West Dean Gardens are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Brown as Head Gardener - he will start on May 7, 2019.

Tom is joining West Dean Gardens from nearby Parham House, where he became Head Gardener in 2010. Prior to that, he worked at RHS Wisley Gardens for 10 years, latterly running the plant and vegetable trials.

He is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee and an RHS Show Judge.

Ian Graham, Director of Estates, West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and West Dean Gardens, commented: "West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is one of the greatest restored gardens opened to the public in the UK. 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 lecturered for the College's gardening short courses for a few years, including three courses coming up over the next few months."

Tom Brown, also said: "I'm incredibly excited about taking up the post of Head Gardener at West Dean. I have long admired the Gardens and I'm enthusiastic about being part of its next chapter. 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."

West Dean Gardens are open to the public from February to December (Closed December 24th to January 31, 2019).

West Dean Gardens, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 ORX
www.westdeangardens.org.uk

Editor's Notes

West Dean Gardens is part of the Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust, also comprising West Dean College of Arts and Conservation, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.

More information is available on www.westdean.org.uk or through social media

https://www.facebook.com/westdeangardens
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For further information or high-resolution digital images, please contact: Rachel Aked ([email protected]) tel: 07790 732448