Passion projects

The beginning of a National Collection always starts with an interest. For example, it was Sir Harold Hillier’s interest in oaks that started off the Gardens’ oak collection, which now contains more than 900 individual plants and over 500 cultivars. This passion for a particular plant is the driving force behind many collections’ origins – and is carried through in continued upkeep and careful maintenance.

There is a great generosity in the horticultural community, and especially among collection holders. For the most part, the people loving, tending to and working on the collection will never ultimately see the result of that labour. But they have the vision to imagine a collection’s potential – how it may look in years to come, and how it might respond or adapt over time.

Although collection holders may not be working with fully matured trees, plants or shrubs, they are able to hand over knowledge and a greater understanding of the plant world. The team at the Gardens are the stewards and curators of these collections today, working towards a vision of what the site will look like in 100 years. This continuation of a legacy through passion, hard work and knowledge is their gift to the future.