South West AGM Event

Chosen for its historical roots and gardens this easily accessible venue will be a joy to visit. On the day we have Head Gardener of over three years Tim Parker who oversees the 18 acres of lake and 30 acres of land hosting a guided tour of the gardens. He will be able to provide insight into the history of the gardens and into his varied career.

This event is being sponsored by our long-term member Mobilane who will join us on the day to talk about living wall solutions and the benefits of these. We will also be holding the regional AGM and BALI and the committee very much look forward to seeing you on the day.

Schedule of the day

9:45am Arrival

10:00am Guided tour from Head Gardener, Tim Parker

12:00pm Head over to Spead Eagle Inn Restaurant

12:30pm Sponsor Talk, Paul Garlick from Mobilane – Living Wall Solutions, Supplier Partnerships and Collaboration with landscapers

1:00pm AGM

1:45pm Lunch

3:00pm Finish

Tim Parker, Head Gardener

Tim has worked in horticulture for over 20 years now and most of that time as a Gardener for the National Trust. Having longed to work at Stourhead over the years he was over the moon to achieve the role three years ago. He believes:

“visiting Stourhead never fails to leave a lasting impression at the deepest level. It is a garden that lifts the spirits, and I can’t wait to play my part in ensuring that it is cherished and protected for generations to come.”

In 2003 he started as a fixed term Assistant Gardener at Claremont Landscape Garden. Claremont shares parallels with Stourhead but on a smaller scale and he have been drawn to this style of garden ever since. He then worked for Squires Garden Centre for just under 18 months before returning to a permanent role in the National Trust as Gardener at both Hatchlands Park and Clandon Park for 2 years.

In 2007 he made the move to Polesden Lacey as a Gardener and whilst broadening his gardening experience in a more diverse garden, eventually became Head Gardener which was a very proud moment for him. In 2014, after having almost ticked off all the Surrey properties, he became Gardens and Countryside Manager for the Chartwell Portfolio in Kent. This involved caring for the gardens at Chartwell, Emmettsand Quebec House. In addition to these gardens, he oversaw 1400 acres of countryside with just over half being woodland. 400 acres of this designated as Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) woodland and the other half was farmland with three tenanted farmers. He also managed the outdoor team consisting of 11 staff and approximately 120 volunteers.

In 2004 he studied the RHS General and completed the RHS Diploma in 2010 which were in equal parts challenging and enjoyable. He has also studied the RHS Mhort in his spare time which has been a great way for him to remain current in an ever-developing sector, learn more about the subject and meet new people.

Mobilane

Growers of the original Green Screen - with over 18 years experience. Mobilane UK lead the way in exterior and interior ready-made green systems. The original Mobilane Green Screen is grown and supplied direct and can be seen in domestic, commercial, retail and educational environments across the UK. Their internationally-tested ready-made green systems include: MobiRoof ECO green roof cassette system, the WallPlanter and MobiPanel and LivePanel living walls  (Outdoor & Indoor) and the NoiStop sound barrier.

Mobilane’s green solutions aid privacy and security, improve air quality, enhance exterior and interior landscapes and allow green options where space, maintenance and access is limited. They specialise in instant Green products such as:

Green screens, Living walls (Outdoor & indoor), Wall planters, Green roofs, Live Pictures, Noise stop barriers.

Stourhead Gardens

Stourhead Gardens first opened in the 1740’s and was described at the time as 'a living work of art'. Its designer, Henry Hoare II – or 'Henry the Magnificent' – was one of a small group of 'gentleman gardeners' who used their large estates to create a personal landscape. Henry was inspired by his travels around Europe and, while Stourhead's garden has developed over the centuries, those original inspirations can still be seen today.

When Henrys grandson Sir Richard Colt Hoare inherited the garden in 1783, he made changes to the design. These included removing some of the structures in the garden such as the Chinese Umbrella, the Turkish Tent and a Hermitage on the path to the Temple of Apollo.

Colt embarked on a large-scale planting programme. This meant removing fir trees from many areas and replacing them with broad-leaved trees such as beeches, acers, oaks, tulip trees and limes.

Colt’s impact is undeniable. A look at the Stourhead Tree List reveals that many of the trees were first planted under his watch. He established around 90,000 trees within the space of 13 years. 

Stourhead is renowned for Rhododendrons and Pelargoniums. Colt owned over 600 varieties, many of which he cultivated. He had a conservatory built parallel to the library at the west corner of the house, in which he could work. The original structure is gone, but his pelargonium house has been revived in the Lower Walled Garden. More than 100 types of pelargoniums are still grown there today.

Garden Landmarks

The Temple of Flora

Dedicated to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, the Temple of Flora was the first garden building erected by Henry Hoare II between 1744 and 1746.

The Grotto

Grottos were popular in Italian Renaissance gardens as places to retreat from hot weather. In the summer of 1762, Henry recorded his enjoyment of cooling off in the Stourhead Grotto.

The Pantheon

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, Stourhead's Pantheon was built in 1753-54. ‘Pantheon’ means a temple sacred to all the gods. The temple is filled with statues of classical deities, including a marble Hercules created by Rysbrack.

The Palladian Bridge

Built in 1762, this five-arched stone bridge was inspired by the work of 16th-century architect Palladio. 

The Bristol Cross

Originally located in the city it was named after, the Bristol Cross was brought to Stourhead by Henry Hoare II in 1765, using six wagons pulled by oxen. This restored medieval monument depicts old English kings and queens in intricate stonework.

The Temple of Apollo

Dedicated to the sun god, the circular Temple of Apollo was built in 1765 by the architect Henry Flitcroft, in an attempt to outdo William Chamber’s earlier Temple of the Sun at Kew. 

The Gothic Cottage

Also known as Watch Cottage, the Gothic Cottage was originally a rustic building. The Gothic seat and porch were added by Richard Colt Hoare in 1806. Gothic features were popular additions to functional buildings during this period.

The Rock Arch

The Rock Arch was built in 1762. It was possibly inspired by Poussin’s painting, ‘The Choice of Hercules’, which hangs in the house. In this painting, Hercules ponders which path to take. Should he take the uphill path of virtue or the path of vice?