Jan & Linda: Nursery Volunteers at Furzey Gardens

Jan and I are sisters who both volunteer in Furzey Gardens Nursery.  Jan has volunteered for almost 13 years and I for four, following a move to local area. Both of us got involved as we like the ethos of Furzey as a charity and the work that they do in supporting adults with learning disabilities.

Initially, I started volunteering in the gardens as a Welcome Host, greeting visitors as they arrived.  I absolutely loved meeting people and having the opportunity to tell them about the gardens and wonderful work of the wider Trust, but my first love remains gardening. I decided that the nursery was where I wanted to be and that is where I have stayed!

Both Jan and I have always found nursery instructors Deb and Sue very welcoming and supportive. We enjoy the work, which is always varied (and might include weeding, pruning, potting on or helping with plant sales), and we also volunteer alongside the people supported by the Trust who we love getting to know.

Recently, we helped at the BBC Gardener’s World Fair at Beaulieu, selling plants and Minstead Trust made crafts. We were absolutely thrilled that the team won a platinum award and ‘Best in Show’ for their border garden and we feel proud to have contributed in a small way.

Our lunchtimes on the days that we volunteer frequently find us walking to the tea rooms, often buying a plant to take home and browsing through all that the tea room stocks such as woodwork, felted goods, jams and chutney – all made by the people supported at Minstead Trust Day Opportunities.  We enjoy chatting to the friendly staff in the tea rooms too and, if there is time, we will take the opportunity to wander around the gardens as well.

We both love volunteering here! It is wonderful to feel part of a team and we would highly recommend becoming a volunteer to anyone who is looking for something worthwhile to do.

To find out more about volunteering at Furzey Gardens, please get in touch! Volunteers@MinsteadTrust.org.uk

Check out our website too for news on our upcoming Nursery Tours!