Embarking on a journey from textile design to becoming the Head Gardener at Hestercombe , Claire Greenslade has weave a life history from her passions for design , account and nature .
Her itinerary , which meandered through various artistic and managerial role , was deeply shaped by an unexpected raid into organic gardening .
Now at Hestercombe , she not only oversees the lush , historical garden but also contributes to the growth and evolution of the Hestercombe Gardens Trust .
We explore Claire ’s many-sided life history and her current role at Hestercombe .
Can you share a bit about your background and how you first started gardening?
“ I have a stage in manner and textiles and after university , I worked self-employed person as a Screen Printer , ” Claire begins .
“ The industry turn to CAD and I knew I did n’t want to sit at a information processing system , so I covered a supporter ’s motherhood and remove her theatrical role design and making stained meth windows .
“ After , I thought I would go back to college and get an adult teaching certificate so that I could instruct and make stained Methedrine . Whilst registering at the college , I was distracted by a course on the same 24-hour interval in organic horticulture .
“ I had been thinking of taking on an allotment to grow plant to dye textile , so I signed up to both courses .
“ I had no idea that horticulture was a career selection before then . I volunteered at Barley Wood Walled Garden just outside Bristol and was hooked . I was prosperous enough to then start a 3 - class Apprenticeship with the National Trust . ”
What led you to your current position at Hestercombe?
“ After my National Trust Careership , I workedat Garden Organic , which was a vivid training ground , ” she continues .
“ I started employment at Hestercombe as a Gardener within the formal garden and then progressed to Head Gardener over fourth dimension . ”
Can you describe your day-to-day responsibilities and roles at Hestercombe?
“ It ’s extremely varied . I would say that 60 - 70 % of my time is spent carrying out pragmatic tasks in the garden with the team , which is made up of 6 gardeners , 1 student and 30 unpaid worker .
“ I am part of the aged direction team , so some of my meter is pass on the strategic side looking at fundraising , engagement , education and budgeting . I also carry out tours and talks and write articles for the newssheet , blogs and social metier outlets .
“ We have a contemporary veranda and I love work with the Creative Director , the exhibiting creative person , as well as the artist in residence . Some of my work is playing detective as I often find myself with a amplify glass and an older photo in the archive try out to figure out what a plant diversity might be ! ”
What are some of the projects you’ve worked on at Hestercombe that you’re particularly proud of?
“ Every year in the Edwardian garden I pick out a molding or two and look at what is needed to bring it back in line with Jekyll ’s plan , which is a keen chance to really look at how Jekyll plan , ” shares Claire .
“ We have been uprise an country called Rook Wood by addingtrees for autumn colourand a Robinson - esque timberland moulding .
“ During my meter here , we have completed 4 young buildings in the landscape garden and it has been lovely to be part of furnishing that . ”
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in maintaining the gardens at Hestercombe?
“ A lot of the challenges are financial , ” Claire admits .
“ As a small independent Polemonium van-bruntiae , the piggy bank can be humble . My squad manages to reach an tremendous mountain with quite limited resources . We care 120 acres , so there is an awful lot of shell spinning .
“ If we had more money , I would love to increase the team and invest more into the gardens . Staffing can be tricksy . There are very few immature people come into the diligence , so it is really punishing to ascertain the right people .
“ Climate variety will have a monolithic effect on Hestercombe and we are already dealing with some take there . The gravid cascade in the landscape painting garden is a natural water course of instruction and with our ironical saltation and summertime , it is often not running in full due to a lack of H2O .
“ We also find that we have to do a lot more repair oeuvre to path due to deluges of rain . Then , there is ash dieback , which will be an on-going project .
“ We seek to see all the challenge as opportunities . It make you really brush up what you are doing and makes you piercing to remember differently to find the solutions . ”
What changes have the gardens at Hestercombe made to align with the changes in climate and how we view sustainability?
“ We are passing lucky that Gertrude Jekyll like Mediterranean plants ! That has really helped during our topnotch - hot summers .
“ In the Edwardian garden , we incline to only water system when essential , such as when plants first go in or show sign of stress . We mulch every year with our own homemade compost to help oneself trap wet .
“ The Victorian patio is a hungry bedding scheme and we have begunto adapt the design to use more succulentsand some perennial so that there is less tearing . We are currently look at various ways that we can utilise and lay in water more efficiently .
“ We are n’t constitutional , but we have massively reduced any spraying and will only spot - nebuliser pernicious weeds .
“ In the old days in October , the garden would have been deadheaded only . We no longer do this , as we wish to see the seed mind and have some wintertime structure so some of the job in October is managing the aesthetic of this . ”
What’s one piece of gardening advice you would give to every beginner?
“ Get as much experience as you could , ” Claire recommends .
“ take the books , do the courses but then learn to utilise your initiative and learn from your mistakes . Do n’t be afraid to make mistakes , as it really is the best way to take . ”
How do you envision the future of Hestercombe, and what role do you see yourself playing in it?
“ Hestercombe ’s history stems from garden designed by artists and we have intercourse this link between graphics and landscape painting , ” she tell .
“ Working with artists within the landscape and listen to their thought and views from a different perspective , really help us to dispute our perceptions of the garden .
“ We are a historic garden but I am keen to look forward as well as back . We require to remain relevant , and be resilient and sustainable .
“ Personally , I see my role as quite varied . I ask to maintain the history but also take visitant in the future . I would like to increase Hestercombe ’s work within our garden and art communities , as well as support our local community . ”
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in your field?
“ I would look to do a pay hard-nosed apprenticeship and to discover as much on the job from as many dissimilar nurseryman as you could , and then cement this knowledge with some possibility . ”
What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects coming up that you’d like to share?
“ I am looking onward to developing our shrubbery further , ” order Claire .
“ It is based on William Robinson , so the planting can be quite realistic and wildlife - friendly . It is a part of the garden that does n’t have an original planting plan so it ’s an area I can have a little freedom and fun with . ”
