First woman becomes Levens Hall head gardener in 332-year history

A former geography teacher has become the first woman to helm a garden in its 332-year history.

Levens Hall, near Kendal, Cumbria, holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest topiary garden and has only employed 11 head gardeners since its creation in 1694.

Gillian Boyle is now the 12th and said being the first woman to take on the role was not a big deal, but still good news.

She said she returned to her “primary passion” of gardening and trained in horticulture because she wanted to spend more time outside, and has now moved into a cottage on the estate having taken on “the best job ever”.

Boyle said: “I first visited Levens Hall more than 10 years ago, and was very impressed by it, particularly the topiary which is wonderful.

“When the job came up, I thought I’d go for it, give it a try.

“The person before me was there for 40 years, so it’s not one you get a chance to go for very often.”

Although she is the first woman to become head gardener in Levens Hall’s history, she said it was “not a big deal”.

“I’ve been lucky to work with lots of incredible women in horticulture,” she said.

“Many of them have been head gardeners, so I’m not special in any way, but this is still a good thing.”