Part of our mission at The Gardeners’ House is to connect people, planet and place – and this October, we’re hosting an inspiring event for those of you who love learning more about nature and horticulture.
We will be welcoming Gary Long, the head gardener at Trewithen Gardens, near Truro. This is an opportunity to hear about his recent travels in China on a plant-gathering trip and learn more about what’s ahead for Trewithen Gardens and Estate.
He’ll also bring along his latest apprentice, Millie, who will be talking about her experience training to be a gardener in Cornwall.
Book today – the event takes place on Thursday 12 October from 11am – 1pm at Hypatia Trust offices in Chapel Street, Penzance.
Gary has been the Head Gardener at Trewithen Gardens for almost twenty years. Under his care, the Gardens have been given various awards, including 33 prizes at the RHS National Rhododendron Show at Rosemoor in 2010, being named the first ever winners of the Lamellen Cup for Best Magnolia and winning the Tremeer Cup for Best Rhododendron at the RHS National Early Camellia Show at Rosemoor in 2013.
Part of the core mission of The Gardeners’ House project is to champion and support organisations who are committed to sustainability and green practices – and this talk provides an opportunity to talk to Gary about his commitment to the environment at Trewithen.
The Gardens have been transformed since Gary took over the reins. One of the projects Gary implemented was the Champion Tree Trail, which visitors can follow around the Gardens. There have been introductions of wildlife into the Gardens as well, with the red squirrel hide being officially opened by Prince Charles in 2012, followed by a bird hide in 2013.
The Gardeners’ House project is also committed to the creation of a living archive of the horticulture and plant life of West Cornwall – and Gary has experience in this area.
Speaking to his colleagues at Trewithen, Gary said: “My lasting legacy to the Gardens has been the plant database which I set up when I took over as Head Gardener 10 years ago. It’s an ongoing project, which I hope will outlast me here, and it has allowed us to catalogue all the plants so we know exactly what we’ve got.”
The Gardeners’ House Penzance will become an important centre for the community, helping to improve mental and physical wellbeing and creating a living archive of the botany and horticulture of West Cornwall. While we continue to develop plans for our project, we’re delighted to plan and support events like this and encourage our community to learn more about this important work.
📅 Thursday 12 October
🕧11am-1pm
📍Hypatia Trust in Chapel Street
All images courtesy of Gary Long and Trewithen Gardens
