The Crown Estate appoints new 'keeper of the gardens'

An ‘honoured’ gardener will take responsibility for the 300 acres of gardens across the Windsor Estate.

The Crown Estate, which manages Windsor Great Park, has appointed a new ‘keeper of the gardens’.

John Anderson will take on the prestigious role to look after the world-renowned gardens in June.

He comes to The Crown Estate from Exbury Gardens in the New Forest where he has been head gardener since 2005.  

John will maintain the standards which were set by his predecessor Mark Flanagan, who passed away in October. 

Annually, the gardens of Windsor attract 1.75 million visitors.

John said: “I am honoured to have been selected to be the fourth holder of the prestigious position of keeper of the gardens and look forward to moving to Windsor with my family to take up the position.

“It has been a lifelong dream to work at the Savill and Valley Gardens, both international horticultural treasures.

“It will be a privilege to lead an excellent team of horticulturists in further developing the gardens and enhancing the plant collection.”