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Interview with Tom Hart Dyke, creator of the World Map Garden, Lullingstone Castle, Kent

31st January 2010

Tom created the 'World Map Garden' at his family home of Lullingstone Castle, Kent, a few years ago. It was featured as a series on BBC2, and followed Tom in his attempt to create a visitor attraction, a garden in the shape of the map of the world with thousands of plants from across the globe to represent different continents. No easy task thats for sure! However, Tom pulled it off and today the garden is flourishing and developing, with visitors turning up in their droves to see his wonderful botanical creation.

 

What were the highlights of the year in 2009 at the World Map garden? 

The two major highlights in the world garden in 2009 were finally officially obtaining the NCCPG Plant Heritage National Collection of Eucalyptus at Lullingstone - fantastic. And secondly the building of the 'Cloud Garden' temperate house which now houses hundreds of species of plants from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and South America.

 

Has the cold winter done much damage to plants in the World Map Garden? Do you have any tips for gardeners to protect vulnerable plants from the cold?

We had - 12.3 C this winter the coldest night since the 80's but plants generally have faired well. The fact that all of the 2,000 odd tender plants were lifted into a frost free polytunnel in October was a huge relief! It's amazing what a pane of glass over bulbs, a little fleece on a banana or granny's old socks on a ginger can do to protect a plants in the wintertime.

 

You have just returned from a botanical adventure in Peru. How did it go and what was the purpose of the trip?

Peru was absolutely amazing. I was so fortunate enough to see an entire clump in flower of Puya Raimondii - the world's largest flower. the tallest was 44 feet tall. They grew at over 14,000 feet above sea level and can take some 100 + years to flowers. It was absolutely orgasmic! I want the first ever national collection of Puya's. This was my 4th time in 4 years to South America looking for spikey terrestrial Puya's.

For a full report view Tom's blog HERE

Out of this world! Tom with Puyas in Peru Credit: Tom Hart Dyke

You're planning on having a national collection of Puyas. Can you explain a bit about this plant and what was the reason you have chosen this type of plant for a national collection?

Puya's are terrestrial Bromeliads from the Andes of South America. they are very spikey! and are usually pollinated by hummingbirds.

 

    Scale: 6Toms:1Puya!

  Credit: Tom Hart Dyke

Do you have any gardening new year resolutions for 2010? 

To be more organised with the task of planting out all of the tender beauties (2,000 of them) in May after jack frost has gone.

 

What does 2010 have in store for the garden. Any events or new features planned?

We have lots of events this year - see www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk - but my two highlights are our plant hunters weekend and our dahlia weekend. the most exciting two features planted this year are a mini alpine world garden on May 9th and on the 11th july unveiling a sculpture of Europa mounted on Zeus the bull - should be interesting Nick!

 

What plant would you recommend to a gardener who would like to add something a bit exotic and stunning to their garden, that is relatively easy to look after and will survive our temperate climate?

Where do i start!! Hmm just one plant: i'd go for the good old Wollemi Pine.

For more info about visiting the stunning World map Garden at Lullingstone Castle, Kent visit www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk