Gardening ambassador

摘要

Maintaining central London's second-largest private garden after Buckingham Palace has challenged Stephen Crisp's skill and creativity for more than 20 years. "I never intended to be here so long -but I still enjoy it," he says. He is now seeing his fifth US ambassador at the US Ambassador's residence, Winfield House. "Some take an interest in the grounds, while others appreciate it but are happy just to let me get on with it," he explains. The 5ha garden, nestling within Regent's Park, is a remnantof John Nash's ambitious Regency design. The house itself, although 20th century, adopted period style and is replete with antique furniture - and a host of plants. He describes his role as "the custodian, running it like a National Trustprop-erty" - albeit one criss-crossed with infrared security beams.