RHS trained Lucy is our new Head Gardener at Clovelly Court

Gardening in the blood!

Clovelly Court is Lucy Halliday’s focus and she is already making a real impact on these ancient gardens. We asked her for a little background ………..

Education

“I took a slightly circuitous route into professional horticulture. Having grown up on the allotment with Dad and Grandparents, learning garden Latin names from my Mum, I was never happier than outdoors. My family is full of artists so I studied Fine Art and photography initially. I then took a Life Sciences undergraduate degree, followed by a Masters in Ethology, (Animal Behaviour…my research was dung beetles partly on Lundy Island). 

Throughout my undergrad degrees I felt something was missing. Consequently I studied part time for my RHS level 2, as this has really always been my first love.

Throughout Lucy’s degrees

I then worked for the charity Garden Organic between degrees. I was writing copy for the advisory team and as press officer for the charity’s three gardens and Heritage Seed Library. Latterly this grew in to a 9 year freelance career as a monthly writer and photographer for horticultural magazines such as Kitchen Garden, Grow It, Grow your Own and Small holder. 

 
 
 
After my masters I studied for a PGCE in secondary biology. This led me in to working as a consultant for a social enterprise (RIO) and Natural England. Consequently this created work in schools, spanning Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and even Gloucestershire. I was working on some amazing outdoor learning projects with horticultural or science themes. I was also running a big kitchen gardening project at a city Academy in Plymouth for two years. 
 
During my time at Plymouth, I completed my RHS level 3 at Bicton and Sparsholt colleges. Latterly beginning a studentship with the National Trust. After only 6 months, I, Lucy Halliday,  was lucky enough to be invited to join the amazing gardens at Knightshayes.

Knightshayes

This is where I have been working primarily in the Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden for the last 7 years. I was lucky enough to be mentored by some fantastic gardeners within the Trust. Hence creating many opportunities to work in a significant historic Walled gardens opened up.

 

Clovelly Court Gardens

Historic horticulture is my huge passion. Combining my love of getting grubby growing veg with the high art and aesthetics of Victorian kitchen gardening. Clovelly has a little of everything I love! It includes a chance to manage more herbaceous and woodland projects and all with a sea view. The walled garden is a beautiful example of its type. It is however a real challenge and in much need of careful attention to continue its restoration. I have a fantastic team with me. Although there are never enough hours in the day we will just keep gardening! I’m never satisfied but always happy.” 

We all get the feeling the gardens are now in good hands!