The Trust also supports the Devon Professional Gardeners' Network, which aims to assist professional gardeners in Devon, particularly those working in historic gardens. The network offers bursaries and grants to enhance their capacity to care for the historic designed landscape. Additionally, the network provides mentoring opportunities and organises events to encourage the exchange of ideas and networking among gardeners.
Join our Next Event on February 13th
The focus of our 2025 events was, ‘contemporary issues facing gardeners and horticulturalists with the aim that - by making informed choices - we can all be part of the solution of the overlapping challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and the health & wellbeing crisis’.
‘Let’s Go Wild’ - a day of learning and sharing ideas about biodiversity, was the first event in February at RHS garden Rosemoor. Jane Knight gave an introductory talk with other speakers from Heligan - where beavers have been released, the National Wildflower Centre at Eden Project and James Hitchmough speaking about his research and work on plant communities and applying them to planting design. The group was then given a tour of RHS Rosemoor by Alex Paine looking at current practical gardening practices that have a strong emphasis on biodiversity. This was a great success! With over 70 gardeners attending and giving very positive feedback.
‘Carbon in the Garden’ – a day to discuss how gardeners can respond to climate change, is to be the second event in September at Dartington Hall. Speakers will include Jane Knight - freelance landscape architect - introduction to the theme of the event, Dr Mark Gush – Head of Environmental Horticulture with the RHS - talk on research supporting gardening in an era of climate change, John Little - Grassroof Company and Care not Capital - talk on designing a new open mosaic landscape (the potential of the complex). Followed by a garden tour of Dartington.
The committee will continue trying to find more gardeners to add to the network and enhance the benefits to the professional gardeners. We have already been contacted and are assisting two other County Garden Trusts (Suffolk and Wiltshire) who are now keen to learn from our success. To participate in these activities or if you know of any gardeners who would benefit from being part of our network, please contact [email protected]