Help preserve our future
West Dean is part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.
Jimi Blake
Jimi Blake is a Gardening Consultant, Planting Designer, and International Lecturer giving talks and presentations all over the world.
Jimi trained in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin as a horticulturist and was subsequently appointed Head Gardener at Airfield House in Dundrum, Dublin. He resuscitated a large Victorian garden to its former glory enabling the public to rediscover and enjoy a lost gem.
After twelve years at Airfield, Jimi sought a new challenge and having secured twenty acres of the family estate he established 'Hunting Brook Gardens'. He was now fulfilling his ambition of having his own garden, to grow and expand his plant collection and share his passion and knowledge with the public. He envisaged using his garden as a classroom and a showcase to demonstrate the diverse range of designs he could develop.
Jimi has realized his dream of a dynamic and innovative garden and continues to develop his vision in new directions, always pushing the boundaries outwards. He continues to share his knowledge in a series of courses and workshops often engaging internationally renowned gardeners as guest speakers.
Hunting Brook is a perennially popular educational space for students, volunteers, allotment holders and visitors and is now known as Ireland's most exciting and fascinating garden.