Poster from the Museum's Collection

The 17th century reproduction knot garden at the Museum of Garden History is cared for entirely by volunteer gardeners, under the guidance and supervision of Head of Horticulture, Anne Jennings.

An induction process usually takes place on Tuesdays each week, when the main gardening team is present.

Once the Head of Horticulture is happy that the new volunteer is confident enough to work alone, answer questions from the public and generally work independently, he or she is free to choose the time that suits them, during opening hours 10.30 to 5.00, seven days a week. A diary system has been instigated to ensure messages and information is passed on between gardeners.

Tasks vary throughout the year but general weeding, tidying, leaf clearance and sweeping are year round activities. Leaf fall in autumn is substantial and can take up a large part of the day whilst in summer the garden needs watering on a regular basis.

Seasonal tasks include pruning, seed collection and clipping the box hedge and topiary, under supervision of the Head of Horticulture. Some attention is also required for the gardens surrounding the front of the building, particularly ornamental borders and a small paved garden.

Occasionally borders are regenerated and the volunteers and Head of Horticulture work together in planning and implementing such work.

Gardeners also work closely with the London County-by-County team who propagate and sell plants and packet seeds as part of their fund raising activities.