A team of Woodhead apprentices, working on the New Bolsover Model Village, have been building a volcano this week to house a rare species of plant.
The team is supporting Edwinstowe House-based gardening experts, Linda and Ray Heywood. The pair run Echium World, a business dedicated to working with this rare species of plant.
Echium World, holders of the National Collection of Echium, grow and supply plants including the Giant Tree Echium, E. pininana variety. Owner Linda Heywood started the micro business with her husband Ray in 2013. The couple supply plants to gardeners across the UK through their online shop, as well as at open days in the Echium Garden at Edwinstowe House in May.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is hosting a flower show at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire for the first time ever this year. Linda and Ray will be exhibiting in the floral marquee at the show, which will run from 7th to 11th June, displaying their ‘Echium Eruption’ design. It will feature a volcano, with Echiums growing inside the volcano and surrounded by artwork designed by local school children.
Linda invited the group of apprentices at the New Bolsover site to help her build her unique creation. They’ve been tasked with building the volcano that will house the Echiums. The team has been working hard to create the structure, under the watchful eye of Tony, their site manager.
Over the course of a two and half year contract, Woodhead Improve will carry out essential repairs and restore architectural features including windows and doors at the 194 Grade II listed properties in the New Bolsover Model Village.
As part of the scheme training and work experience opportunities will also be available to local young people, with six apprentices working on the project.
Once the design is created on site, Woodhead will support Linda to transport her garden design to Chatsworth. Having won a silver medal at RHS Hampton Court Flower show last year the couple are hoping to wow the judges again with their innovative display.
PHOTO CREDIT: The Photo of the Apprentices constructing the display has been kindly provided by Community Photographer Sarah Bennett.