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.