‘Biodiversity isn’t about just a few select species, but an integrated world with one element impacting on the other’ – Fergus Garrett
Spend the evening in The Apple House with Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener of one of the UK’s most loved gardens, Great Dixter, as he shares insights about the practices, plants and people that have contributed to make Great Dixter such an extraordinarily biodiverse garden; one that is much richer in biodiversity than the countryside surrounding it.
Information
A recent biodiversity audit at Great Dixter has revealed the gardens to be so full of wildlife that they are even richer in biodiversity than the countryside surrounding it. The survey looked at everything from beetles to ants, hoverflies to flies, from mosses to lichens, to uncover some amazing insights about Great Dixter’s inhabitants– including nationally scarce arachnoid species, a huge range of bird species and an extraordinary representation of the UK’s bee species.
Fergus Garrett gives the background to the biodiversity audit, uncovering the process involved as well as exploring the reasons for such diversity, especially in an intensively gardened flower garden. The findings at Great Dixter serve as a brilliant model for how we can change the way we garden to combine outstanding beauty with wildlife friendly practices, to combine native and non-native species to great effect and to allow our gardens to serve as havens for wildlife.
Other information: As part of this event, guests will have the opportunity to visit Tom Stuart-Smith’s Barn Garden as well as the Plant Library where 1500 herbaceous perennials are grown, from 5.30pm tp 6.30pm (this usually costs £30 if booked separately).
All money raised from ticket sales will go directly to the Serge Hill Project which is a not for profit CIC (Community Interest Company).
Tickets
Friends of the Plant Library Priority Booking: Monday 29 July
General Sale: Thursday 1 August, 10am.
Accessiblity
Accessible parking for those who require it is available at the entry to The Apple House. There is step-free access to the building and all areas. However, there are many potential trip hazards and uneven surfaces that may be encountered whilst visiting the gardens, along with gravel paths that aren’t suitable for walking frames with wheels. Please be aware that due to the ongoing building works around the Apple House, there may be additional hazards to look out for.