Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

memorable visitor experience and present the Gardens to
the highest possible standard. I also provide advice and
professional guidance to other lead managers within the
organisation on conservation projects, commercial activity
and strategic development.
There are a number of achievements that I look back
on proudly with my team. Recreating King William III’s Privy
Garden, a magnificent private garden for the Stuart monarch,
to look exactly as it was in 1702 was something very special,
and a real highlight of my career. The transformation of this
formal garden took place in 1995, and is still recognised as
a major milestone with regard to the history and care of
the gardens. It has also been especially rewarding to see the
gardens at Kensington Palace transform over the past fifteen
years, as they have opened up and become more accessible.
I understand you recently oversaw the transformation of
The Sunken Garden at London’s Kensington Palace, which
Diana, Princess of Wales was particularly fond of?
To mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess
of Wales, in 2017 we transformed the White Garden in
her memory – a real highlight for me. We then went on to
develop the garden further in 2021 to create a relaxing setting
for the statue of the late Princess. To be a part of that, and to
be there at the moment when the statue was unveiled – gosh,
that was very special.
What do you find most inspiring day-to-day?
I really like gardens with history and heritage. Working in
a garden that has been there for hundreds of years and
following in the footsteps of other gardeners has always been
very appealing to me. I’ve never been the kind of gardener
who wants to change everything, instead I’ve always been
interested in conservation and preserving what we already
have, as well as going back in time to understand what went
on before.
Can you recommend any hidden jewels for visitors to the
gardens to ensure they don't miss?
Yes, the Great Vine! It is a staggering 255 years old and the
largest in the world. In the summer, its grapes are sold in
the palace giftshop, giving visitors the rare opportunity to
try its historic fruit, which was once a favourite of Queen
Victoria, no less. The grapes are a very old variety called Black
Hamburg, they are a really tasty dessert grape. Just imagine
eating fruit from a plant that was planted in 1768. And what
a taste!
What are you most looking forward to for the summer
ahead?
Yes, this springs Tulip Festival. Towards the end of 17th
century, William III and Mary II began importing tulip bulbs
from the Netherlands, and by the time Queen Victoria
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