Introducing Ashley Edwards, our new Crocus Head Gardener
We have been working on this one for some time behind the scenes and it’s our absolute pleasure to announce that Ashley Edwards will be joining us as our new Crocus Head Gardener. Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Ashley’s career focus has been connecting people with plants. More recently this has been via media roles on TV, radio and garden writing as well as practicing horticultural therapy in his previous Head Gardener role at National Charity, Horatio’s Garden.
Alongside inspiring you with ideas and advice, Ashley is also going to be working on reimagining a Crocus garden destination. More news to follow.
We caught up with Ashley to understand what informs his approach to gardening and what got him into it in the first place.
How did you get into gardening & what drew you to it?
As a child in a London council flat with no outdoor space, I was fortunate to have a lovely neighbour who would invite me to her garden. I'd spend hours rummaging in the log pile, watching birds and sowing calendula seeds. That early connection with nature has stayed with me. On occasion, my family would take me to Kew Gardens which I loved. Stepping into the palm house as a child was like exploring a primeval forest. Little did I know that years later I'd be working in the Palm House (and every other area of Kew) as a Kew Diploma student!
Is there a garden that inspires you?
I've worked in many inspiring gardens, but most recently as Head Gardener at Horatio's Garden London (designed by Tom Stuart-Smith Studios). Horatio's Garden are a charity who build gardens at NHS Spinal Injury Centres across the country. The gardens showcase that an accessible space can still be rich in plants and designed to a very high spec. I really loved the serene palette in the woodland garden with cool whites, blues and every shade of green. I'm a big fan of loose and frothy planting with good winter structure. For me a great garden is one that reflects and borrows from the landscape around with little hidden nooks to lose yourself in.
What excites you about working on the new Crocus garden destination?
I'm thrilled to collaborate with Lucy Wilcox and create a space together! We have an extensive range of plants to work with from Crocus, walking around the huge nursery is like being a kid in a sweet shop. It's been great getting to know the team and I'm really looking forward to working with them all. I'm most excited to see the garden achieve its full potential, inspiring visitors, and enhancing the beautiful setting of this very special walled garden.
What advice do you have for someone starting a new garden?
If it's a new garden you've just moved to, spend a season doing nothing but observing. How does the sunlight hit, which parts of the garden feel cooler, where do you find yourself spending the most time, are there plants you want to save or remove? This will give you an idea of where to place seating, and in choosing the right plant for the right place. I'd also recommend checking the condition and pH of your soil before buying plants. You may need to invest in improving soil health as this will affect the success of your plants. Look and see what's doing well in gardens on your street and see if you can draw inspiration there.
Create a mood board and decide on a colour theme. Ask what you want from the garden, is it a place to entertain friends, a place for the kids to play, do you want to grow your own food, or a sanctuary all for yourself? Once you know what you're trying to achieve you can start to choose plants. Try and have something in the garden for each season so you'll have interest throughout the year and plant in groups if you can.
Hard question, but what’s your favourite plant to use in a garden and why?
I can't choose any one plant! But I do love to plant herbs in gardens. Wherever I have a raised bed or walkway, I love to plant trailing Rosemary 'Blue Cascade' It tumbles and softens edges, inviting you to brush past and inhale the intoxicating aroma. It's not only ornamental, you can pick and use it for cooking, drinks, and the flowers are great for pollinators. Herbs are just fantastic in sensory gardens.
