A self-professed plant addict, Lucie is head gardener at the Mediterranean Garden Society’s headquarters, the Sparoza Garden in Greece
PORTRAIT RICHARD BLOOM
Earliest gardening memory My grandmother, Joan, was a keen plantswoman. I have vivid memories of exploring her glasshouse, playing with her alpine troughs and sitting among the pheasant’s eye narcissi in her orchard.
First plant love Primula auricula. There is something about their delicacy and painterly quality that I find very seductive, particularly when displayed in beautiful old terracotta long- tom pots in an auricula theatre.
Who has inspired your career? Victoria Wakefield took me under her wing, and was very kind and generous with her time and knowledge, introducing me to many new plants in her wonderful garden at Bramdean House in Hampshire. Claire Abery, formerly senior gardener at Sissinghurst, has often pointed me in the direction of a new adventure. She was the one who suggested I come out to Sparoza.
Favourite landscapeI am constantly inspired by the diversity of the Greek landscape, but I grew up on the edge of the South Downs and am a chalk girl at heart. It is where I feel most at home and where I travel to in my dreams.
Worthwhile tips Travel to see plants in the wild – you can learn so much about growing plants by seeing how they choose to place themselves. Always carry a notebook and containers for cuttings and seeds. Take photos so that you can record findings, and track developments in the garden.
Dream plant destination It would be a dream come true to travel the Silk Road, and around Iran in particular, to see the Oncocyclus irises, Persian alpines and fields of Eremurus.
What principles have guided your attitude to gardening?
I think
