Horticulture students meet the King and Queen
June 20, 2023
Horticulture students meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Hazelbank Park
A selection of Horticulture staff and students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) were delighted to be invited along to the official opening of the Coronation Pleasure Gardens in Hazelbank Park on Wednesday 24th May. The lead designer of the project, celebrated garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, has a longstanding relationship with the college and has worked with and supported CAFRE Horticulture students over the years. Earlier this year, he visited Greenmount Campus to discuss the project as part of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s aim to create a Botanical Borough and gave students the opportunity to be involved in the construction of the garden.
Official proceedings began with the surprise Royal visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to officially open the garden as part of their first engagements in Northern Ireland. Their Majesties arrived at the picturesque garden, welcomed by a grand ceremony. Excitement filled the air as representative Horticulture students Anna McLoughlin (Ballymena), Holly Matthews (Ballymoney), Joshua Williamson (Broughshane) along with Horticulture staff Lori Hartman (Senior Lecturer) and Caithríona McCrudden (Lecturer) greeted Their Majesties, showcasing their involvement and learning from the garden.
The King and Queen took time with the students, who were in their element discussing sustainable horticulture practices, innovative horticulture techniques and the importance of environmental sustainability. The royal couple were genuinely delighted at the opportunities the creation of the garden had presented for CAFRE students. Anna McLoughlin was particularly lauded for her role as a key member of the landscaping team. Her work ethic and skills have even led to further opportunities to work with Diarmuid Gavin on additional projects this summer. Anna reflected on the day,
“To be a part of building this garden has been an eye-opening experience for me. Throughout my course I had opportunities to learn about hard landscaping, but working with Diarmuid and his team has helped me take it to the next level. And to meet the King and Queen after all the hard work we put into completing the garden on time – it is just so amazing!”
The King and Queen applauded their efforts, learning and encouraged them to keep up the excellent work.
Acknowledging the role played by the dedicated horticulture staff in shaping the student’s journey, King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed gratitude for the Borough Council’s commitment to education and forging connections within the industry.
Overall, the visit served as a day of inspiration and encouragement. Commendation to all involved in the development of this magical garden, especially the 40-plus CAFRE students and staff who took part in various ways.