HOME + GARDEN
MEET THE GARDENER
LEE KEELER
Head of Grounds at Benenden School
ONE OF THE LEADING INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN THE UK , BENENDEN SCHOOL IS SET IN 250 STUNNING ACRES AND IS FRESH FROM APPEARING AS THE FILMING LOCATION FOR THE LATEST SERIES OF JUNIOR BAKE OFF .
Where did your interest in gardening begin ?
I always saw myself as working outdoors rather than behind a desk , I started out greenkeeping at a golf course and then pursued the landscape gardening route , before ending up here .
Where did you study ?
I studied agricultural engineering at South Kent College in Ashford , which led me to an apprenticeship at Culverwells , where I was effectively working in sales and mechanics . When I decided I wanted to work outdoors more , I moved to Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Course .
How long have you worked here ?
I am employed by Bailey Grounds Management and have been head of grounds at Benenden School for eight years . The time has gone remarkably quickly – there ’ s always plenty to do on a site this large !
What appealed to you about working here ?
Living only five miles away , I was aware of the school and its status – and of course its grounds . When I saw the job being advertised it was one of those where you think ‘ I may as well have a go for that ’. I ’ m so glad I did .
What ’ s your favourite part of the garden ?
The ‘ garden ’ is 250 acres ! The school operates on approximately 80 acres but we take care of the whole site . My favourite parts are the more formal areas such as the Rear Terrace – that ’ s the side of the main building you typically see in photos – and the beautiful Rose Garden , which my team and I are currently working hard to restore to its Victorian glory .
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