Elliott Beveridge’s Teachings From His 25 Year Career As A Head Gardener

---

Currently working as the Estate Manager & Head Gardener on a private estate in Somerset, Elliott Beveridge has almost 25 years of experience working in the horticulture industry.

I spoke to Elliott to understand more about where his love of gardening came from and discussed his current projects.

How Did You First Get Into Gardening?

“I always knew that I wanted to work outside,” shares Elliott.

“The idea of being stuck indoors for any extended period of time convinced me from a relatively young age that I needed to be outside as much as possible!”

What Led You To A Career In Horticulture?

“I started my horticultural career as a green keeper on a golf course in Surrey,” he explains.

“I loved being outside as I did the work, but the early starts (5.30am!) and the weekend rotas didn’t sit well with 17-year-old me.

“Following on from that, I jumped into horticulture and, nearly 25 years later, have found myself still working in the industry.”

What Are You Currently Working On?

“I currently work on a private estate in Somerset,” Elliott explains.

“The garden is undergoing a huge transformation with landscaping works, new gardens being installed, garden structures going up and large areas of arable farmland being converted into wildflower meadows.”

“I am currently looking into restoring an old dipping pool within the walled garden.

“The pool is groundwater fed and has the potential to be the jewel in the crown of the garden, but it will require some clever engineering to get it back to its former glory.

“It should be an exciting project to be involved with.”

Do You Have Any Secret Gardening Tips?

“Take notes on what you are doing: when you sow, when you cut back, when you harvest, what has worked, what hasn’t, what potting compost you have used, how often your water.

“It is a great resource to look back on in the winter months so you can amend things for the coming year.”

What Is Your Favourite Time Of The Year To Be In The Garden?

“I’m a huge fan of autumn,” Elliott shares.

“A garden filled with autumn colour in addition to the bounty from the vegetable plot is always an exciting time.

“It is also when you tend to focus closer on any winter projects that you have in the offing.

“I see it as the very beginning of the year ahead, rather than the being of the end of the gardening year.”

What Would You Say To Those Wanting To Get Involved In Horticulture?

“Just give things a go,” he says.

“The great thing with gardening is that if things don’t quite work out, have a think about how you might do it differently next time and keep going until you hit upon something that works for you.

“Buy a pack of beetroot seeds and get them in the ground or scatter a wildflower mix on an area of unloved lawn.

“Go for it!”