Libby Bettney

2024/25 GCA Interchange Fellow on placement from the UK to the USA


My first few months at Longwood Gardens have flown by. I am one of seven international interns, and we are part of a larger community of students all living on a row of several houses. I have already worked in three different sections of the garden, starting outside in the ornamental Kitchen Garden, working with many new vegetables such as cucamelons (Melothria scabra) and tomatillos (Physalis philadelphica).


I then moved on to helping with the huge task of laying out and planting over one hundred thousand spring bulbs. This work took place in October, a record breaking month as not a drop of rain fell in the thirty one days. I am currently working in the conservatories, helping with the Christmas displays and installations as part of a large team. All this work has taken place with the backdrop of the brand-new West Conservatory opening too! The conservatories have opened my eyes to a new world of tropical plants which I am enjoying learning about. 


Starting at the same time as the other international interns means we are all in the same position, eager to explore the area together and help each other out whenever needed. Amongst other outings we have been to Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC as well as a hike up Hawk mountain. My first trip to explore the gardens of America is rapidly coming over the horizon, I am off to California for the week, but first I have Thanksgiving to look forward to.  

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.