Harry Hoblyn On His Role As Head Gardener At Historic Charleston House And Garden
Harry Hoblyn is the Head Gardener at Charleston, which was previously home to the historic Bloomsbury Group.
He has worked in the horticultural industry for several years – I spoke to Harry about his journey at Charleston and the way nature has shaped his life.
Imagery in this interview has been provided with permission by Harry Hoblyn.
How Did You Start Out In Horticulture?
“Having worked and volunteered on a number of small-scale organic farms across the globe in my mid-twenties, I found myself increasingly drawn to working outdoors and being with nature,” shares Harry.
“I began to undertake RHS horticultural training, worked for a Sussex landscaping business and looked around for other opportunities.
“This eventually led me to Charleston, where I have been working since 2019.”
How Has Horticulture Shaped Your Outlook On Life?
“My life is informed by natural spaces and the way in which we interact with them,” he says.
“I appreciate both the aesthetic and utilitarian aspects of the horticultural sphere and increasingly understand that nature, whilst inherently beautiful and fecund in its own right, can be gently guided by the gardener in a way that is productive, ecologically sensitive and artistic.”
Can You Explain A Little About Your Role As Head Gardener At Charleston?
“As Head Gardener at Charleston, I am responsible for the upkeep of a historic space nestled at the foot of the Downs. Charleston, once home to the Bloomsbury group, is now a thriving cultural centre with a historic house and garden, contemporary gallery and diverse programme of events.
“I am responsible for ensuring that the outdoor spaces are both visually appealing and sensitively maintained. I consider myself an arts and craft gardener with an interest in the wider landscape.
“In my role, I look after mixed herbaceous borders, a small kitchen garden, pond and woodland, fruit trees, lawns and wildflower meadow.
“Much of my role depends upon having a strong understanding of the history of the site whilst also recognising that gardens are not a static entity – gardening in the spirit of the place you could say.”
What Is Your Favourite Time Of Year To Be In The Garden?
“For me, nothing beats the abundant growth and exuberance of spring,” muses Harry.
“In the Walled Garden at Charleston, this is a particularly special time of year as fruit trees bloom in profusion and the soil is carpeted with a colourful matrix of spring planting.
“This is when I feel that the garden is at its most ebullient.”
What Are Some Of The Best Plants To Grow In Smaller Gardens?
“In a smaller garden, one of the main things to consider would be your relevant soil and light conditions,” he explains.
“I would always advise prioritising a diversity of foliage over flowers in a smaller space so that there is a long season of interest and an interplay of shape, texture and colour between plants.”
What’s Next For You?
“Charleston is about to open an urban site in Lewes, so I have been considering the planting for the front of this new space,” Harry shares.
“This has enabled me to step outside of the more historical considerations applicable to our rural site and do something that feels a little more contemporary and challenging.”
What Advice Would You Give To Aspiring Gardeners?
“Always be curious and seek new friends everywhere for there is always something to learn or someone to meet in the horticultural world.”
