Gardener on 25 years at Watford's Cheslyn House gardens

That “little oasis” is Cheslyn House and Gardens, the three-and-a-half acre estate in Nascot Wood Road, Watford, that Nick has lovingly maintained and continued to help flourish as its resident gardener.

He is now into his 26th year in the role and his dedication and enthusiasm remains as strong as ever.

“I think it’s Cheslyn Gardens itself, the passion I’ve got for the gardens and how I’ve improved and developed it over the years,” he reflected on doing the same job for a quarter of a century. “It’s almost like I don’t want to let it go anymore.

Nick Harris has been the resident gardener at Cheslyn for 25 years (Image: Watford Observer)

“I used to come here as a child, I’ve always lived in Watford, so I’ve known it for many years, but at the time I never realised I’d end up working here.

“I think it’s just being outside all the time and working with the local community and nature, that’s what I love most about it.”

Originally owned by Lord Capel, the Earl of Essex, architect Henry Colback and his wife Daisy brought the land in stages between 1942 and 1958 at a total cost of £4,986.

Mr Colbeck designed Cheslyn House and, with his wife, created the gardens over a 20-year period. It was bought by the Watford Corporation in 1965, Watford Borough Council took full control in 1971 and have continued to develop the gardens since.

Cheslyn has often being referred to Watford’s best kept secret – but it’s not so secret any longer.

“The first few years it was mainly local residents that knew about it, but in the last five years it’s been promoted more on Trip Adviser and Facebook and word of mouth so it’s getting really well used now which is good,” Nick said.

Cheslyn House and its beautiful gardens (Image: Watford Observer)

The gardens boast a variety of plants and trees, ranging from native species to tropical, formal gardens and lawn areas, woodland, a pond, an aviary and herbaceous borders.

Nick, who is employed by council contractors Veolia Environmental Services and studied horticultural at Oaklands College, in St Albans, has done much to enhance the gardens in many ways during the past 25 years.

“I’ve tried to plant as many trees as possible in the lawn area and also the woodland, especially as we’ve lost quite a few over the last ten years or so through old age and a few diseases,” he explained. “I’ve tried to replace them with unusual wildlife-friendly trees. A lot of them have got flowers or berries that are beneficial to wildlife.

“In the woods I’ve tried to think of wildlife all the time and to try and improve biodiversity in the gardens as well.”

The woodland area at Cheslyn (Image: Watford Observer)

Nick keeps a list of all the species of insects, birds and wildlife he has seen in the gardens and has also come across some species that are “quite rare in the county”.

“There was a quite rare beetle species discovered on a dead birch tree last year,” he said of finding a darkling beetle. “There’s not many in Hertfordshire so that was quite exciting.”

Apart from visiting tree surgeons and sometimes getting help from students on work experience, Nick maintains Cheslyn by himself - but he’s rarely without company.

“I constantly see people every day,” he said. “Even in the winter you have dog walkers coming in every day and people to chat to. I’ve heard people’s life stories over the years. I never feel lonely working here.”

The pond area at Cheslyn (Image: Watford Observer)

So what makes Cheslyn special?

“I think it’s quite unique,” he said. “It’s quite a compact size but there’s lot squeezed into – lots of rare and unusual plants. It’s also a free garden. You normally have to pay to get into places like this so for the local community to use it, I think that’s quite amazing.

“It’s a great habitat for wildlife as well. It’s an oasis for wildlife and people alike really.”

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “Nick's dedication and passion for Cheslyn House and Gardens have been instrumental in maintaining its status as a Green Flag Award-winning open space. His commitment has ensured that this hidden gem continues to flourish and delight all who visit.”

The council's portfolio holder for parks, Cllr Tim Williams, said: "Over the last 25 years, Nick has consistently maintained Cheslyn House Gardens to a high standard, helping it become a well-respected Green Flag Award-winning site. His dedication has played a key role in preserving this valuable community asset.”

Cheslyn House and Gardens are open all year round, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The site is currently home from 9am to 8pm daily, but next month the opening hours change to 9am to 7pm.