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GARDENING 081
Student placement funding affected by financial investigation
Few people who have visited Great Dixter, the former family home of garden writer and keen gardener, the late Christopher Lloyd, OBE, will have been unmoved by what they find. This provocative garden is like no other. Its uniqueness lives on under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, and the garden is now a hub of innovative ideas, which attracts students and visitors from around the world. Great Dixter, in East Sussex, has long been a place where young and not-so- young gardeners meet in order to discuss their ideas and revel in the excitement of plants. It has been offering student
placements for decades, providing education for passionate plant lovers who go on to grow their knowledge, enriched by such a highly-prized experience. But, sadly, there is one source of funding that is no longer available. The Anne Wright Scholarship Fund was set up by friends and family of Anne Wright, a revered lady who was a friend and supporter of Christopher Lloyd. The fund paid for one garden design student from Hadlow College to attend a six-week work placement at Great Dixter, every year, with suitable students nominated by the college and chosen by head gardener, Fergus Garrett (pictured centre). A total of 13 students were
lucky enough to benefit from the placement over the lifetime of the fund, however all this came to an end after Hadlow College was placed in Education Administration during the first half of 2019 following claims of financial irregularities. The remaining funds left within the Anne Wright scheme were subsequently donated to Great Dixter’s “nursery apprentice” scheme. The opportunities for learning at
Great Dixter are still plentiful, with various scholarship funds and placement opportunities in existence. In addition, there is an ongoing programme of talks and workshops for all to enjoy. • Visit
greatdixter.co.uk
ENJOY A WINTER EXPERIENCE at Bedgebury
Winter often provides excellent conditions for a crisp walk within clear air and an atmosphere that is unique to the season. It’s therefore a perfect month in which to enjoy the Art of Trees outdoor exhibition at Bedgebury Pinetum. The Forestry Commission-owned site is home to one of the world’s most impressive conifer collections. The forest is managed for timber and used by more than 400,000 members of the public who enjoy walking, cycling, horse riding and adventure play. The Art of Trees is a collection of artwork by specialist artists of the Bedgebury Pinetum Florilegium Society, which is the only one of its kind in Forestry England. A florilegium is a group of artists
who create botanically accurate drawings of trees and plants from living samples. Walk around the trail to enjoy 13 art installations depicting detailed topics such as fruits, leaves, bark, cones, seeds, flowers and more, all set amongst the trees in what must be one of the most photographed venues within the High Weald. The trail extends to just over one mile and forms a circular route, starting and finishing at the cafe, near the car park. This “adventure in a world of trees” will run until the end of March. In other news from Bedgebury
INDEXMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Pinetum, Keane has announced dates as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.
The band play at Bedgebury Pinetum on Friday 12th June. Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series held every year, which introduces forests to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas
around the country. With everything needed for a great night out, including good food and drink, the concerts are well-known for their informal and relaxed atmosphere set to a spectacular forest backdrop. Going to a Forest Live concert helps look after the nation’s forests sustainably, with income from ticket sales helping to create beautiful places for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and trees to grow. • Tickets £44.50 (plus £5.45 booking fee) from Forestry England box office on 03000 680400 or online at
forestryengland.uk/music
© Jon Stone
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