Happy National Gardening Week, a week to celebrate my favourite pastime!
One of the best things about my job as Estate Manager at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, and having been here for over 40 years, is that I get to experience the joy of seeing my hard work come to fruition. There have been a great number of changes in my time alone and often when I speak with guests, and indeed staff, they want to know what Ashdown Park was like ‘back then’ (being a Barclays’ Bank Training Facility) and how I came to become interested in plants to how I got to work at Ashdown Park.
So by way of celebrating National Gardening week, in addition to my May Gardening Blog, (CLICK HERE to read), I thought it an appropriate time to share my story with you…
How it all started
My keen interest in horticulture started while I was still at school, thanks to the inspiration and patient teaching from my mother. She was a very keen gardener and I remember while growing up I spent a lot of time helping her tender to the large garden we were lucky enough to have. This included various different areas: A veg garden, rose garden, mixed borders, two greenhouses, a number of ponds, lawns and an alpine garden!
Looking back, the fond memories I have bring me great joy. Not only did I learn so much from my Mother but also my uncle, who had started his own horticultural career at Kew Gardens before going on to work at a number of well-known gardens within the UK. I still find it fascinating how all plants grow, and feel I am still learning.
After I left school I started work as a trainee gardener at Ashdown Park during the super hot summer of 1976, some of you may remember the record-breaking temperatures! As I mentioned earlier, Ashdown Park was then owned by Barclays Bank who operated it as a management training centre. Under the supervision and guidance of the Head Gardener (Mr George Moorland) I learnt many new skills. I also attended Plumpton Agricultural College on a day release. My studies covered many different elements of horticulture including management practise. After passing my exams I was promoted to Assistant Head Gardener (back then we had a team of six garden staff to look after the gardens).
During 1991 the bank decided to close and sell Ashdown Park due to the advances in technology and training. It was a difficult time with a lot of uncertainty. In my line of work, it is not just a case of switching off a computer and walking away. You spend so much time planning, planting and nurturing areas by hand that you cannot help become emotionally attached.
I had and still do have a strong attachment to Ashdown Park, so was delighted when luckily the estate was bought and I was given the position of Head Gardener and the task of turning the outbuildings and grounds into those fit for a luxury country house hotel!
For me this was such a great and exciting opportunity; to and truly put my own mark on the gardens and grounds with my team.
Amongst other works, we had the golf course and driving range constructed, established new borders and planting areas as well as vast improvements to the Walled Garden including the construction of a our large glasshouse (which you can visit almost daily).
As the team and projects get larger I find myself unable to get out into the thick of it as much as I used to: Being Estate Manager, part of my role is to ensure I maintain our Health & Safety standards, as well as other admin including the planning of new projects. Of course I still find the time to join my team in the gardens; come rain, shine or snow, we need to be out there continuing the great work!
In summary, I love being an Estate Manager! I have loved working at Ashdown Park for some many years and have been lucky to be able to remain at one (very extensive) estate to enjoy the rare opportunity to really see my work as a gardener and groundsman, literally, bloom.
I wouldn’t change a thing, and if you are interested in horticulture (no matter your age!) I couldn’t recommend you starting your career in it now. It has given me so much and continues to have more to offer; a truly rewarding career path.
I hope you have enjoyed this blog and encourage you to explore your skills and passion!
If you want to explore Ashdown Park's Gardens and Estate please visit us on National Garden Scheme Open Day, CLICK HERE for more details. Don't forget if you would like to read my top tips for gardening in May CLICK HERE.
HAPPY NATIONAL GARDENING WEEK!
Kevin Sweet
Estate Manager
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club