Meet our garden volunteers: Karen
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Selly Manor Garden is a special place
As part of the Selly Manor Garden project, we decided to increase voluntary activity. For the past year we have welcomed several new volunteers. So far, we've introduced two of them, our third is Karen:
"I garden because I enjoy being outside and being part of nature. Spending time in the garden is escapism for me.
Something I don’t enjoy about being in the garden is Woodlice! They always seem to creep up on you, wearing what looks like armour, they’re unpredictable.
Volunteering at Selly Manor means I’m part of a team. I’m just one of a number of people who have worked in the garden throughout the last 100 years, and I like that I’m part of its history. I enjoy being part of how the garden develops throughout the seasons, and visits from my friend the Robin when I’m weeding, when he gets to enjoy a worm buffet.
One of my favourite features in the garden is the herb area – it smells wonderful! I like that ‘Henry VIII and his six wives’ topiary is the first thing that greets visitors as they arrive. It really brings the history to life.
I started volunteering in early winter and one of my first jobs was to plant bulbs in the wildflower area. It was fantastic to see the Daffodils, Lupins and Roses appear in the spring. It’s rewarding to see the hard work you’ve put in.
The colours in the garden change so much throughout the year. In the summer it was full of vibrant pinks, purples, and yellows, but as we’re now in September the golden shades have started to appear. I’m looking forward to the beginning of Autumn, as I’ve not experienced it in this garden yet. I like seasonal gardening because I like change. I’d love to garden at Monty Don’s Longmeadow – he has everything for gardening all year round.
If I could be any plant, it would have to be holly. It’s evergreen, present all year round. It can be moulded and shaped and provides shelter and food for wildlife. At Christmas it’s pruned and taken inside to be part of the family gathering in celebration."
Karen (far right) with her family at the launch of the garden interpretation
Karen - Selly Manor garden volunteer