BOWOOD Estate is confident its new head gardener Charlotte Hart will blossom in her new role.

Mrs Hart, 28, of Derry Hill, who has worked at Bowood for two years, is one of the youngest ever in charge of the 300-year-old gardens.

She takes over from Dougie Morse, who worked at the estate for more than 40 years, and has semi-retired to Devon.

Mrs Hart who ran her own gardening business said: "It was a bit of a shock. I knew my work was appreciated and had been noticed, but I was not expecting it.

"Lord Lansdowne has confidence in me and thinks I can do it, but we both think it's a brave decision."

She studied at Cannington College, in Somerset, and did her work placement at Bath University working with a team of 12 men.

She went on to work as a potting supervisor and quality controller specialising in varieties of herbaceous perennials and alpines at West Kington Nursery.

Last April she was appointed manager of Bowood's six glasshouses.

Mrs Hart said: "There are a few areas in the garden, which need a little loving care.

"Otherwise I want to carry on keeping the gardens looking as wonderful as they do."

She will have four gardeners working for her to manage the two acres of gardens open to the public, including the famous Italianate terraces.

She will also be responsible for the four acres of Lord Lansdowne's private gardens on the estate.