Teacher’s masterclass (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Teacher’s masterclass

WHEN it comes to gardening in Hilmarton, there are few people who don't look up to Sharon Thomas.

Sharon Thomas relaxes in her garden which she built up from scratch in just over three years. (18880/01)

Mrs Thomas, 57, of Poynder Place, has built her stunning garden up entirely from scratch in just over three years.

There is now a variety of plants and trees and thriving wildlife.

The former horticulture teacher at the West Sussex College of Agriculture said she takes a great deal of pride in the garden.

"We've only been here three years and there was nothing when we came," she said. "We stripped the garden out and rebuilt it.

"We just put a lot in it. In the summer it's particularly pretty and we have a lot of people admiring it."

Mrs Thomas likes to make sure her garden incorporates a bit of everything and offers something more than the standard flowers, plants and trees.

"At this time of year a lot of gardens are dead, but I do like to keep bulbs going, so there's something throughout the year," she said.

"If there's an unusual variety of anything, that's what I tend to go for, not just the standard plants or trees.

"I've got a wildlife area, with camellias, winter honeysuckles and a pond full of frogs. I keep it for wildlife and it's all fenced off.

Mrs Thomas finds her garden great fun. "It's a great hobby," she said.

"The garden is just full of everything. There's not many plants around that you won't find something of the same variety in this garden. I get teased because there's so much in it. There's a lot of colour."

Mrs Thomas, who devotes as much of her spare time to working in her garden, is always keen to assist other people who are looking to learn.

She said: "I help other people with their gardens as well, not only just here, but other places. I'm always keen to encourage other people to go into gardening. Anybody who wants help, I will help them.

"It's very therapeutic, especially in times of trouble. There's nothing better than being able to go out and do some gardening.

Mrs Thomas said one of the most satisfying aspects of it is when people in the village stop and take the time to admire the garden.

"Everybody in the village knows we're very keen and they often say can they come and have a look," she said.

"I'm always pleased when I see somebody looking in.

"I don't feel it's an intrusion. I see them stopping and looking at the garden and I think that's nice, they're enjoying it too."