Behind the Scenes with David Kesteven

'How many gardeners are there?' is one of the most frequently asked questions from visitors.  Our reply of 'four' is met with open-mouthed astonishment.  Here, we talk to Head Gardener, David Kesteven, to find out exactly what goes into managing gardens as expansive as the ones here at Renishaw and to discover some of the behind-the-scenes secrets.

What does your role as Head Gardener at Renishaw involve?

Coordinating people and plants; making sure everyone knows what they're doing and has what they need and that all plants are in the right place and have what they need.  I work on implementing Alexandra's plans for the garden making sure everything looks as fantastic as possible for the visitors.

What is the thing you are most proud of in the garden?

The standards of maintenance; Lady Sitwell always says, "We must have our standards".  Also, straightening up the pyramids, Dave and Paul's [Renishaw gardeners] hedges and the planting in the borders.

David, hard at work in the gardens.

What are your plans for the future of Renishaw gardens?

To keep improving the planting; breeding our own Magnolias and taming the woods all the way down to the lakes .

Do you have a favourite season?

My favourite month is May and my favourite seasons are Spring and Summer.

What are the highlights of each Season?

Winter:  snowdrops and hedges.
Spring: Daffodils, Magnolias, Bluebells
Summer:  Roses, delphiniums, borders
Autumn: Bottom terrace, dahlia.

David and the Delphiniums, which are out right now.

Finally, have you any anecdotes you would like to share?

One TV company asked me the worst thing about visitors.  I said that they had been breaking the heads off the opium poppies and afterwards they bleed and look terrible - the poppies, that is - I added, but they edited that bit out.

Enjoy David's hard work; the gardens are open 10.30am until 4.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday until the end of September.