My Life As Head Gardener

Claire Margetts chats about her special role at world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden

- CLAIRE SAUL

Life experiences can often lead to personal reappraisal and changes of direction. When Claire Margetts lost her beloved father, a passionate gardener, her future took a decidedly different path.

"Growing up, my family was always escaping into the garden or the countryside, to enjoy nature. We lived in a busy town and I remember National Trust, Stowe being our closest landscape to enjoy as a family," explains Claire. "I also attended a primary school nature club run by a lovely teacher in her free time. However, the concept of a career in gardening, horticulture or the green economy was never suggested during my secondary education.

"We later moved to Wales and my parents were able to live their dream of owning a smallholding with a plant nursery and an arboretum. So every weekend and some evenings I was working with Dad in the garden, either planning it or planting it.

"I did a degree in Law, majoring in human rights, then worked as an operation manager on a two-year Arctic operation to collect data on climate change.

"I went on to become a director specialising in fast-paced partnerships, operations and marketing for purpose-driven start-ups, charities and large businesses.

"Sadly, we lost Dad before he could enjoy his smallholding full-time. But his death was a personal drive for me to change career. He was a skilled gardener, imparter of wisdom and a kind person - I'd like that said about me one day, too.