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.