We’re at the start of Volunteers Week (1-7 June), an annual celebration of volunteers who give their time to help their communities.

At Armadale we have been blessed to have a number of garden volunteers donating their time to us. In a 40-acre garden, volunteers are key to helping us transform the gardens. They have been involved in all sorts of activities from the creation of the ‘Great Wall of Armadale’ at the herbaceous border to creating our plant labels and getting stuck in with weeding, planting and improving the grounds. We are very grateful to all those past and present who have bought their expertise and enthusiasm to the team.

Two of our current staff members, Isabel and Rosemarie, started as volunteers and now find themselves being paid for their hard work.

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and help support the Clan Donald Lands Trust as we move forward in our 50^th year. We asked some of our past and present volunteers a few questions to share their experience…

Isabel

• Why did you start volunteering at Armadale Castle Gardens? I’d always wanted to work in an established  garden that has a large and varied collection of trees and plants. Armadale certainly has that and, like most gardens of its stature, needs all the help it can get.
• What is the best thing about volunteering at Armadale? You learn and experience so much from being outdoors and working on different tasks. It’s so beautiful to see how the garden is constantly changing throughout each season.
• What would you say to others who are thinking of volunteering within the gardens? If you love plants, or would like to learn more about gardening, you’re looking for some good company, a healthy workout and a breath of fresh air, come and volunteer at Armadale !

Gareth 

• Why did you start volunteering at Armadale Castle Gardens? I saw a posting online asking for volunteers. My initial enquiry was responded to in days and I’d started within a week. The whole interaction was positive and welcoming, and appreciative of my offer to volunteer.
• What is the best thing about volunteering at Armadale? The team are so welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. They are grateful for the time you give and involve you in all aspects of the garden. You can do us much or little as you feel able in the garden. You’re made to feel a part of the team which extends to being issued with the ‘uniform’ – all part of feeling included and valued.
• What would you say to others who are thinking of volunteering within the gardens? Get in touch. You’ll learn loads, make friends and have fun along the way!

Rosemarie

• Why did you start volunteering at Armadale Castle Gardens? I enjoy being outdoors, I enjoy gardening and being new to the area I wanted to meet people and make friends. Every time I am in the garden, I find something new. All plants are different and change with the seasons, the weather and their stage of growth, for example, appearing out of the ground, flowering and regenerating through seeds.
• What is the best thing about volunteering at Armadale? I enjoy the flexibility of the role and the pooling of ideas to improve the gardens as a team.
• What would you say to others who are thinking of volunteering within the gardens? The garden staff will be delighted to work with you.

We love our volunteers! If you would like to support the maintenance and development of the gardens at Armadale Castle, or get involved in our Museum, see our volunteer page for further information.

Let’s celebrate this volunteers week.