A day in the life: Kirsty Wilson, gardener and TV presenter
We know that, usually, one of the best things about spring is getting back out and embracing nature, but for Kirsty Wilson, being outdoors is a year-round job. As a supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Kirsty manages a team of experts, students, and volunteers, and is responsible for the garden's herbaceous collection.
As well as being an award-winning garden designer, photographer, and a member of the RHS Herbaceous Committee, in 2019, Kirsty also went on to join BBC Scotland's Beechgrove series as a knowledgeable presenter. Here, Kirsty reveals what a typical day looks like for a plant aficionado (once normality resumes, of course)…
I set my alarm for…
6am on workdays! As RBGE Herbaceous Supervisor, I ensure my team of horticulturists are aware of the work plan for the day at 7.30am each morning. It's a year-round job that requires us to start early before the garden opens to the public.
My morning routine is…
Briefing my team. I always make sure to take time to tour the gardens while making a to-do list for the day. Watching the sunrise over Edinburgh from the garden is very special; I love the early birdsong. The Botanics boasts a living collection of plants from around the world, so almost daily, you can happen upon a new bloom.
I got my job…
By being passionate about plants! I have a degree in horticulture with plantsmanship and a diploma in garden design, and I try to use social media to inspire people about plants, connect them with nature, and to have a positive impact on the world. I previously worked for Prince Charles at Highgrove, was an international trainee at Longwood Gardens, America's top public garden, and I was responsible for 13 glasshouses at St Andrews Botanic Garden as glasshouse supervisor. Having varied experience under your belt always helps.
My typical day…
Honestly, no two days are the same. After directing the team, I might be in meetings, ordering garden materials, researching our plant collections, writing blogs, managing staff, leading a tour, or designing new areas in the garden. If I have time, you'll find me photographing the plants for our archives and social media.
My most memorable working day…
I have recently returned from my first seed collecting expedition in Yunnan, China. It was incredible to see the plants my team look after growing in the wild. Understanding plants in their native habitat helps us cultivate them here in Scotland for global conservation. It also felt great to be following in the footsteps of famous plant hunters like George Forrest and Ernest Wilson, who risked their lives to collect many of the plants in our gardens today.
The moment I feel most proud of…
Getting my current job, but also winning Gold, the People's Choice, and Best in Show awards at last year’s Gardening Scotland show.
The best part of my job is…
Inspiring the public, students, volunteers, and my team to be more understanding of plants and their importance in the world. With my job also comes the opportunity to travel, which I relish. Last year, I began a presenting role on BBC’s Beechgrove, the much-loved Scottish gardening programme. It's a new challenge for me, but I've really enjoyed bringing my passion for nature to a TV audience, as well as working alongside and learning from the show's established presenters.
The worst part of my job is…
The bad weather, which can affect my team's work plan. But then, it makes us appreciate the sunny days all the more.
After work, you'll find me…
At the gym or riding horses! I'm a country girl at heart.
My bedtime routine…
I'll finish the day with a bubble bath while listening to podcasts—they always help me unwind from a long day.
Catch Kirsty as she returns to our screens on Beechgrove on the BBC Scotland channel at 7.30pm from Thursday 16 April.