I am a modern-day plant explorer who was kidnapped in Colombia in 2000 on a plant hunting mission for orchids. To help me endure my nine months in captivity, I began sketching out a map of ideas. On my release, I returned home to Lullingstone Castle in Kent and started working within the two-acre Victorian walled garden to transform it into the first World Garden of Plants.
The World Garden opened in 2005 and showcases some 7,000 plant species, varieties, cultivars, and hybrids laid out interactively as a mini map of the world. Countries and continents are presented in their actual miniature shapes with specimens phytogeographically planted. The grounds consist of three acres of formal gardens, 20 acres of arboretum including a woodland walk, river and lake. It is mainly The acidity/alkalinity of soil is measured on a pH scale, which runs from 0 to 14. Neutral soil has a pH of 7. Alkaline (lime-rich) soil has a pH above 7, and the higher the pH, the more alkaline the soil. Chalky or limestone soils are alkaline. You can measure your soil pH using a simple testing kit. If you have alkaline soil, choose plants that will thrive in it – acid-loving or ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons will not. Club root disease (which affects brassicas) is less prevalent in alkaline soil.
The acidity/alkalinity of soil is measured on a pH scale, which runs from 0 to 14. Neutral soil has a pH of 7. Acid (or ericaceous) soil has a pH of less than 7, and the lower the pH, the more acidic the soil. You can measure your soil pH using a simple testing kit. Acid-loving (ericaceous) plants include rhododendrons, camellias, heathers and blueberries. Adding lime to soil will reduce its acidity. A slightly acidic soil of pH 6.5 is the best general-purpose pH for gardens, allowing a wide range of plants to grow.
The garden has a continental style climate with extremities of heat and cold. The walled area can become a veritable freezer in winter and an oven in the summer, with the walls magnifying the effects of cold and hot air in the bottom of the frost prone, heat trapping Darent Valley system.
Tom’s approach to gardening
My planting philosophy for The World Garden is rooted in honouring each plant’s place of origin while embracing adventurous choices. I enjoy showcasing a diverse mix of species from every continent, ranging from bee loving jasmine and salvia to showstopping A group of plants that have thick, fleshy leaves or stems that are able to store water. This allows them to survive in arid habitats with low moisture.
Tom’s top plants
If I started a new garden from scratch, I would immediately go out and source the following plants which I just couldn’t do without.
Dictamnus albus var. purpureus
Dictamnus albus ‘Burning Bush’ is a herbaceous Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs.
Kniphofia linearifolia
Kniphofia linearifolia from South Africa is a sleek red hot poker that adds colour in late summer and early autumn with its red orange flower spikes. It requires well drained soil and prefers a sunny position. However, this plant does needs space for its delightfully straggly lineate foliage.
Alstroemeria ‘Ligtu Hybrids’
Alstroemeria ‘Ligtu Hybrids’, commonly called ‘Peruvian Lily’ are perfect for creating an eye-catching display of summer colour in a variety of shades. It’s a great plant for pollinators and as a cut flower in The World Garden, we have an abundance of their orangey pink eye-catching blooms. A hot spot in the garden on any soil with good drainage and they’ll thrive. Please note that ‘Ligtu Hybrids’ only flower once in May or June.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is a wonderful structural herbaceous short lived perennial and is great for the birds and bees. It has a long flowering period and requires no feeding, ideally planted in full sun in free draining soil. Although a tall species, it can be planted at the front of your border because of its see through structure (thin stems and small leaves).
Viburnum opulus ‘Guelder Rose’
Viburnum opulus ‘Guelder Rose’ is A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.
Deciduous refers to plants (mainly trees and shrubs) that lose their leaves seasonally, usually during autumn. This is a natural process triggered by the season's shorter days and lower temperatures and allows plants to conserve energy during the winter months.
