Meet our Flower Gardener, Kathryn Teo!
With Chelsea Flower Show taking place in London this week, it seems only right to shine the spotlight on our very own Flower Gardener, Kathryn Teo, who has been recently appointed to this new position. In this blog, Kathryn answers some of our questions, offering a unique perspective on what may be the sweetest job role in the organisation.
Can you tell us about your career as a gardener?
As the Flower Gardener within the Kitchen Garden team, I am responsible for looking after the flower quarter and central borders which are not only welcoming and beautiful but also produce a constant supply of cut flowers for sale and donation. After many years working in creative industries in London, my lifelong love of gardening led me to study for the RHS Level 2 Qualifications, in conjunction with gaining experience at Hampton Court Palace kitchen gardens and The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where I also worked in the Herbarium which houses the vast collections of preserved dried plant specimens. Working in a local independent garden centre, maintaining and creating gardens all add to the never ending journey of gardening knowledge.
What do you love about gardening?
I find immense satisfaction in gardening. The hard work invested yields beautiful surroundings, and the joy of sharing the harvest of flowers and edibles makes it time well spent! What’s not to like!
Why are you excited about joining Chiswick House & Gardens?
Being part of a team that collaborates in amazing surroundings, with a shared focus on creating a beautiful and inviting location for the local community and visitors, fills me with excitement and purpose.
What will you be doing over the next few months?
Sowing seeds directly into the beds, planting out young plants and maintaining the beds. Planning for next year’s displays, growing and cutting armfuls of flowers to make bunches and bouquets for sale and donation.
Over the next few months, I’ll be busy with various gardening tasks, from sowing seeds directly into beds; planting out young plants and maintaining the beds. I will also be planning for next years displays, as well as growing some special flowers ready to be handtied into bouquets either for sale or donation.
And finally, one top gardening tip for the green fingered and less horticulturally skilled among us?
Just give it a go! Start with a couple of easy-to-grow flowers or vegetables from seed. I would recommend starting with Marigold or Sunflowers, they are endlessly beautiful and take minimal effort. Once you’ve picked your first homegrown produce you’ll be hooked.
See Kathryn’s handiwork by visiting the Kitchen Garden! Open for free in 2024 from Thursday-Sunday, 10.30am-3.30pm until 27 October 2024. If you want to take some cut flowers home with you, they are for sale from the Pink Bike at the Cafe on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am, and at the Kitchen Garden Shop, open the same days and hours as the Kitchen Garden. 10% off for our Members.