First plant love Nesocodon mauritianus, the endangered Mauritian bellflower. Its blood-red nectar evolved to attract day geckos, which see red vividly. That discovery opened my eyes to the intentionality of plants and how fragile their survival is in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Who has inspired your career the most? My friend Eileen Gahan, who like me also moved to the UK from Ireland to garden. We studied together at the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Her passion and support have been a huge part of my journey in horticulture.
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Horticultural heroes Jimi Blake’s adventurous planting style and eye for new plants is incredible. He grows some of the coolest plants in Ireland. Also, John Little and his radical and experimental approach to ecological gardening is thrilling. Both push boundaries in ways that feel meaningful and fresh, with real integrity.
Favourite garden Tresco is where I fell hard for subtropical plants. I volunteered here before becoming a scholar, and returning felt like a dream. I was constantly squealing over species I’d only ever read about, absolutely thriving outdoors in the UK. It’s been a surreal experience.
I just love little surprises. It takes me ages to walk through a garden because I want to look at every detail.
Three most worthwhile tips for every gardener Learn your plants: their names, families, distributions and so on. Those things can tell you what you need to know for a garden situation. Document what you see. Notes and photos help with retention and it’s so handy to be able to look back.
Garden intentionally. Question what you’re doing and why. Being considerate in your work makes it more meaningful, and way more exciting.
Passion shouldn’t lead to poverty. It’s past time gardeners were properly compensated, especially when we’re helping find solutions for the future
Most valuable training Studying and working at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin gave me a deep love for plant records, plant collections and public engagement.
Working in botanic gardens is where that all meets. I feel incredibly lucky to have spent so many lunch breaks wandering the gardens discovering new plants.
Favourite planting style I just love little surprises. It takes me ages to walk through a garden because I want to look at every detail. Gardens such as Great Dixter and Sissinghurst aren’t huge, but you could spend hours exploring all the fun little niches. I’m definitely not a ‘less is more’ person.
Favourite ‘weed’ Tresco’s weeds are bonkers. I’d happily accept things like Piper excelsum, Neopanax laetus and Aeonium cuneatum back home. Outside of a subtropical climate, I love willowherbs. They’re spreaders but they’re so pretty, easy enough to manage and useful for wildlife.
Biggest challenge facing gardeners today Aside from the glaringly obvious – climate change – fair pay is a major issue. Our industry undervalues the training, time and effort gardeners put in. It’s past time we were properly compensated for the knowledge and skills we bring, especially when we’re helping find solutions for the future. Passion shouldn’t lead to poverty.
Instagram @dollyhoyle More information tresco.co.uk