First plant love The first plant I bought was an Iceberg rose. I went through a phase of being snooty about roses, but I love them now, especially species and old roses.
Biggest inspiration My father. He grew trees from seed, propagated perennials from cuttings, and set up irrigation systems. I must have taken some of that on board.
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Horticultural heroes Christopher Lloyd, Beth Chatto and Graham Stuart Thomas, to mention a few. Partly because they all observe and write brilliantly. I also feel lucky to be working under the leadership of Fergus Garrett. But I think in gardening as in life it's best to eschew hero worship – the best gardeners seem to have an irreverent streak.
Favourite garden and landscape Great Dixter, of course. But the landscapes that really have a hold on me are the mountains of the Cape where I grew up. My parents were very active and we were forever being dragged on hikes through the fynbos, with my dad pointing out ericas and edmondias and occasionally even Disa uniflora growing at the top of a waterfall.
It’s easy to get caught up in the doing of it all, but it’s important to take a step back and observe
Three worthwhile tips Go see plants in the wild, not just for the enjoyment of seeing extremely cool plants in their natural habitat, but also to inform how to choose the right plant for the right place, and what plant communities you choose to make. Take time to look and to think. It’s easy to get caught up in the doing of it all, but it’s important to take a step back and observe, and assess with curiosity. Take notes of things you notice, things you want to do, and things that worked well or that didn’t.
Most valuable training Dixter has completely transformed me as a gardener. It’s hard to overstate the extent to which it has exploded the boundaries of my horticultural world, and the vision it has offered me of what gardening can be. I also place high value on the mundanity and routine of my first garden-maintenance job – the solid foundation of hard graft is important.
It’s hard to overstate the extent to which Dixter has exploded the boundaries of my horticultural world, and the vision it has offered
Favourite planting style I love the scope for complexity when you apply layered planting to a traditional mixed border; how you can play off the froth of perennials against strong forms of shrubs and hedging, and how Hedychium can emerge from Hemerocallis and ferns can harbour snowdrops in their crowns.
Biggest challenge facing gardeners Climate change. But also fair pay and job security. It’s hard to find work in the public sector that is decently paid.
How to be more sustainable Grow plants from seed.
Core principles Curiosity and observation, both of which are really encouraged at Great Dixter.
Instagram @talitha.slabbert
With special thanks to Great Dixter where this portrait was taken.
