Historical water lilies awarded national honour

The collection at Herstmonceux Castle Estate were awarded for their "unique historical significance"

A collection of water lilies in East Sussex has been given a "prestigious" award recognising its "unique historical significance".

The plants, which have been a prized fixture at Herstmonceux Castle for decades, were awarded the status of a National Plant Collection by the UK's leading garden plant conservation charity, Plant Heritage.

The award honours the vision of the late Ken Warner, and the support of his wife Madelaine, whose dedication "laid the foundation for this living legacy".

"My father dedicated his life to these water lilies, so I know he would have been immensely proud of this," said his son Graham Warner.

Ken Warner's connection with the 15th Century moated castle began in the 1940s when he played in its grounds as a child.

In the 1970s he developed an aquatic plants wholesale business, which led to him meeting fellow water lily aficionado Ray Davies.

Mr Davies would later become the owner of the famed Latour-Marliac nursery in France, which, in the 19th Century, had revolutionised the world of water lilies.

It was the highly colourful hybrids introduced by the nursery's founder, Bory Latour-Marliac, which had caused a sensation at the 1889 Paris Exhibition and were famously immortalised in the paintings of Claude Monet.

The water lilies were Ken Warner's passion

Mr Warner brought many of these varieties back to the UK in the late '80s and the ponds of Herstmonceux became their home.

The collection's significance was internationally recognised in 1994 when the International Water Lily Society held its symposium at the castle, welcoming experts and enthusiasts from across the globe.

"These lilies were Dad's passion project," his son said.

"Applying for this status was about securing his legacy and ensuring these historic plants are preserved and celebrated for years to come.

"To see the collection receive this national recognition is incredibly moving."

Carl Welch, the estate's head of gardens and grounds, said: "It's a real honour to receive this status."