Great Dixter Friends' newsletter-Spring 2023

The 2023 Appeal

As this year is expected to be particularly tight for money coming in, the 2023 Appeal was launched in April.The money raised will help fill the gap left by probable reduced visitor numbers; increased costs and at the same time allow Fergus to realise his vision for the place.A suggested minimum of £500 is invited and as a thank you, donors will be entitled to receive a complimentary linen panel (see front cover) which is in a limited edition of 200.

In the village of Benenden deep in rural Kent, next to the church,a masterpiece has been,and is continuing to be,worked on. It is a garden,but much more.

The house, originally the bothy in Cherry Ingrams’ vegetable garden, has an atmosphere similar to Dennis Severs’, for like him Charlotte Molesworth is an artist. Charm,beauty,eccentricity can be applied to Charlotte as much as to her garden,house and work.

The garden is full of topiary, the plantings are understated and perfect in their combinations, the pond is full of wildlife,the vegetable garden is organic,the field is awash with wild things.There are chickens and a donkey. Everywhere you look is beauty and chosen/planted/made with an artist’s eye.

Charlotte has drawn this wonderful image of Great Dixter and Rosie has made each individual screen print on the press in her studio down a country lane outside Salisbury. Rosie was artist in residence at Great Dixter in 2014. She drew beautiful images of the garden,taught classes on the art of plein air and generally was a spirit of grace and charm. Her mother came to a plant fair and cooked deliciousness in an iron pot, as she had seen done in Serbia where they lived as a family for some years.

Peat-Free Growers Forum

Held by Beth Chatto’s Garden in conjunction with Arit Anderson and The National Trust

Shaun,Jamie,Dean and Ros from the Nursery attended this,the second Forum,at CalkeAbbey in Derbyshire on 23rd January. Speakers included Andy Jasper from the National Trust, Catherine Dawson from Melcourt, Prof Alistair Griffiths from the RHS and a handful of growers including Dean on behalf of Great Dixter. Nurseries were able to voice their experiences and issues with peat free growing and learn about research currently underway.

One of the main issues raised related to plug plants containing peat which many UK growers import.This is especially hard to avoid in relation to plants with plant breeders rights where propagation by small nurseries is just not feasible.

For us as a nursery team, it was great to talk to other growers about their peat free growing experiences. Dean’s talk concentrated on how we produce loam onsite and mix our potting mediums, as well as discussing the benefits and challenges of loam based potting mediums.We appreciated the opportunity to share our experiences of peat free growing, connect with other nurseries as well as learn about the future of peat free growing.Thank you to the Christopher Lloyd Bursary for the funding that enabled us to attend.

Ros Crowhurst

The Generosity of our Friends

Our Dixter Friends in North America are our trans-Atlantic life line. They give so much and get so little in return for which Fergus is very aware and especially appreciative. Through them we have an ever-increasing circle of top gardeners spread across that continent who spent time as Scholars/Trainees at Dixter. Together they make so much possible which otherwise would not be.

On a trip to the US in April, Fergus visited Dr Raymond Borun aged 104 at his home in Los Angeles to thank him for sponsoring The Ruth Borun Scholarship from 2019 to 2026 in memory of his wife. On the left, a photo of Dr. Borun aged 100 on his visit to Dixter in 2019.

On the same trip Fergus went to Chanticleer who have so generously sponsored the Chanticleer USA Christopher Lloyd Scholar since 2013.

Members of Club 22 have secured the Christopher Lloyd Scholarship until 2026.They include Patrick Bates; Marian Boswall; The ViscountessAlice Boyd;Prof Martin and Dr Sue Brown; Louise Cartledge; Finnis Scott;Annette and John Hampshire; David Harrison; Griff and Sally Holliday; Lady Mary Keen; F J Mayor; John and Stella Nicholls; Howard Norton; James O'Connell; Dan Pearson; Hilary Smith; Liz and ClintWinant

Chanticleer Scholar Madelaine LeDew; UK Christopher Lloyd Scholar Rob Flack; US Chanticleer Christopher Lloyd Scholar Andrew Wiley; Ruth Borun Scholar Luke Senior

Winter Friends’ events

Due to an amazing response of acceptances, two Friends winter event were held – on 5th December and 30th January. Fergus led a keen team of his gardeners and estate workers in the Great Hall to demonstrate how a green wood ladder is made using hand tools and Dixter wood. A skill passed on to him by his friend Deryck Body.

On Martin Mitchell’s recommendation Deryck first came to Dixter to mend the thatch – with rushes from his own farm. He suggested that the fig be cut back to prevent it growing into the thatch – Fergus took the idea to Christo, who retorted he wouldn’t be advised on such matters by a young whippersnapper– Deryck was in his late 70s and Christo in his early 80s at the time. Deryck was a man who lived by the traditional rural ways of life as a sheep farmer on Romney Marsh. He grew his own produce and famously built a 2-storey ‘Wendy house’ for his grandchildren;complete with running water and power. Deryck also taught Fergus hurdle making, skills now passed on to Dixter staff by Simon in the Great Barn. Deryck’s garden was a dahlia extravaganza and any visit involved a tour to wonder at their colour and variety. Deryck died in March 2023, a sad loss to those who treasured his vast rural knowledge, his stories and his friendship.

The ladders from both events were auctioned off and the proceeds went towards the Nursery Scholar Fund. Winter wreath by Shaun Blower was won by Andrew Boddington. Michael Schuster, god-son of Christopher Lloyd, donated a magnificent bottle of 2004 Château l’Evangile, Pomerol for the January raffle. Lucky Marion Goddard got the winning ticket.

© Sarah Seymour

Working week-end

The power of social media and the words ‘Great Dixter’ was enough to get young gardeners around the countrytoapplytocome for a weekend to learn, gardenandsocializewith just a patch of wooden floor as a bed. Michael Wachter organised it with Fergus and Coralie and Rob and Samara helping with the evening meal.

Autumn Plant Fair

The week before the Plant Fair it rained and the ground became sodden. However, valiant work by Dixter staff on the Friday and a big team of volunteer car parkers – many from the previous working weekend - guided, assisted and in some cases pushed cars out of the boggy ground.We could not have done it without them! The Sunday weather improved and the parking problems eased somewhat.There was a terrific buzz with equal numbers of around 1,000 attendees each day and that telltale hint of a smile on most of the nurserymen’s faces that showed business had been good for them too. The nurseries are invited to donate 10% of their takings to the Christopher Lloyd Bursary which make so many youngsters’ dreams come true.

Steve and Lou of No Name Nursery brought bare-root plants for sale and explained to customers about reducing plastics, waste and compost by this method. It proved very popular and Steve said it had been the most successful Plant Fair that they had ever taken part in!

Marc holding Siew Lee (@weaversdigest) beautiful basket donated for the raffle. Friends Nigel and Anthony with just one of their shopping hauls. Roy master of the BBQ. Carol and Billy checking logistics.

Dean Charlton

Between 2017 and 2023,Dean worked in the Garden for 3 years before moving on to the Nursery. He is now off to set up a perennial nursery of his own in Hooton Roberts. Dean is one of life’s joyous characters, he brings light into the room and the community. He is a giver; helping people; bringing people together and acting as a catalyst to make parties and events happen. He will be sorely missed but of course will always be a part of us.We want to say a huge thank you to what he has brought to Dixter because he has filled us with love, spirit and laughter.

Fergus Garrett

Dean came to Dixter in his late twenties, eager to learn and hungry for knowledge. I so remember him reading one book after another,illustrating big posters with plants to study as well as using the garden as a backdrop for his handcrafted linocuts. What stood out for me though was how Dean really understands what creates the experience of a place. He so got the 'Dixter quirkiness' and how to create it. Gardens are multi-sensational, multi-dimensional and emotional experiences. I really believe Dean has a deep understanding of all of those dimensions. This manifested itself by him being asked to contribute to the visitor experience in forms of making signs and scarecrows etc. I know however that Dean doesn’t want to be remembered as the 'scarecrow guy' therefore I'll finish onanother thought.

Gardens as the manifestations of the relationship between people, place and plants. Dean has a sensitivity towards plants and place, but most of all he puts people first.Always a warm smile, a deep hug and a genuine interest in people’s stories. His humble way of sharing his passion combined with his laugh, often heard through the garden are memories I will treasure.Therefore I am sure I willmiss him as a colleague but most of all Iwill miss him as an incredibly supportive and loyal friend.

MichaelWachter

In theater they call a performer who can act,dance and sing aTripleThreat. Well,with our Dean there is that and more. Bellowing from the Packing Shed along to Elaine Paige's BBC radio show - hitting every note of the Broadway hits (and the b-sides!) , Morris dancing with crisp white kerchief and top hat, or playing the role he was made for - Lord Farquaad of Shrek in the local production. Our Dean is a star.

Of course, that’s just outside of Dixter. Here in the garden and nursery Dean brings heart and soul, timelessness, and community spirit to Dixter.With his cheery smile and rosy cheeks I doubt any one of us have not felt the welcome Dean gives when we come to the garden and nursery.A kiss on the cheek and a strong hug - and if you’re lucky a song - what will we do without our Dean! But of course good things are coming for him.Back to the North he goes,to support the growing horticultural scene and offer good plants, good do’ers, and I'm sure bring an experience to shoppers at his nursery. He will be missed at Dixter.Truly one of a kind.

Daniel Carlson

Sustainably Better

The colour wheel is made up of past catalogues.The 2023 one is bright pink available online or on request from nursery@greatdixter.co.uk in the interests of sustainability this was the first year that a massive post out did not happen.To download go to: www.greatdixter.co.uk/the-nursery

Other initiatives include:

� The prunings from the bamboos in the garden instead of buying in canes.

� Jazzy Jez who is runningThe Loggia café has organised washing up of the crockery and glassware. The tea is made in little teapots with leaf tea.

� House entry tags made from our own wood and branded in the Great Barn.

� Trialing waste product crushed brick as replacement for grit in potting mix

� Moving over to recyclable & recycled pots

� Selecting smaller pots to reduce the amount of compost

Next time you come to the House do look at the floors. During the winter when we have time to catch up with jobs around the house, myself and Nicky decided we would like to clean the Elizabethan floors in the Great Hall, Solar and Parlour.We first had to wash with a solution of liquid paraffin and white vinegar, then wash with soapy water- finally we painted on liquid wax. I hope you can see the difference we made.In time we hope to do the whole house.

Jo McLeod

Bradley Leach

Since November 2022, Northiam based 16 year old Bradley has joined Lewis and the estate team for a weekly work experience placement as part of the Steps to Success programme run by East Sussex County Council. The placement has been a great success for him and for Dixter.

Nettle and Lemon Cake

By Michael Wachter and Isobel Spence

100g picked raw young nettle leaves(use the top 4-6 leaves) Remember DO NOT forage nettles if there are any signs of flowers.

200g butterat room temperature; 150g granulated sugar; 3large eggs; 2teaspoonsvanilla extract;zest and juice of ½ lemon; 250g plain flour; 2teaspoonsbaking powder; ½teaspoonsalt

Preheat oven to 325°F/170°C. Grease and line two 18cm cake tins.

Using rubber gloves, carefully wash the stinging nettle leaves and remove any stems. Place in a pan of boiling water and boil for 3-4 minutes. Rinse under cold water, drain add lemon and puree with a stick blender.Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the pureed nettles, vanilla and zest. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt and stir gently. Spoon into tins, level, then bake for 25 minutes.

Icing: cream 150g butter until fluffy. Add 300g icing sugar and beat. Beat in the zest and juice of ½ a lemon.

Diary Dates