Graham Stuart Thomas was a highly influential figure in the world of horticulture and gardening. Born on April 3, 1909, in Cambridge, England, to a family of amateur gardeners and musicians, he developed a profound passion for plants at a young age. His interest in gardening flourished during his childhood, leading him to pursue a career centered around horticulture.
Thomas began his career at the Cambridge Botanical Gardens, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of plants. He spent three years there, gaining knowledge of a diverse range of plants and attending lectures on botany. His expertise and enthusiasm for gardening caught the attention of many, and he eventually joined the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1930.
He then went on to commercial horticulture, working first at the Six Hills Nursery in Stevenage (specialising in alpine plants), then at Hilling's wholesale nursery in Surrey. There, he met Gertude Jekyll, who encouraged him to work with herbaceous perennials. By the 1940s, Thomas was also associated with old roses. He recognised that many older varieties were being lost, and became interested in conservation. The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens was formed in the post-war years.
Thomas became involved with the National Trust in the late-1940s, and in 1955 became the Trust's first garden advisor. He designed or re-modelled several National Trust sites, including Claremont, Knightshayes and Shugborough, all of which showed the influence of Gertrude Jekyll. The rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey is acknowledged as his greatest achievement.
During his time at the RHS, Thomas made significant contributions that would shape the gardening world for generations to come. He held various positions within the society, including serving as the gardens superintendent at the society's garden at Wisley from 1955 to 1971.
Thomas's impact extended beyond his work at the RHS. He became renowned for his expertise in roses, especially old garden roses, and his efforts in preserving and promoting these varieties were groundbreaking. His extensive knowledge of historic roses led him to rediscover and reintroduce many forgotten and overlooked cultivars, contributing immensely to the preservation of horticultural heritage.
One of his most notable achievements was the creation of the famous rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire, England. The garden, designed by Thomas, showcased his exquisite taste and mastery of planting schemes, incorporating a wide array of roses and other complementary plants.
Thomas's dedication to horticulture didn't stop at cultivating and preserving roses; he was also an accomplished author. He penned several books on gardening, sharing his expertise and passion with enthusiasts worldwide. His books, including "The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book" and "Perennial Garden Plants," are considered classics in the field and continue to be revered by gardeners seeking guidance and inspiration.
His contributions to horticulture were widely recognized and celebrated. Thomas received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including the Victoria Medal of Honour, the highest accolade awarded by the RHS, in 1966. His influence on garden design and plant preservation remains profound, and his legacy continues to inspire gardeners and horticulturists globally.
He then went on to commercial horticulture, working first at the Six Hills Nursery in Stevenage (specialising in alpine plants), then at Hilling's wholesale nursery in Surrey. There, he met Gertude Jekyll, who encouraged him to work with herbaceous perennials. By the 1940s, Thomas was also associated with old roses. He recognised that many older varieties were being lost, and became interested in conservation. The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens was formed in the post-war years.
Thomas became involved with the National Trust in the late-1940s, and in 1955 became the Trust's first garden advisor. He designed or re-modelled several National Trust sites, including Claremont, Knightshayes and Shugborough, all of which showed the influence of Gertrude Jekyll. The rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey is acknowledged as his greatest achievement.
Graham Stuart Thomas passed away on April 17, 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy of knowledge, passion, and innovation in the world of gardening and horticulture.
References:
- "The Graham Stuart Thomas Rose Book" by Graham Stuart Thomas
- "Perennial Garden Plants" by Graham Stuart Thomas
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) archives and publications
- Various gardening and horticultural publications
- Obituary articles and tributes from reputable sources
Buczacki, Stefan ‘Thomas, Graham Stuart (1909-2003)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford: Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edn, Oct 2006) [ accessed 29 June 2009]