About
Simon Goodenough (1955-2025)
Simon Goodenough was the inspirational Curator of Ventnor Botanic Garden from 1986 to 2011 who masterminded the transformation of VBG to showcase regional collections of Mediterranean flora from around the world.
After Ventnor, Simon became Curator of The National Botanic Garden of Wales and later the Estate Manager of Folly Farm in Berkshire. You can read more about Simon here.
In recognition of Simon’s huge achievements and influence, and with his family’s endorsement, the Trustees of VFWH have established The Simon Goodenough Bursary Scheme to assist Island residents looking towards a career in horticulture.
The Bursary Scheme has three different levels from small grants up to substantial scholarships in order to reach the widest number of applicants keen to advance their horticultural careers and raise their level of expertise. It is open to anyone aged 16 or over and thus can include people considering a career change later in life.
Conrad's Story
Several years ago, some Friends supported Conrad, who started by volunteering at VBG, to go to Sparshalt College to study Arboriculture. He is now a valued member of the team at the splendid Thenford garden and arboretum in Oxfordshire. Conrad is a loyal member of the Friends and regularly keeps in touch.
We hope that our bursary scheme will lead to many more success stories like Conrad’s.
