A Green & Pleasant Land…

A Green & Pleasant Land…

A Green & Pleasant Land…

 
Interview
A Green & Pleasant Land…
Take your pick of contemporary architecture or a house steeped in centuries of history.
 
England’s idyllic green gardens are celebrated as some of the most beautiful in the world. Head of Gardens and Estates for the Historic Royal Palaces, Terry Gough and his team tend to the thousands of trees, plants, sweeping vistas and ancient monuments that have been enjoyed by England’s kings and queens for centuries.
 
Why do you think the English are such a passionate gardening nation?
We live in a very green and beautiful country. Our enchanting natural landscape has inspired painters, poets and gardeners for centuries, and we have a rich history of collecting and displaying plants – along with the Dutch, we were the first to really develop the botanical garden. England has also produced some of the greatest gardeners in the world: George London, Henry Wise, Charles Bridgeman, Capability Brown and, more recently, Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe. All of this has led to us taking a great interest in plants, and designing our own outdoor spaces. We are also fantastic at shop-windowing horticulture, with tons of parks and gardens, and world-class events such as the Chelsea Flower Show.
What is the quintessential English garden?
I suppose the true quintessential English garden evolved mid-17th century with the English landscape park. Examples of this are Home Park at Hampton Court, and the environs around Kensington Palace – a classic English park by Charles Bridgeman. Here park and national landscape dominate. One of my predecessors was the great landscape gardener Capability Brown who worked at Hampton Court for 19 years. The parkland we have now is very much attributed to him.
Where do you draw horticultural inspiration from?
I grew up in Battersea and my favourite green space was Battersea Park. I still go there regularly. For wonderful historic gardens, I love Chatsworth in the Peak District and Stowe Landscape Gardens in Buckingham. For displays, The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park and Wisley in Surrey are just wonderful.
England’s gardens each have their own styles and personalities. Do you have any favourite seasonal spots?
Wherever I am, my favourite time of year in England is always spring. You see the plants in bloom and bud, and all the wildlife being born. It is the most spectacular and colourful time.
What motivates you as a gardener?
The big reward for me is people walking around the Historic Royal Palace gardens and enjoying themselves. You know you have created a lasting memory for that person. We aim to provide a piece of escapism where people can get a bit of solace to contemplate and relax.