Hattie Moore

2023/24 GCA Interchange Fellow on placement from the UK to the USA

I have been welcomed warmly to Longwood Gardens by staff and students. With an interest in plants in common, it is easy to make friends. I am part of a larger group of international interns at Longwood, with eight of us from all over the world. 

My work rotations started with planting trees and herbaceous perennials in the Hillside Garden, putting up Christmas lights in the meadow and planting 250,000 bulbs along Flower Garden Drive.  It was tiring work but an excellent way to make friends and get tips for things to see and places to go in the area.

This was followed by ripping out the chrysanthemum display and installing the Christmas display in the Conservatory. It was hard work, great fun and the display was incredible. The horticulturists at Longwood work all year to plan and execute the Christmas display and it is impressive. 

Outside of Longwood, I have been getting to know the local area, from seeing carnivorous plants in the New Jersey Pine Barrens to the wetlands in Delaware, autumn colour and native plants in the Pocono Mountains to exploring museums in Philadelphia. I have also visited private gardens in The Berkshires in Massachusetts and watched sword fighting at a Renaissance fair. On Thursdays, we go on trips to local arboretums and gardens. My favourites so far are Mt Cuba Center and Chanticleer garden.

Mid-term report

Hattie is halfway through his fellowship. Hattie's mid-term report describes the experiences she has gained across the different teams at Longwood Gardens. 

Download Hattie's report

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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.