PlantNetwork Interviews

PlantNetwork, Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Observatree recently launched their UK Garden Sentinel Network project. To become more familiar with the ideas and the people behind the project, PlantNetwork had a chat with Peter Crow from Observatree, Matt Parratt from Forest Research and David Slawson of Imperial College.

Two of our treasured, long-standing Trustees are leaving the Board this year. With a total of 22 years of service between them, Don and Rupert reflect on what they have done for PlantNetwork and how it has enhanced their careers. Recommended listening for anyone who is thinking of being a trustee for a charity, or who is interested in PlantNetwork as an organisation.

The second in our series looking at bursaries for horticulturists. We talk to Adrian Thorne, Awards Manager of the Professional Gardeners' Trust. We discuss what the Trust fund, who they are, what makes a good application and how an award can transform your career. Learn more about the PGT at their website Follow the Trust on Instagram, TwitterX, Facebook Email Adrian

Rebecca interviews Sally Pettit, the Chair of the Merlin Trust, new Trustee, Lee Hales and Merlins: Michelle Woodall, Tracy Fahy and Rosie Trehan. For more information visit the https://merlin-trust.org.uk/https://merlin-trust.org.uk/ website.

We meet Emma Mulcahy, our new(ish) Administrator. We find out what she did before she boarded the good ship PlantNetwork and a little about what she is passionate about.

Amelia Crawford is the botanical artist behind Sylvestris Botanics. We find out more about Amelia's art, her inspirations and her wider career in conservation. Her career is almost completely unclassifiable, and her work very beautiful. You really need to visit her website!

Kristina Clode is an award-winning garden designer who specialises in naturalistic planting and sustainable designs that consider, among many other things, the carbon footprint of materials and construction.  Kristina has won The Society of Garden Designers 'Design for Environment Award' for the last two years. See more examples of Kristina's work at her website: www.kristinac

We catch up with Sam Hickmott in our first ever follow-up interview! Sam is Head Gardener at the National Trust's Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden. You can contact Sam with your questions by email or through instagram: samuelfinchhorticulture.

Mercy Morris, Administrator with PlantNetwork, tells us about her horticultural career to date. She discusses her National Plant Collection, regrets the ubiquity of her favourite tool and rejoices in the possibilities available in the sector. The sound quality isn't brilliant (we recorded in very noisy cafe) but Mercy is wonderful to listen to!

Joe Clements, Conservation Assistant at the Lowther Estate, tells us about his horticultural training and how useful that is in his conservation role, his new role as a beekeeper, regenerating farmland and the trials of growing succulents in Cumbria. We are exploring different ways to work in horticulture. Get to know the people behind the gardens and the different careers pursu