Gardens appoint new director of operations
CARMARTHENSHIRE’S Aberglasney Gardens have appointed a new director of operations from across the pond.
Jim Stribling, who recently moved to the county from Miami, Florida, says he already feels at home at Aberglasney, near the village of Llangathen, especially in the Ninfarium with its tropical temperature and exotic plants.
Born and raised in Miami, Jim has arrived at Aberglasney with a formidable track record in horticulture and managing botanic gardens.
After graduating with a Batchelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Management from the University of Florida, he started his own plant nursery business with his sister.
They grew indoor tropical foliage plants and progressed to having an international presence, specialising in producing weeping fig trees.
After selling the business, Jim became the head grower of tropical fruit at Pine Island Nursery and then took on the position of manager at Redland Fruit and Spice Park, a botanic garden growing fruits, nuts and spices from the tropics.
Having married British chef Alison, who originated from Brighton, Jim and his wife moved to the UK in 2020 as both their children, James, 26, and Sarah, 24, had already made the move to England to study.
Jim and Alison live near St Clears, where he says he feels very much at home.
He said: “Having grown up in an idyllic rural area outside of Miami, I had thousands of acres at my disposal for my playground.
“My mum was a gardener and my dad wanted to live in the woods so I grew up with rabbits, chickens, horses and a passion for the outdoors.”
Jim added: “As soon as I arrived at Aberglasney I felt very much at home, especially in the Ninfarium as that’s the kind of humid atmosphere and the type of plants I was used to seeing every day back in Miami.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team at Aberglasney and getting to know our members.”
The 10-acre gardens, with an award-winning terrace cafe and shop, attract an average of 50,000 visitors every year and employ a staff of 16 in summer, helped by a small army of volunteer gardeners.
Peter Burgess, chairman of Aberglasney Gardens’ board of trustees, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jim to head up the team here at Aberglasney.
“Jim has not let the grass grow under his feet and has got to work straight away in getting to know the gardens and staff.
“His previous experience means he will be a huge asset to the future development of Aberglasney.”