Centenary Talk: The Changing Seasons at Munstead Wood

Annabel Watts, Head Gardener, Mustead Wood

Annabel was working as a secretary/PA in London for 25 years when, in 2002 she
decided to stop commuting and look for a local part time job without so much
responsibility.
Looking through the Surrey Advertiser in February 2002, there was nothing of
interest under the heading SECRETARIAL but her eye was drawn to a small ad under
HORTICULTURE which said:
‘Part time gardener required. No experience necessary.’
Annabel rang the local number and she was invited for an interview at Munstead
Wood that afternoon. Four days later she was reporting for work.
She considers the first 11 years as her apprenticeship and 13 years ago she was
appointed head gardener.
The short advert Annabel answered 24 years ago has completely changed her life!