Throughout 23 year career as a GP in Tonbridge, Dr. Richard Claxton has looked to his garden as a means to unwind and manage stress, and to maintain his mental and physical wellbeing.
As well as his GP work, Claxton has written for Gardens Illustrated and Hortus Journal, worked in Garden Design – specialising in gardens for healthcare settings – and been a volunteer guide at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, and a Trustee of Greenfingers Charity. He also founded the charity Gardening4health, which operates as both a network for those providing therapeutic horticulture, and as a hub for conferences, education and sharing of best practice.
“I’m so delighted to be starting my new role with the National Garden Scheme (NGS). I’ve had a brilliant induction and handover from George Plumptre who has been incredibly kind and thoughtful in helping me to understand the nuts and bolts of the role. At the same time, I’ve had a long, slow goodbye to my patients and my Practice whom I shall miss – but it now feels time to properly get cracking.
“It’s an enormous privilege to step into George’s shoes, and those of so many inspirational leaders of the National Garden Scheme who came before him. I’m looking forward to leading this very special charity towards its centenary in 2027 and beyond. I am also looking forward to meeting the many volunteers, garden owners, visitors and supporters of the charity in the coming months and years, and to thank them personally for all their amazing contributions to the National Garden Scheme,” said Claxton.
NGS Chairman, Rupert Tyler added: “We are delighted to welcome Richard Claxton. The Board of Trustees looks forward to him continuing to strengthen and build on the legacy established by his predecessor and, together with our fabulous garden owners, volunteers and staff, taking the charity confidently into its next 100 years.”
George Plumptre EMH was the charity’s Chief Executive for 15 years and will continue to manage specific NGS centenary projects he initiated on a part-time basis.
