Gardener: Leslie Harris
Great Dixter's Influence on North American Gardeners
“Exciting planting schemes inspired by Lloyd and carried out by Fergus and the team define the garden there, but the strides that Fergus has made in terms of sustainability and habitat are really groundbreaking for a display garden…”
Leslie Harris on Great Dixter
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our second interview of North American gardeners, each of whom have been deeply influenced by the work of the famed British garden, Great Dixter. In the coming weeks I will be sharing the stories of students, designers, horticultural professionals, and home gardeners as we chat about the practices and qualities of Dixter that have changed them.
Read a bit about the history and generosity of Great Dixter in the first post of this series:
Garden podcaster & speaker
Today we have wonderful garden podcaster and speaker Leslie Harris. Leslie lives and gardens in Virginia, and is in the middle of the exciting process of beginning again with a new home garden. I’m glad to invite Leslie here to tell us about what Dixter means to her!
Julie: How did you find Great Dixter?
Leslie: The Symposium I attended (at Great Dixter) was even better than I thought it would be. They really take care of you and connect you with the house, the garden, and the vibe that is so positive from the entire team that works there. Access to Fergus is amazing-- he was with us for hours every day and I didn't expect that.
Julie: Do you have a favorite part of the garden or planting at Great Dixter?
Leslie: We attended the symposium about succession planting, and it was extremely helpful to see how this is carried out in the garden. I would say that my favorite part of the garden is the Sunken Garden with the topiary fig on the side of the barn. The succession of plants is even more pronounced there because of plants always changing in the borders and in the containers - they are constantly shifting.
Julie: How has Great Dixter inspired you?
Leslie: I would say to be daring enough to plant more and more. To ALWAYS have something going on in the garden, even in winter. I have just started a new small garden, and it will be even easier to achieve that look of constant interest and action, with different moods. I mean, it will still take years, but I am excited to get started.
What three words best describe Great Dixter to you?
Leslie: Because of the echoes of Lloyd, and the impact of Fergus, the first word would be visionary. Exciting planting schemes inspired by Lloyd and carried out by Fergus and the team define the garden there, but the strides that Fergus has made in terms of sustainability and habitat are really groundbreaking for a display garden like that. The next word would be magical-- after all, when you attend a symposium, you get to roam around the place on your own with a glass of wine in your hand at sunset. And the last word would be comfortable. There are some tightly clipped peacocks, etc, but the general feel of the place is homey in the house, and blousy and casual in the gardens.
Julie: How have you applied what you have learned at/from Dixter to your gardening (or designing) in North America?
Leslie: I am trying—just starting with this new spot, but I have ideas!
Julie: Where can we find out more about your work in North America?
Leslie: I have a podcast called Into the Garden with Leslie found on Apple and Spotify, and please give a listen to learn a bit and have a laugh. I have fabulous guests that I chat with there.
Leslie Harris is a garden podcaster, speaker and consultant based in Charlottesville, Virginia. On podcast Into the Garden with Leslie offers garden tips, humor and the knowledge of fabulous guests. You can listen on Apple and Spotify, and follow Leslie on Instagram at LeslieHarrisLH.
What a great interview! I love the idea of gardening ideas from Dixter making their way to the southeast. I’m in TN so clearly a visit to Birmingham Gardens is in order.
Marianne is a gem! Love her thoughts about Great Dixter and gardening in general.