New Head Gardener At Ventnor Botanic Garden

Thursday, 16 November 2023 13:35

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Ventnor Botanic Garden (VBG) on the Isle of Wight is delighted to announce the arrival of their new Head Gardener, Wayne Williams.

Wayne is relocating to the Island from Birmingham with his family after 26 years at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the last five as Head Gardener, managing a large team of gardeners and volunteers.

With more than 31 years of horticultural experience under his belt, Wayne is perfectly suited to working in the innovative and progressive environment of VBG.

He said:

"I am so excited to be joining the team at VBG and to be the latest “overner” on the beautiful Isle of Wight!

"I know that this is a varied and challenging role where I expect to put my horticultural experience, deep plant knowledge and horticultural creativity to effective use.

"A unique subtropical plant collection and the immersive style of planting makes VBG one of most innovative botanic gardens I know!

Previously Wayne held a variety of roles at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses rising from Horticultural Trainee to Gardener, Propagator, Plant Records Officer and Senior Horticulturalist for Internal Areas.

Chris Kidd, Curator, said:

"I am looking forward to Wayne’s arrival — (he is) a great addition to our team.

"Wayne brings with him real experience of botanical horticulture and in-depth plant knowledge.

"He will really help me extend the Living Collection."