Terry Hughson

In November 2023 I applied to become a volunteer Gardener at Inveresk Lodge Gardens. At the time I was looking for more activities (being retired), plus the gardens are special to myself and my wife as we had our wedding photos taken there in 2001. So it seemed an ideal opportunity. I started as a volunteer in January 2024. Since then, working with Gary and the team of volunteers I have participated in a variety of garden maintenance tasks and new projects, learning new skills along the way. I very much enjoy working with the team and interacting with garden visitors.

Tasks undertaken have included: -

- path work such as weeding, replenishing gravel and correction or replacement of edging stones.

- digging of drainage ditches and installing pipework and gravel where necessary.

- keeping existing water drainage routes clear of debris and leaves, using rods where necessary.

- maintenance and enhancement of garden water feature.

- hedge/tree cutting.

- Ivy removal.

- trimming of plants on the large garden walls using ladders where necessary.

- tree planting along with creating protection for the new trees such as wire fencing around them.

- lawn edging.

- border weeding.

- creation of new forest path sections including the installation of new steps and path edging.

- use of garden chipper shredder to dispose of tree branches such as trees damaged by storms.

- spreading of chipper chips on forest paths.

- being proficient using garden tools and always willing to learn and use professional garden equipment such as chipper, hedge cutters.

Admittedly, my plant knowledge although adequate for home gardens is lacking for a large garden environment such as Inveresk. To gain more knowledge, as well as asking questions of Gary and the team, I purchased a subscription to a plant identifier app for my mobile phone. This also enables me to answer questions from visitors which I previously wouldn't have been able to.