Ventnor Botanic Garden has announced the appointment of their new Head Gardener, Michelle Cain.
Michelle brings a wealth of experience in horticulture to Ventnor, having previously held the position of Head Gardener at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
She will be joining Curator Chris Kidd and his team later this month.
2022 marks 50 years since the garden was first opened on the site of the (now demolished) Royal Hospital for Diseases of the Chest – more commonly known as the TB Hospital. The garden is renowned for its mild climate, and averages 5c hotter than mainland Britain over the course of a year.
Speaking about her appointment, Michelle says:
“I am thrilled to be joining the team as Head Gardener, as Ventnor Botanic Garden is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking botanic gardens in the world.
“In the midst of the climate crisis, horticulturists have a part to play, not only in setting an example in gardening responsibly, but also in using their voice to educate and influence the wider world.
“For me, VBG represents a great opportunity to do this and I am looking forward to helping to shape the future of the garden in a meaningful and positive way, whilst creating memorable experiences for each and every one of our visitors”.
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Chirs Kidd, curator, says:
“We are delighted that Michelle will be joining the team here in Ventnor. Her experience and expertise in horticulture will help the garden go from strength to strength in the months and years to come.”
John Curtis, Director of Ventnor Botanic Garden CIC, adds:
“Michelle represents an important new chapter for Ventnor Botanic Garden. I am confident her impact on the presentation of the Garden will be visible very quickly. Michelle brings great experience and a can-do attitude. She will open a new window for volunteers and visitors into the botanic garden.”
Make it free entry for locals then to enjoy, like it used to be. Stop ripping us off.
Yes, haven’t been back there since they started charging. It was a nice place to visit occasionally but not somewhere that I would pay an entrance fee for. £25 for a family is just too much for what is basically just a glorified park.
And boot Curtis’s out his support of Island Hunt is costing VENTNOR Botanics dearly