Fresh off a flight from America, Fergus Garrett addressed approximately 300 people seated on hay bales in the Plant Fair Field, in one of the regular Friends events held at Great Dixter. He had returned that morning from a 20 day stay, lecturing and touring, with some of the stay devoted to Chanticleer. Fergus drew comparisons between the gardening practice there and at Great Dixter. At Chanticleer they artificially oxygenate their compost heaps to accelerate the process, whereas at Dixter these are left to decompose naturally. He also drew attention to how little water is used at Dixter – at most, the Long Border has been watered three times this year – but at Chanticleer watering is a regular feature of garden maintenance.
As ever, Fergus referenced Christopher Lloyd commenting that “Christo is always sitting on my shoulder”, but emphasised the dynamic nature of the garden, noting that its essence is a ‘dynamic curiosity’, which keeps it vibrant, enabling pioneering practice, educational and community projects and the wealth of students who pass through. “A small place with a big punch”, he said. Having been absent for a while, Fergus noted he observed planting gaps, pots which looked tired and things which needed to be refreshed. Ever ready to experiment, he said that sometimes ‘planting might be exciting or even disastrous, but never mediocre’.
Plant propagation demonstration: taking cuttings from Begonia
Cava, nibbles and a home-made elderflower cordial were on offer as guests wandered around the various stalls erected in the field, which included plant propagation demonstrations using different methods, swifts at Dixter, Connie’s favourite plants, garden woodwork, Dixter vegetables and many others all staffed by Great Dixter students.
Vija V
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Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society 