51乱伦

Bringing historical gardens into the here and now

Harry鈥檚 journey into horticulture began with a love of trees, working at the Arboretum at Kew Gardens before becoming Head of Horticulture at Borde Hill in West Sussex. 鈥淢y love of history really came to the forefront, along with the opportunity to understand how science, conservation and education intersect,鈥� he says. 鈥淎t The Newt, we were lucky to inherit an archive of the estate鈥檚 grounds, which is a wonderful tool for narrating its past to guests. But what truly inspired me is that it鈥檚 also moving so quickly in so many directions as a brand.鈥�

鈥淓ach part of the garden works incredibly hard for a very short amount of time,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e create these wonderful moments, but they鈥檙e only there briefly. That rarity is what makes them so special when you do experience them.鈥�

Securing a sustainable future for The Newt

Preserving biodiversity is central to the role of custodian of the estate. The Newt has a dedicated entomologist who monitors the vast number of species flourishing across the gardens.

鈥淗e carries out an annual audit, which gives us a clear picture of where we鈥檙e rich in species and where we can improve. That data directly informs our planting,鈥� Harry explains. 鈥淲e also introduced bird recorders that capture sounds and run them through an AI system, and in under 12 months, in just one spot, we recorded 75,000 bird calls.鈥�

These insights, in turn, shape educational workshops for members, reinforcing a culture of learning and stewardship. Sustainability is embedded at every level, including what the plants grow in. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 use peat in our growing media,鈥� Harry says. 鈥淚nstead, we use coconut coir, bark and other recycled materials that are far more sustainable. We also compost all of our green waste on site, which we then reuse across the gardens.鈥�

Harry Baldwin鈥檚 tips for home gardeners

Keep it natural

鈥淭here are countless plant feeds on the market, but many are artificial and unnecessary. Reusing garden waste, even vegetable scraps from your kitchen, is far better for the soil, and you鈥檒l start to see invertebrates returning too.鈥�

Right plant, right place

鈥淟isten to your garden. Understand your soil and aspect. People often try to grow shade鈥憀oving plants in full sun. Rather than copying what you鈥檝e seen on Instagram or at a garden centre, focus on what thrives naturally in your conditions 鈥� that鈥檚 how you create a garden that鈥檚 lush and largely self鈥憇ustaining.鈥�

Be patient

鈥淭he best gardens take years to evolve 鈥� no garden is ever finished in one season. Annuals are brilliant for early interest and filling gaps, and growing them from seed helps you really understand the plant. Many will self鈥憇eed too, creating a more naturalistic feel over time.鈥�

Go beyond looks

鈥淭here鈥檚 a growing appreciation for productive gardens, with edibles woven into ornamental planting. At The Newt, our aim is for gardens to be both beautiful and practical.鈥�