Hassocks lawn mower historian set for Gardeners’ World appearance on BBC Two

Clive Gravett, curator of the Museum of Gardening at South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks has been helping the BBC produce a film about the history of the lawn.

The documentary will be broadcast in two parts and presented by researcher and garden historian Advolly Richmond.

Clive said he enjoyed getting the chance to take some rare lawnmowers and other items from the museum to places like Goodwood House, Sussex, and Cottesbrooke Hall, Northampton.

“The BBC team were great to work with,” said Clive, adding that the director had thanked him for his expertise.

The BBC spoke to Clive because their researchers only knew a limited amount about lawn mower history

After reading Clive’s book, Two Men Went to Mow, they added him to the team.

The original plan was for one short piece on the programme, but as filming progressed the team decided to produce the film in two parts.

Part two will be shown in two weeks’ time.

The Museum of Gardening opened in March 2016 as a joint venture between Tates of Sussex and Clive’s charity The Budding Foundation, which supports children in need.

The museum, which is set to reopen on May 17, features many unusual and unique horticultural tools and machines.

Clive said he is eager to restart his popular talks and presentations to horticultural societies once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Visit www.museumofgardening.co.uk.