Spotlight on…Clodagh Halse

What is your role as a gardener within a nursery?

I work with the managers to create child- and adult-friendly planting. I’m keen to develop gardens that are low-maintenance but high on sensory planting and seasonal plants so there is always something of interest for the children. Gardening takes time and maintenance and we have developed a garden timetable for the nurseries which balances routine upkeep by staff with my more thorough monthly maintenance programme.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I really like helping staff understand more about gardens and planting. It’s a lot to expect nursery staff to be able to teach children about the garden if they are not gardeners themselves. Some staff don’t understand about planting so they will buy a lovely shrub and place it in the wrong spot, forget to water it and wonder why it dies. Sometimes, they want to cut down a shrub because they think it’s too big or straggly, but once we prune it, shape it or move it they realise it offers the children a great den or a climbing space.

Why are gardens so important for children?

I love the interest they take in seeing the plant develop. They remember my name, and when I arrive they all crowd around asking what we are going to plant today, whether I’ve seen the flowers, or telling me to look at the birds on our tree. It’s a really rich language and reminds me to make sure to bring something to engage them in conversation. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to get on and just do the weeding when I have a little crowd of mini gardeners following me everywhere!