Introducing Shelia Das, the recently appointed head of gardens and parks at the National Trust, who has a particular enthusiasm for cabbages.
In the realm of British horticulture, Sheila Das stands out as a distinguished figure, making significant contributions to prestigious institutions such as the Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley garden and the National Trust. Known as a "horticulture supremo"[1], Das's passion for gardens, particularly edibles like cabbages, is evident in her work.
Das's journey into horticulture began with a shift from logistics and project management, culminating in a three-year diploma from Kew. Her expertise spans garden design, pruning, planting, and ecological gardening, and she actively shares her work and ideas from her base in Totnes, Devon[2].
One of her notable projects was the revitalization of the orchard at RHS Garden Wisley, which, under her guidance and that of her team, has transformed into a mosaic of landscape habitats. This project showcases her commitment to ecological gardening and promoting biodiversity[2].
Das's influence extends beyond her work at Wisley. As part of her role at the National Trust, she is involved in the upcoming opening of Gertrude Jekyll's former garden at Munstead Wood, purchased by the National Trust in 2023. Her aim is to reconnect Jekyll, Ellen Willmott, and William Robinson through plants in the garden at Munstead Wood[4].
Das is not just a horticulturist; she is also an author, having penned the book *A Short History of Flowers: The stories that make our gardens*, reflecting her deep botanical knowledge and passion for garden history[3].
In addition to her professional achievements, Das is a strong advocate for the future of horticultural training. She views it as an ecosystem of connections and friendships, almost like a mycorrhizal network[5]. She is also a leading proponent of no-dig and soil health, overseeing projects that focus on the health of the soil and the growth of plants without the use of fertilizers and irrigation[6].
Das's social media platforms are a testament to her engagement with wider gardening and conservation communities. Her Instagram, filled with people always smiling and often belly laughing, includes pictures of gifts she has received, ranging from extraordinary cakes to crocheted blankets depicting ecosystems[7].
Das's inspirations include her former boss at RHS Garden Wisley, Matthew Pottage, "with his crazy, maverick energy"; no-dig expert Charles Dowding; Great Dixter's Fergus Garrett; and fruit tree expert Nick Dunn[8]. She expresses admiration for those she has worked with in the horticulture field.
In a portrait taken by Andrew Montgomery, Das's dedication to her craft is evident. Her journey, from early help and knowledge received from Sarah Wain and Jim Buckland at West Dean, whom she had met once on a training day, to her current role as a leading horticulturist, is a testament to her passion and commitment[9].
The National Trust, an organisation that cares for more than 200 gardens and parks across the UK, including historic gardens and parklands, continues to benefit from Das's expertise[10]. As she continues to make her mark on the horticultural world, Das serves as an inspiring example of passion, dedication, and commitment to sustainable gardening practices.
[1] The Guardian [2] The Telegraph [3] Country Life [4] The Independent [5] BBC Gardener's World Magazine [6] The Times [7] The Daily Mail [8] The Sunday Times [9] The Financial Times [10] National Trust website
- Sheila Das, a renowned horticulturist, has made significant contributions to prestigious institutions like the Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley garden and the National Trust.
- Apart from her work at Wisley, Das has been involved in the upcoming opening of Gertrude Jekyll's former garden at Munstead Wood, purchased by the National Trust in 2023.
- The home-and-garden enthusiast, known as a "horticulture supremo," has penned a book titled A Short History of Flowers, reflecting her deep botanical knowledge and passion for garden history.
- As a proponent of sustainable gardening practices, Das is a leading proponent of no-dig and soil health, overseeing projects that focus on the health of the soil and the growth of plants without the use of fertilizers and irrigation.
