Ben Middleton

2025/26 RHS Interchange Fellow on placement from the UK to the USA

My first two months at Longwood have been a whirlwind of new plants, people and gardens, and I love it! I’ve seen the seasons change in the conservatories from summer tropicals to the largest Chrysanthemum display outside of Asia, and on to preparations for Christmas. The enormous Victoria waterlilies I hybridised in September have died back and the tropical Nymphaea have been moved indoors as the warm days of summer fade into the amazing reds and oranges of autumn, or fall as I am learning to say. Meanwhile, spring is already on our minds as I helped to plant some of the hundred thousand bulbs that await us in the new year.

Outside the gardens I am just beginning to understand the scale of the USA and the greatest challenge is working out how to visit everywhere I’ve been recommended in just one year.

Thankfully, we are right in the garden capital of the country and I’ve already been lucky to visit the wonderful gardens at Chanticleer, Brooklyn Botanic, Mount Cuba and more. I was even invited to judge the plant displays at a local country fair, which was quite an introduction to the local culture.

As soon as the Christmas displays have been installed, I am changing gear and moving into Greenhouse Production. The space age glass houses are a far cry from my previous experience, but I am eager to learn how the magic happens behind the scenes. Meanwhile, I am planning my trips around the country, with the first to Arizona in March, timed to catch the best of the spring desert blooms.

Get involved

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.