The MGS Garden at Sparoza

Sparoza is an experimental garden on the outskirts of Athens created by Mary Jaqueline Tyrwhitt, who was an early advocate for choosing plants to suit the conditions. For 20 years until her death in 1983, Tyrwhitt grew plants not just from Greece but from further afield, including South Africa, California, Mexico and Australia - as long as they could thrive in Athens' savage summers.

Sally Razelou was the Custodian for nearly thirty years until her death in March 2021. She was one of those who conceived the idea of establishing the Mediterranean Garden Society, which now sponsors Sparoza.

Lucinda Willan is now Head Gardener and she carries on the spirit of experimentation and plant collecting.