Bye to Ben

A lovely evening at YorkGate to say goodbye to Ben the head gardener who is leaving for a new venture.
Under his five year tenure there has been a huge expansion to the original one acre garden when the farm house next door was turned into a cafe, a carpark was built and a sunken Mediterranean garden created.
Next Spring he is going to open his own plant nursery in Huby, in the former home and garden of the late Joe Maiden, a renowned gardener from this area.
Ben will be so missed, he is one gorgeous guy who has great vision the most amazing people skills.
He provided a fabulous barbecue for over a hundred volunteers and the handful of staff who all help in the running of this magical place.
The event was held at the top of the meadow which was looking beautiful in the evening light, little hints of autumn are appearing, no doubt brought forward by this spell of dry weather.