Garden and nursery manager of Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens, David Ward, 64, has retired from the Grade II listed site after nearly 40 years of service.
The late Beth Chatto OBE VMH sometimes referred to David as her “birthday present” when he started working for her on June 27 – her birthday.
David worked for Beth when establishing the Woodland and Gravel Garden at Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens at Elmstead Market near Colchester, Essex. It was David who dissuaded Beth from watering the gravel garden during a severe drought – reminding her that this was an experiment to see which plants survive such a harsh environment.
Along with the management team, David has worked with Beth’s granddaughter, Julia Boulton, for the past 10 years, helping her secure and grow the independent family business and focus on building a horticultural team. He also oversaw the reissue of Beth Drought’s books Resistant Planting and The Green Tapestry as well as her beloved Handbook.
Julia says: “David Ward’s extensive horticultural knowledge will be greatly missed. He leaves behind a wonderful team whose members have benefited enormously from his experience. It was his wish to resign at this point in his life and we must honor it. He often said with a wry smile, “Who knows what I’ll do when I reach retirement age?” Well, we wish you a very happy retirement Dave and if you ever feel the need to propagate some plants – or find a snowdrop or two – we’d love to see you.
In 2023, that would have been Beth’s 100e Anniversary, so to mark the occasion, Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens team will be hosting a series of horticultural events, including talks and a garden party. More info to follow or visit bethchatto.co.uk
