5 June 2020
Lockdown life in Kew’s glasshouses
Go behind the scenes with Kew Conservatories Manager Scott Taylor to get a peek of lockdown life in the Gardens.
Though the Gardens were closed to visitors during part of lockdown, things have been busier than ever for our working horticultural staff.
Scott Taylor, Conservatories Manager, tells us what life was really like when Kew's gates were closed.
Tell us about lockdown life at Kew...
It’s been quite busy! With all the warm weather, we have had to do a lot of watering, feeding, and pest and disease control to keep plants going during this time.
Five members of staff across the three teams I manage were furloughed, so those who are still working are having to do a lot more.
We have also had less students, apprentices or specialist certificates, and no volunteers to help. Our horticulturists have really had their work cut out.
What has it been like working in visitor-free Gardens?
It’s been odd seeing the Gardens and glasshouses empty at what is usually a busy time of year.
But I feel lucky to have been here in the beautiful Gardens and to witness some great blooms.
This time has also allowed us to get some essential work done that can be tricky with visitors around.
For example, we have carried out repairs to the vent system in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. This was able to be completed during the day as opposed to the norm of after hours.
Have you learnt any lessons?
Yes, at the early stages of lockdown I had a steep learning curve regarding staff management as some of my other senior colleagues were off site.
I went from managing three teams to managing nine.
Many questions had to be asked and discussions took place about individual cases, safety on site, staff travel, added help for teams, and social distancing.
I also learned to make hand sanitiser which was interesting!
What were the biggest changes from normal horticultural life?
Safe working when considering social distancing was tricky, notably for tasks involving ladder work and the derig of the orchid festival where some jobs typically need to have two or more people working in close proximity.
However, the teams have all been flexible and great at taking on different ways of working, making sure everything was done safely and in line with coronavirus guidance.
Tasks took a little longer than usual but the most important thing was to make sure everyone remained safe.
As an added duty, we have also been allocating time at the end of each day to sanitise common areas, as well as door handles, light switches and other contact surfaces.
What were the challenges?
Keeping on top of our workloads with reduced staff numbers has been a challenge.
The warm weather resulted in early pest and disease attacks, particularly aphids, which needed dealing with, as well as an increased need for irrigation.
The staff in each team have been excellent and put in so much effort rising to the challenges.
What were the positives of lockdown?
Hearing the birdsong and other sounds of nature with very few planes flying overhead was a big highlight.
Also, just being able to come into Kew was great as I know many have not been able to.
I live in a small flat and have no garden so to be able to have access to green space has been amazing. I have tried to explore the Gardens before and after work as much as possible.
I also cycle a lot at Kew as the teams I manage are spread out across the site. With very few people around it has made getting around much quicker.
What is the best part about the Gardens reopening?
The fact we can share the work we do with our staff and visitors is the best bit. I work in display so think it is vitally important for people to see the work we do.
At the moment the glasshouses remain closed for a little longer but I look forward to having visitors back in when it is safe for everyone to do so.
What are you most looking forward to when things return to normal?
Seeing family! Both my wife and I have our families abroad and have not seen them for months.
Though we may not see them in person for a few more months it will be great to travel abroad when restrictions are lifted, hopefully later this year.
