20. York Gate Garden - the Spencer Legacy

22 March 2022

Ben Preston has a passion for people and plants led Ben towards a career in horticulture. He has been Head Gardener at York Gate for just over 4 years. After studying Horticulture and Plant Science at Nottingham Trent University, undertaking a traineeship at Audley End in Essex and working in gardens around the country including Great Dixter, he has settled back in Yorkshire. His interest in historic gardens and innovative plant design is pushing York Gate forward while being true to its origins.

Meg Morton studied horticulture and plantsmanship as a second career. After visiting York Gate garden while at college, she decided that when she finished her studies she would volunteer there, and this she has done.

The history of York Gate begins in 1951 when the Spencer family bought a 6-acre farm on the edge of Leeds, and now its current status is as one of the finest post-war small gardens in the country. Ben will share his philosophies on the importance of moving the garden forward while being true to its origins and the spirit of place. Once a family garden that opened occasionally for the National Garden Scheme to a busy garden open 5 days a week. He will look at how the garden has evolved to deal with these challenges. A wonderful Arts and Crafts style-garden that has become a Yorkshire treasure. Every garden needs skilled people to maintain and nurture it and one of the group of volunteers is Meg Morton, she will tell us what it is about this garden that first attracted her and what keeps her here.