We open Season 4 of PodParks with a powerful conversation with Fergus Garrett (https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/about/people/) renowned horticulturist and the long-time driving force behind Great Dixter. In this episode, Fergus reflects on his multicultural upbringing, his journey into horticulture, and what it has meant to continue and evolve the legacy of Christopher Lloyd at one of the world’s most iconic gardens.

The conversation moves beyond gardens to explore the deeper challenges and opportunities facing parks today: the impact of funding cuts, the loss of training pathways, the need to reconnect design with care, and the importance of building spaces that are ecologically grounded, socially meaningful, and full of joy. Fergus also shares why beauty in parks cannot be one-size-fits-all, and why diversity—in landscapes, in people, and in thinking—is essential for the future of green spaces.

Recorded in the context of the World Urban Parks Symposium in Istanbul, this episode sets the tone for a new season focused on bold ideas, practical wisdom, and the people shaping greener, more inclusive cities.

Key highlights / takeaways

• A life shaped by culture and plants: Fergus reflects on growing up between Turkey, the UK, and other international influences, and how this visually rich, multicultural upbringing shaped his way of seeing gardens and landscapes.
• The living legacy of Great Dixter: Rather than imposing his own signature, Fergus describes his role as caring for Great Dixter with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to ecological understanding.
• The real weakness in the park sector: For Fergus, the biggest loss has been the steady cutting of funding, training, and community-based care in parks. He argues for putting resources back into education, employment, and long-term stewardship.
• Beauty is plural: Parks should not all look the same. Different spaces should offer different experiences—wild, calm, colorful, shaded, open—so more people can find meaning and joy in them.
• Community is part of the landscape: Great Dixter is not only a garden; it is also a place of training, inclusion, employment, and belonging for a very wide range of people.
• Care, not just capital: Fergus makes a strong case for investing not only in major park infrastructure, but in the people who maintain, interpret, and animate green spaces over time.
• Why this matters now: Listening to conversations at the World Urban Parks Symposium left Fergus optimistic about the future of parks as spaces that respond to biodiversity, climate, flooding, wellbeing, inclusion, and community needs all at once.

About PodParks

PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.

🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team

Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martin | Cynthia Hernández | Gisselle Ibarias | Brizel Lopez

🌐 worldurbanparks.com