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The task of sending out the first correspondence after Beth passed away, is a difficult one. We were devastated by her loss but to see the reaction across social media and in the press has been hugely comforting to me, and I hope to all who knew her.
Tributes have been paid to her all over the world, and now, during the Chelsea Flower Show, we will also see her mentioned in a special edition about influential plantswomen, on Wednesday, BBC1.
We have been hugely touched and comforted by all the messages of love and support we've received, and take solace in the fact that her legacy will live on through her gardens and nursery, her books and the Beth Chatto Education Trust, established to inspire the next generation of gardeners.
A number of people have asked me whether the Gardens can and will continue without her. And my answer? That is exactly what she had planned and hoped for. Beth wanted everyone to experience the enjoyment and satisfaction that gardening and having a garden can give. It was her life's work to spread the love of plants.
She has taught and inspired so many people, and it is up to us to continue her work. As caretakers of the Gardens, David Ward, Gerard Page, and myself along with the incredible team here, will strive to ensure that this becomes a place of horticultural excellence with training, beautiful gardens and a visitor experience that all will cherish, just as Beth would have wanted.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Gardens soon: perhaps during Chelsea week which will last until 27th May, to see the Chelsea-style recreation of one of Beth's gold medal-winning Chelsea exhibits.
Yours faithfully,
Julia Boulton, Managing Director and Beth's granddaughter
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Events & courses run by the Beth Chatto Education Trust
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