University of Arkansas Student joins Explorers Team

We are pleased to announce that Corey Lacey (pictured) has joined the Explorers Garden, Pitlochry on work experience from the University of Arkansas where he is studying Soil Science. "I am very excited to be here, as this is a great chance for me to learn more about Scotland's plants, practices and people, as well as soil and gardening in a different climate."

Corey is pictured with some of the 11 giant Lilly's (Cardiocrinum giganteum) that are coming into bloom in the Explorers Garden. This is a rare sight as these Lilly's can grow up to 15ft!

He adds "I'm really grateful to the Diana Aitchison Fund (The Scottish Rock Garden Club) for the grant I received and Dr Ray Barclay, who organised the placements for the College Global Studies Programme as well as Julia Corden (Explorers Garden Manager) for this unique opportunity. I'd also like to thank Pitlochry in Bloom, who have arranged for me to visit other places in Scotland including Rothiemuirs, Ben Nevis, Glencoe and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh."

Explorers Garden will be one of 14 gardens open under Pitlochry in Bloom's "Garden Open Day" this Sunday August 1st. Tickets for this special day cost only £4 and are available from Pitlochry Tourist Office and all participating Gardens, together will a full programme of events. Always popular, this is a great day out for garden and plant lovers, all in aid of charity. Your day ends in fine style at the Atholl Palace Hotel where you'll enjoy a well deserved Pimm's by the pond.