ITV News West Country Visits Trebah for live interview with Darren
On Tuesday 1 July, viewers across Devon and Cornwall were treated to Trebah on their TVs, as we featured on ITV News West Country. The segment – a live interview with Head Gardener Darren Dickey ans hosted by weather presenter Charlie – offered a glimpse into our sub-tropical paradise in the height of summer, touching on its history, horticulture, and resilience in the face of climate change.
Standing at the top of the valley, ITV’s Charlie Powell asked Darren what it takes to manage the garden. “The toughest thing about Trebah is the valley size — the steepness,” he explained. “So, it’s about managing the space, creating planting that looks after itself to a degree.”
Being summer, the topic of our iconic hydrangeas soon came up, with some stunning drone footage to accompany. Darren described it as “a sea of blue leading all the way down to our own sort of private beach.”
The topic of climate change was also raised, and how Trebah will cope as the planet warms. Darren said, “We’re analyzing what we plant, choosing species that are more drought-resistant. The garden is also planning targeted irrigation systems powered by a borehole, helping to keep the landscape resilient without compromising its eco-conscious ethos.”
Missed the ITV West Country segment? Catch it below see why Trebah continues to captivate visitors and inspire future generations of gardeners. Trebah’s feature starts at 24:39.
