A FORMER gardener at Gilbert White’s House in Selborne has had a bench unveiled in his honour.

David Standing retired from his role as head gardener at Gilbert White and The Oates Collections in May of this year.

The bench marks his 38 years of service to the garden.

He said: “It really was part of me for so many years. What I really enjoyed was working with staff and volunteers.

“It was so nice to meet so many characters. In gardening, everyone seems to be happy.

“I think the bench is magnificent. I’ll come and sit on it from time to time and hopefully it will be interesting to people.”

Marketing manager Kimberley James said: “David’s infectious enthusiasm for the garden and his charisma has inspired visitors, staff and volunteers over the past few decades.

“David was delighted to see so many friendly faces from over the past 30 years show their faces in support.

“The amount of people who were able to come and the host of well wishers are very much a testament to how loved David is amongst the team at Gilbert White’s House and how much the museum and garden team look forward to him returning periodically.”

Rose Malyon, garden manager, added: “I first visited Gilbert White’s garden more than 30 years ago and met a very erudite and enthusiastic young man whose passion for this garden was an inspiration.

“Later, I?became a volunteer and I soon began to share that passion.

“What I remember most is how much we laughed, even at David’s dreadful puns and we were laughing so much we almost forgot about the sheer impossibility of keeping up with a garden of this size.”