New Head Gardener for West Dean Gardens

West Dean Gardens, near Chichester, West Sussex, has announced the appointment of Tom Brown as Head Gardener commencing May 2019.

Tom (pictured left) joins the team at West Dean Gardens from nearby Parham House, where he became Head Gardener in 2010. He is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee and an RHS Show Judge.

West Dean Gardens is part of the Edward James Foundation Trust also comprising West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, West Dean estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. It is one of greatest restored gardens open to the public in the UK.

Ian Graham, Director of Estates, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and West Dean Gardens commented: “We are very pleased that Tom will be joining us in this prestigious role, which has become vacant for the first time in 28 years, and will lead the garden into an exciting future.”

He continued: “Tom is already familiar with the gardens and has lectured for the College’s gardening short courses for a few years, including three courses coming up over the next few months.”

Tom is excited about taking up the post of Head Gardener: “I have long admired the Gardens at West Dean and I’m enthusiastic about being part of its next chapter,” he said. “I’m keen to develop and continue the unique artistic and horticultural collaboration – harmonising the Gardens with the College and the wider West Dean Landscape,” he added.

West Dean Gardens are open to the public from February to December. For information visit: www.westdeangardens.org.uk

We wish Tom every success in his new role.