Public Places
“
Graham Stuart Thomas approached the layout and planting of gardens as an art form and, over seven working decades, changed our perception of gardens and plants
structure,” he notes.
Like many ancestral homes, Lyme has seen its gardens and grounds evolve over the generations. In the mid 18th century, the 1st Lord Newton instructed his head gardener to construct the parterre, before more planting followed in 1860. For once though, the hand of master landscape architect Capability Brown is absent. William Kent, the early 18th century eminent English architect, who introduced the Palladian style to England, created the framework of the gardens seen now. An originator of the landscape garden, he cultivated a style of natural gardening that transformed the layout of gardens and estates across the country.
But perhaps most importantly for Gary’s work is Graham Stuart Thomas, a deeply knowledgeable horticulturalist and rosarian whose work with the Trust shaped many notable gardens ‐ including that at Lyme. “He approached the layout and planting of gardens as an art form,” The Guardian
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reported on his death, aged 94, in 2003, “and, over seven working decades, changed our perception of gardens and plants.” Thomas assisted the Trust following acquisition of its first garden in 1948, later being appointed gardens adviser in 1955. Gary states: “Most of what we see in Trust gardens is based on his work and we continue to take account of his influence here. Essentially, he was their first gardens adviser, pointing the way forward for us gardeners by providing a shape and structure.”
The policy is still firmly in place. “Lyme runs a garden panel, who visit us, prepare a report then plan the next steps. They consider many factors, but it is the head gardener and the adviser that make it happen.” “At 850ft above sea level, Lyme gardens are the second highest in the Trust estate ‐ only Castle Drogo [overlooking the river Teign gorge in Dartmoor] is higher,” he states.
At this elevation, winter can cover Lyme in deep snow, but that doesn’t deter the deluge of visitors. In recent years, cars have crowded the site over Christmas and New Year as young and old braved the crystal white landscape to marvel at the panoramic views over Cheshire and the Dark Peak from The Cage and other vantage points. His time with the Trust has given Gary an easy familiarity that endears him to those he talks to. He has hosted many a media team and film, fronting gardening slots too. No doubt that experience has promoted his cheery demeanour, but this native of Liverpool is innately charming and that’s critical if Lyme, like other Trust properties, is to fulfil the paying public’s great expectations.
Whilst team members James and Mark are busy mowing, planting out, pruning and managing the beds and herbaceous borders in the four formal gardens, Gary masterminds the year’s programme with the army of volunteers.
Lyme runs a garden panel, who visit us, prepare a report then plan the next steps. They consider many factors, but it is the head gardener and the adviser that make it happen
82 I PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018
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