As well as conserving the past, the new head gardener needs to bring their own vision to the garden, he adds. “Originally Harold looked after the structure. He was a superb draughtsman, and was responsible for the vistas and the lines of the walls. Vita was responsible for the planting – she was flamboyant, and wanted everything to be full and wild,” he says. “Then Pam and Sibylle developed it more towards the garden that the public knows today, with perfect lawns and high-quality horticulture. Vita liked high spots, and was happy with a border which only looked good for two weeks a year. Pam and Sibylle elongated interest, but probably went a bit too far towards having things controlled and ordered.