Dangerous beginnings June 16th 2000, under the threat of execution, in the Panamanian jungle - a place far from home, Tom opened his diary and began plans for a garden which would contain plants from around the globe planted in their respective continents of origin. This plan would eventually become ‘The World Garden of Plants’. Horticultural inspiration: Tom Hart Dyke is a modern day plant hunter who follows in the traditions of the plant hunters of old who risked life and limb in pursuit of fantastic blooms and plants. Tom’s World Garden pays homage to the amazing achievements of Victorian and Edwardian plant hunters who risked life and limb in pursuit of the plants and flowers we now cherish and grow in our gardens in the UK. Continued Growth The World Garden of Plants continues to grow and build year on year, adding rare and important botanical plants to its collection. An example of the Dinosaur Tree (Wollemi Pine), the oldest tree in the world, is planted close to Ayers Rock in the Australian border. The rare and beautiful Eucalyptus Silver Princess flowered for the first time in the UK ever within the grounds in 2006. Penstemon ‘Crac’s Delight’, named in Tom’s Granny’s honour, now blooms in Mexico, and limited cuttings will be for sale in the newly opened plant nursery on site. Copyright © Lullingstone Castle. Designed & Produced by dannywilkins.co.uk Tom had a plan. Tom receiving his UK Tourism award at 'The British Guild of Travel Writers'.