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First Woman Gardener Takes Helm at Historic Topiary Garden
15 Nov
Summary
- Gillian Boyle is the first woman appointed head gardener in 332 years.
- Levens Hall garden holds the Guinness World Record for oldest topiary.
- Boyle transitioned from geography teacher to pursue her primary passion.
Gillian Boyle has made history as the first woman appointed to lead the gardens at Levens Hall in its 332-year existence. This prestigious estate, located near Kendal in Cumbria, is renowned for holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest topiary garden.
Boyle, who previously worked as a secondary school geography teacher, has returned to her "primary passion" for horticulture. She trained in the field seeking more outdoor work and has since moved onto the estate, expressing her delight with the position.
Levens Hall welcomed Boyle by immediately tasking her with overseeing the annual trim of over 100 topiary trees, including ancient Umbrella Trees and a significant beech hedge, highlighting her immediate integration into crucial garden operations.
