltshire. It is hidden away at the bottom of a peaceful valley, just 15 minutes from Bath, it’s the most beautiful and characterful garden. Dating back to the Domesday Book, the gardens were largely designed by renowned Edwardian landscape architect Harold Peto, and blends Italian, Byzantine, Ancient Roman and Oriental garden inspirations, together with architecture and classical sculpture. As well as this beautiful garden, Iford Manor has a superb restaurant, which is linked to the estate farm, serving some of the nicest food I’ve ever eaten!
What do you think makes the Great West Way special?
The Great West Way is a wonderful route to experience some of the best attractions this part of the country has to offer.
Please describe your perfect adventure on the Great West Way?
Hopping in the car with the dog (Freddie) and finding one of the many excellent gardens which can be found on the Great West Way like Cranbourne Manor or South Wood farm, then heading off to a country pub for a peaceful lunch.
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