Following on from my first blog “For They Are Jolly Good Vollies” I would like to introduce you to more of our volunteers within Lady Anne’s Garden.
As I said before, whilst working in the garden, visitors often ask me how we manage to keep Rosemoor to such a high standard and so I tell them that we rely on the help of many volunteers throughout the whole garden all year round.
Diane Perry – not only a very determined gardener but also a great cook! Last Christmas she brought in some home-made mince pies for the Lady Anne’s Garden team which were very much appreciated and helped keep the chill off on a cold winter’s day!
Diane
Diane has spent 8 years on and off at Rosemoor and is presently concentrating on the Upper Bog Garden area which can be found at the edge of the Bicentenary Arboretum. She enjoys being in touch with the plants during the changing seasons in Lady Anne’s Garden; the oldest and most mature area of Rosemoor.
On the subject about what she likes most about gardening she says “It embraces all walks of life and I have learnt so much about nature”. Over the past 40 years she has not only been a gardener but has also worked on a farm.
Diane adds “I have been fortunate to see this garden establish from the beginning and love being able to support it for the next generation to enjoy. I would also like to say a big thank you to the gardeners who make all of us volunteers so welcome!”
Jo Sampson – has been a member of the volunteer’s workforce since the garden opened and works on the Croquet Lawn borders and Stone Garden. Jo says “I like the atmosphere of this part of the garden – it has somehow got its own ambience”.
Jo
Jo loves the challenge of gardening, growing plants and the fact that you can create your own “little bit of heaven” at home. After gardening for 35 years she enjoys working here as she comments “To work here is to be in a world of your own and away from other pressures…”
Jo is fond of herbaceous perennials and also has a soft spot for Cornus kousa, as does Diane Perry. At this time of year the ornamental fruits of this deciduous shrub are very unusual and attractive and an eye catching shade of red.
Pauline Buchanan – a big smile behind a wheelbarrow! She has spent three years working in the Mediterranean Garden alongside Linda Bell and previously worked in the Stream Garden Field for seven years.
Pauline
Pauline enjoys the peace and tranquillity of the garden and admires the combination of trees and undulating lawns of Lady Anne’s Garden. She began her hobby in the ‘green fingers’ department at the age of four when she tended her own flower patch at home and she particularly likes the scent of the shrub Sarcococca confusa (Christmas box) which flowers in winter.
Barbara Grzesiak – you may hear the sound of rustling on the Woodland Bank and on closer inspection will find Barbara, merrily weeding away amongst the undergrowth!
Barbara
Barbara has volunteered her time for 11 months; enjoyed working on the Nursery for a time and then fancied a change out in the garden and finds the peace and tranquillity priceless…she finds it a welcome distraction from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of everyday life. “I feel honoured to work at Rosemoor as it has to be one of the best gardens in the country” says Barbara, she adds “the garden is in a wonderful setting which is informal and relaxed and I enjoy working with my fellow gardeners”
Gardening for 15 years or so, Barbara’s preference is for vegetable growing; enjoying the delights of her own home-grown produce. One of her favourite ornamental plants is Fuchsia as there is such a wide variety to choose from and they have a wonderful ability to flower for such a long time.
Diana Goodacre – is a well-travelled lady who has been a keen member of the volunteers for 20 years. She has travelled to Africa in the past as a teacher and especially likes leading public walks and talks around the gardens, passing on her horticultural knowledge to others.
Diana
Diana likes to keep a close eye on the garden as she feels “there is always something to see and learn about, which keeps the brain ticking over”. She has helped in the Rose and Foliage garden and is presently tending the Cherry Garden in Lady Anne’s Garden. She hopes to travel to Borneo this autumn.
Masha Ebben – has just completed a seven week internship at Rosemoor as part of her training at Prinsentuin College in Breda, Netherlands. She has been a great help to the whole garden and has found her work experience very beneficial whilst volunteering her time.
James, Penny King & Masha
Masha became interested in gardening six years ago after moving house with her family and acquiring a large garden. She has enjoyed the equal opportunities offered here and has even climbed an oak tree! Her favourite tree is Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) and one of her ambitions is to create a show garden at Chelsea. We have no doubts she will definitely accomplish this! Masha is keen to return to Rosemoor in 2 years time and we very much look forward to it…
James Russell – is a cheerful soul who is always having fun with the team and learning new skills in the garden. He loves discovering new plants and learning their names, in fact, he is so keen that he is currently compiling a portfolio to record when they are looking at their very best.
James has been coming to Rosemoor for the past five years and helps out in the various areas of the garden as well as dabbling in a bit of general maintenance with Bob Jackson and the Team. James first starting gardening when, a few years ago, he worked at a garden centre in Eggesford. James says of Rosemoor “I like working with the staff and gardeners because they support me to find something interesting to do”. James especially likes pruning and his favourite plants are orchids. In his spare time he enjoys growing fruit and vegetables at home for his family and himself.
Be sure to check out James’s blog ‘Learning Plant Names’.
As I said before, the Rosemoor Gardeners really appreciate the helping hands from all of our volunteers throughout the gardens all year long…a big THANKYOU to you ALL!!!
Penny King, Gardener, Lady Anne’s Garden.