Our Volunteers
What’s it like to be a volunteer at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens?
The people I meet in the Gardens are all nice and interesting. They all have different backgrounds, and I love to hear their stories. I also love to see the gardens throughout the year and see the seasonal changes.
The Pond has become more exotic, not only do we have enormous gunneras and bamboos, but we have had to learn to look after a large group of bananas and gingers (Zingiber) and ginger lilies. In the early winter, we cut down the enormous leaves of the gunneras and turn them into ‘hats’ to protect during winter. It’s an enjoyable experience, even in the rain, when the Himalayan Valley can look quite exotic.
As volunteers we are given opportunities to attend talks, such as one given by Roy Lancaster and attend training courses. I’ve also volunteered at some of the garden’s evening concerts, helping with the car park which also means I get to attend the show too, what a treat! I also enjoy helping on our stands at the Romsey Show and Hampton Court Show. It’s interesting to hear from the visitors, who come from far afield, about their own gardens.
I’ve worked as a volunteer at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, or as we affectionately say ‘the gardens’, for twenty years. I retired from teaching and joined the Education team, and later the Horticulture team, as a volunteer.
You can’t stop getting ideas and inspiration from the gardens. It is beautiful and interesting every month of the year. I love it.
"You can’t stop getting ideas and inspiration from the gardens"
I’ve been a volunteer at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for nearly 15 years, principally as a member of the horticultural team within a small friendly group, helping the regular staff maintain The Centenary Border. It can be challenging at times, battling with brambles, weeds and other ‘nasties’ but it’s always a very fulfilling experience — no matter how much mud I get covered in! I count myself very lucky to work in such beautiful surroundings, alongside such nice people.
Due to my photography experience and skills, I’ve also been involved with some behind-the-scenes projects and events at the gardens too. It’s always been an enjoyable experience and I’ve been made to feel a valued member of the team.
Volunteering at The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I have been there for almost 11 years. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from totally different backgrounds but who have a common interest.
The gardeners are always happy to advise and pass on their knowledge.
No matter your experience level, you are always made to feel very welcome, and it is amazing how much you can learn.
I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to see, handle and nurture plants that many people don't even know exist. Fresh air and exercise in beautiful surroundings – what’s not to like!!
Many of our volunteers have been at the gardens for a number of years and we value their continued support, but we also welcome new volunteers from all walks of life, ages and skills. There are varied roles and it’s not just about gardening, our front of house, customer services and in-house events team all value support from volunteers.