Autumn Blooms: John Massey Showcases Stunning 20,000-Plant Garden

John Massey, a 76-year-old gardener from Kingswinford in the West Midlands, has dedicated nearly three decades to cultivating a remarkable garden that features over 20,000 plants, trees, and shrubs across a ten-acre site. His expansive greenspace has transformed into a breathtaking autumn sanctuary, showcasing vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow.

Massey’s garden is often regarded as one of Britain’s finest private gardens, despite its location near the industrial heart of Dudley in the Black Country. As a four-time champion at the Chelsea Flower Show, he devotes up to 15 hours each day tending to his plants, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing this living masterpiece every day of the week.

This autumn, the garden is particularly dazzling, featuring more than 100 varieties of Chrysanthemums. These stunning flowers overflow with a range of colors, captivating visitors and passersby alike. Massey expressed pride in his garden, stating, “We perhaps quite big-headedly say we’re a garden for every day of the year. There’s always something in flower or of interest.”

Autumn’s Rich Tapestry

Massey highlights autumn as a season of change and beauty, encouraging people to explore their gardens. “If you don’t go outdoors in the autumn, you’ll miss so much,” he noted. His garden includes a wild area that he carefully maintains, allowing natural elements like fungi to flourish.

The garden’s design incorporates a variety of plants, including clusters of Neoshirakia japonica and Liquidambar styraciflua trees that provide striking autumn colors. Japanese acers stand out with their vivid yellow and red foliage, while euonymus alatus ‘compactus’ displays a deep strawberry red. Massey has also replanted beds with polyanthus, blending colors to create a harmonious display.

Since its inception in 1998, Massey’s garden has evolved to feature both native British plants and exotic varieties from regions such as Japan, South Africa, and Turkey. He and a team of four volunteers work diligently to maintain the garden’s pristine condition, often working long hours, especially during the summer months.

Gardening Insights for Autumn

Massey began opening his garden to the public in 2003 to raise funds for charity, generating over £500,000 to date. He now shares his expertise with aspiring gardeners, particularly regarding autumn gardening practices. He warns against the common misconception of “putting the garden to bed” for winter, urging people to remain engaged with their outdoor spaces.

“There’s always lots of interest going on,” Massey explained. He advises against premature pruning, suggesting that people leave certain plants intact to maintain structure. “We’re putting in the winter bedding of wallflowers now, which will flower in winter, and it’s a great time for planting bulbs like tulips and hyacinths.”

Massey values the natural structure of his garden during the colder months, stating, “Just because I don’t protect it, it doesn’t mean I don’t love it. I love the structure of the garden.” His approach includes “transparent pruning,” allowing light to reach smaller plants and maximizing the garden’s overall interest.

As he continues to cultivate his beloved sanctuary, Massey’s passion for gardening remains evident. “I do find the chrysanth beds very exciting,” he said. “I love it all, I really do.” His dedication serves as a reminder of the joy and beauty that can be found in nature, particularly during the enchanting autumn season.