Paradise found… A new Head Gardener joins the team at Overbeck’s Garden

Terraced into the clifftop coastline above the Devon seaside town of Salcombe is Overbeck’s, a hidden subtropical  garden where coloured blooms and exotic shapes delight visitors. New Head Gardener Ian Trought brings a wealth of experience to the team and joins a line of dedicated Head Gardeners that have developed Overbeck’s Garden since its inception in 1895. 

Ian relocates to the picturesque South Hams from Surrey, where his most recent role was with RHS Garden Wisley. There, he created and managed the Piet Oudolf designed landscapes and his experience with naturalistic prairie-style planting has prepared him well for the unique challenges and opportunities at Overbeck's Garden, set in its own microclimate on terraces above the sea.  

Ian’s career path in horticulture was shaped by the National Trust. Originally a project manager at Apple, Ian discovered his passion for horticulture as a volunteer in the formal gardens at Ham House in Richmond. This led to a transformative internship at the lush gardens of Nymans in West Sussex. His commitment to learning then earned him a place in the Heritage and Botanic Garden Trainee Program with the National Trust at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire. 

"I am really excited to be the new Head Gardener here at Overbeck’s, and to be working in this beautiful location above the sea." Ian shares. “It’s an inspiring palette of subtropical plants that thrive in this mild climate. I look forward to observing how the garden develops through the seasons in this coming year, and how our visitors interact with the space.” 

The garden team have been preparing the garden to re-open its gates to visitors on 2nd March, cutting back herbaceous plants, pruning climbing plants and repairing paths.  

With wider property winter projects well underway to expand visitor car parking facilities and add a refreshment kiosk, spring 2025 is a fantastic time to make a visit to Overbeck’s Garden.