I WOULD like to address the article on the Ventnor Botanic Garden in last week’s County Press (CP online, 03-08-22).

Firstly, it is disappointing to see such an article timed during what is a supposed to be a busy summer for the garden. 

This is publicity that is most certainly not needed at a time when many organisations, including VBG, have gone through the challenges of Covid-19.

We visited during both lockdowns with friends, purchasing a joint membership. The gardens were a world away from the draconian rules placed on society. 

When restrictions were lifted for being indoors, we explored the Victorian greenhouse and were amazed with what was inside.

The garden is a fantastic attraction on the Isle of Wight. We are fortunate to have such a space like this for wannabe horticulturalists. 

The plant selection is second to none and I like the fact they are adapting and trialling new methods due to climate change.

There seems to be this sense of entitlement for those who hark back to a time when ‘the garden was free’ — an attitude which is both unhelpful and unwarranted.

While the garden is a community interest company, it is also a business, which not only relies on volunteers but needs paid members of staff to keep it going. 

It is no longer funded by taxpayers’ money and unfortunately the move away from public to private will always be jarring for those who work/ed there.

While it’s impossible to know what discussions have taken place behind the scenes, it does seem a shame that the collaborative spirit of trying to make things work between volunteers and the owner has been lost, with the need to contact the County Press to expose what’s happened.

At a time when many businesses are struggling, it seems sad and ill-timed that those linked with the garden felt the need to do this. 

I will continue to support VBG as a customer — it’s a fantastic asset for the Island and one that should be fully supported as they head in a new direction.

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