08/06/2026
Our next talk will be on Tuesday 9th June with Greg Watson, head gardener at Chevithorne Barton, Tiverton. The garden boasts the largest and most comprehensive oak collection in the UK—and possibly the world—with approximately 400 different types of Quercus (oaks). The garden also features newly planted areas that enhance its walled gardens, summer borders, and a woodland filled with rare trees and shrubs. In spring, visitors can enjoy a stunning array of Magnolias, Camellias, and Rhododendrons. Today the garden focuses on using the oak collection as a resource for oak conservation, however, the garden has deep horticultural history which has created the foundations for our work today. This presentation will cover the past, present, and future of this remarkable garden from the perspective of its head gardener and curator, Greg Watson.
Greg started his horticultural journey at SRUC in Edinburgh, where he completed a Bsc in Horticulture. Here, he grew a good understanding on the natural world, and still enthusiastically continues to learn about it. Having spent 3 years at a desk, Greg was keen to get stuck into the physical side of gardening. This led him to complete an internship at The MacRobert Trust in Aberdeenshire, where he could bond his theory and practical skills.
Eager to begin his career in horticulture, Greg jumped at the opportunity to move to Tiverton and start as an assistant gardener at Chevithorne Barton. Since then, he has advanced through the ranks and currently oversees and curates the garden and Quercus collection at Chevithorne Barton. His passion for trees and the natural world inspires him to guide his team in creating and maintaining a garden filled with interesting woody plants, as well as a landscape rich wildlife.
Doors open 7.00 talk starts at 7.30 £5 on the door or become a member of the society to enjoy the whole program of talks.
