Ashburnham is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I know. For me (and for many others) it’s a sanctuary like no other place. Having visited in August this year I happened to ask the chief gardener (who was walking past where I sat one morning) if he would consider letting me take his portrait and ask him the brief questions below. He kindly agreed. It was an inspiring hour (that was all too short as far as I was concerned) and a privilege to talk to someone so thoughtful, wise, insightful, well read, creative, interesting and warm.

What’s your story of getting into gardening?

I left school at 14 and my Grandfather paid the fees for me to do an apprenticeship. The Grandfather was often all powerful in the family then! But I was glad to get out of school so I was happy. It was not long after the war and that’s what you did then – you got a job.

In terms of working here at Ashburnham – before this I already had a good job – a flagship job if you like. I built gardens all around the world. But then I bumped into an old friend who I hadn’t seen for 25 years. “Peter is that you?” I asked. He told me he worked for Ashburnham and was going to retire soon. I said as a joke that I’d have his job. A week later the director of Ashburnham called me and asked if I would like to meet with him. I did. I was impressed by the grounds here. They had a great beauty. It was a shabby splendour. The director asked me what I could bring and I told him I could build the garden again. After a week of working I thought “What have I done!” But I got on with it and I have been here for 18 years.

What do you love about it?

It’s the connection. It has great meaning for me. The smell, the touch – it’s a bit like an art. It’s also a spiritual connection. I feel like I am co-creating with the creator. I also love the connection between the soil, the insects, the plants….

Gardening is like love. Some days you may hate it and other days it is a delight.

What’s hardest about it?

The weather and the physicality of it. I have the mind but the body….. I was a sporty youngster, people said I was a good boxer. But now I am older. I have been diagnosed with parkinson’s and arthritis… but I have a sense of peace about it.

Was there any time when you thought about giving up?

There have been a few times when I have pursued other things. Maybe I have been a bit jaded sometimes but my interest has never waned.

A particular moment of joy/a high?

A seed that started to grow! Also I am like an old tree if you like. I feel like I give big branches to the volunteers here at Ashburnham….helping people with advice. 

Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to or ambitions that you have?

I have a vast library. I would like to read for four hours a day. I love reading poetry, theology and philosophy.

I always think – it’s not a destination, it’s a journey.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of work I did in Romania. I can’t say why exactly.

I am never really fully satisfied – this is part of the journey…

I saw a weed once – it was so beautiful – perfect – the flower, the shape, the symmetry, the colour. It had the audacity to grow in my celery bed! It had adapted to it…. I was so impressed. Of course I let it stay.

Favourite quote and/or piece of advice you’ve been given that has helped/inspired you on your way?

There is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore. He wrote an amazing poem. He says how all provision had been exhausted. Suddenly he realised there were new countries, new horizons, new songs on his lips. I see life like that. Just when you think you have done it all, the creator sows another seed. Language is a tricky thing which is one of the reasons I like poetry.

This moment is your eternity.

Postscript