There are lots of people who help to make Gardening Leave tick and each month we will feature one of them so that the Friends can get to know a bit more about what they do at Gardening Leave and why they do it.

To find out more about the people behind Gardening Leave, then please go to the charity’s website

Meet the Chief Executive

Name:  Heather Budge-Reid

What was your background before you come to Gardening Leave:

25 years in the not-for-profit sector, focussed on aid work particularly the public health and hospital sector in Africa, a lot of fundraising, organisational development and field work. Also the last 2 years I’ve ran a small gardening company.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening, Reading, art and craft and my cats.

Explain what your role is at Gardening Leave

Its only day 8!

What to you is the best part of the job?

Every moment of the day is different – a bit like gardening! The staff, veteran, volunteers, supporters and donors.

And the worst part? (If there is any!!!)

Starting work at 7.30 in the morning!

What to you makes all the hard work worthwhile?

Knowing all the good we do, knowing horticultural therapy works!

Best/Favourite Gardening Leave moment? 

Coffee in the morning with the Auchincruive staff made by Stevie (Our Stovehouse supervisor) then having a walk in the gardens, discussing plans for the organisation

What would you like to see happen to Gardening Leave in the future?

Careful growth of course, there are so many more veterans to reach.

Finally some up your time at Gardening Leave in a few short words

Inspiring, hectic, wonderful – Day 8!