Meet our Team - Luciana Skidmore

• How long have you worked for Amgueddfa Cymru and what do you like most about your job?

I started in St. Fagans as a garden volunteer in 2018 and in 2019 I became a WRAG Trainee – a scheme supported by the Friends of Amgueddfa Cymru. This experience ignited my passion for gardening and inspired me to change career. I had previously worked in education and sales management but had no experience in horticulture. I was very fortunate to start my practical horticultural training in St. Fagans in 2019, with Ceri Goring as my mentor. I achieved the RHS level 2 and 3 Certificates in Horticulture and received the WLCoW Apprentice Award in 2021. I started working as a part-time Garden Conservator in 2022.

What I most like about my job is the opportunity to learn something new every day. I love learning about horticulture, nature, history, and the Welsh language.

• What typical day at work look like for you?

I am responsible for the Italian Garden and involved in the planting and maintenance of areas of the Castle gardens such as Dutch Garden, Herb Garden, herbaceous borders, pumpkin patch, dried flowers and plant nursery. I grow vegetables and herbs in the gardens of historic houses and support with the planting, pruning and maintenance of fruit trees across the site. I am also part of the Sustainability Team in St. Fagans. I am involved in raising awareness and finding solutions to environmental issues that we currently face. Besides gardening I am very passionate about visitor experience. I enjoy sharing information about plants and the history of the gardens, leading guided tours, writing blog articles for the Museum website and creating seasonal fruit and vegetable displays with produce that we grow.

• What is your favourite exhibition / item within Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection and why?

I love to observe how the Castle Gardens change through the seasons. From Winter to Autumn, there is so much transformation in colour, texture, fragrance, and sounds, a true indulgence for the senses! I am really pleased to see how the gardens have evolved and improved in recent years.  From all the historic buildings Kennixton farmhouse is my favourite. I love the iconic red colour to protect against evil spirits, the barn where we display our seasonal fruit and vegetables, and the Orchard that provides a bountiful apple harvest that is used to produce our apple juice.

• What are your hobbies or interests outside work?

Gardening! I grow flowers and raise chickens in my urban garden, and I grow vegetables and fruits in my allotment. Besides gardening I enjoy reading, cooking, and learning Welsh. I have been learning Welsh for over 2 years. I will start the Intermediate level next September. Dw i wrth fy modd yn dysgu Cymraeg! In summer months I enjoy going for a swim in the sea. There are so many beautiful beaches in Wales.