RESPECTED, award-winning horticulturist John Lanyon has retired after 27 years as head gardener with the National Trust, and 42 years in professional horticulture.

Since 2009, John has cared for Cornish gardens Trelissick, Glendurgan, Trerice and Bosloe which he describes as “incredible places, gardens of substance and just the sort of places that inspire me”.

A gardener from a young age, John completed a two-year certificate course with the Royal Horticultural Society and a placement at Tresco before taking the Kew Diploma. He was later senior supervisor at RHS Garden Rosemoor when the garden was in its infancy, overseeing development of new areas including the ‘Winter Garden’.

In 1997 he became head gardener at the trust’s ‘magical’ Cotehele in the Tamar Valley, where he developed his interest in fruit growing and the historic Tamar daffodils for which the property is well known.

This year, the RHS awarded John the prestigious Loder Rhododendron Cup and Associate of Honour, to recognise his outstanding contribution to the practice and promotion of horticulture and gardening.

Ahead of his retirement, John has reflected on changes during his time in horticulture, and challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“As predicted, we are getting more extremes, and I also think that weather events last longer than in the past. At times it has been very dry and would not rain, even into late autumn which was not good for the plants.”

John worries about the effect of intense heat on gardens, and the lack of groundwater in his part of Cornwall, which can cause even large mature trees to struggle.

John said: “What does a changing climate mean for my profession? We are going to have to be better than ever – open-minded while keeping the show on the road. We have the knowledge and skills to adapt our gardens, keep them presented to very high levels and also create displays that people want to see.

“Gardens can still be all the things that people need: sophisticated places that inspire, an educational resource, beautiful places to relax and a safe haven. None of these things needs to stop, which is great.”

Looking ahead, John hopes the National Trust can help people better understand their relationship with the natural world, and feel more motivated to look after it.

John continued: “It has been a privilege to look after these places. But just as important for me are the people – caring for them and helping them to develop themselves and their careers. To see some of my team members move onto great things is gratifying and so important for the future of these places.”

John ‘officially’ retired on December 12 to look after his own garden in Cornwall.