The Herstmonceux Castle Estate has been awarded National Plant Collection status in the ‘Historical’ category by the Plant Collections Committee of Plant Heritage, the UK’s leading garden plant conservation charity.
The collection was the life’s work of the late Ken Warner, with the support of his wife Madelaine, and has been recognised for its historical importance.
The late Ken Warner, who brought the lilies to Herstmonceux(Image: Herstmonceux Castle Estate)
Mr Warner’s son Graham said: “My father, Ken, dedicated his life to these water lilies – they were his passion project.
“To see his collection, born from his countless trips to France and nurtured here at Herstmonceux, receive this national recognition is incredibly moving.
“Applying for this status was about securing his legacy and ensuring these historic plants are preserved and celebrated for years to come.
“I know he would have been immensely proud.”
Mr Warner’s connection with Herstmonceux dates back to the 1940s.
As a child, he played on the castle grounds, which were then in a state of disrepair.
His interest in aquatic plants blossomed in the 1970s when he established an aquatic plants wholesale business.
The famous water lilies at the Herstmonceux estate(Image: Herstmonceux Castle Estate)
This venture led to a meeting with Ray Davies, another water lily enthusiast and owner of the historic Latour-Marliac estate in France.
In the late 1980s, Mr Warner repatriated many of the original Latour-Marliac varieties to the UK.
With the support of estate manager Keith Newman, he chose Herstmonceux Castle Estate as their permanent home.
The collection now spans the estate, from the formal gardens and moat to the folly and the Observatory Science Centre ponds, creating a striking summer display.
Its international significance was first recognised in 1994 when the International Water Lily Society held its symposium at the castle, drawing experts and enthusiasts from around the world.
Herstmonceux Castle(Image: Michael Coppins)
Carl Welch, head of gardens and grounds at Herstmonceux Castle Estate, said: “It’s a real honour to receive this status.
“It confirms the national importance of these plants we look after and provides a fantastic platform for us to enhance the collection further, making it an even more prominent and educational feature for all our visitors to enjoy.”
Herstmonceux Castle Estate is a 15th-century moated castle set within 600 acres of parkland and gardens.
The estate is known for its commitment to conservation and education, as well as its historical significance and scenic beauty.
The castle grounds also include the Observatory Science Centre and a variety of formal and informal gardens, making it a popular destination for visitors from across the UK and beyond.
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