Tree planting ceremony to thank generous boss
A magnolia tree was planted this week to thank the owner of a local company and his gardener for helping Marina Gardens to bloom.
Arun District Council was contacted by George Schlich, principal of Schlich Limited, last year with a proposal to sponsor a gardener to keep Marina Gardens in Littlehampton in shape.
Gardener Tom Bourne was duly employed to tidy up the shrub border and has kindly donated several plants and bulbs. Tom later also took on the hedge maintenance after impressing the Council’s Parks Team with the standard of his work.
George generously gifted a pair of Magnolia Grandifloras to Marina Gardens and three deciduous trees to Caffyns Field, green spaces which are both regularly enjoyed by him and his employees.
Councillor Terence Chapman, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “We have been bowled over by George’s
generosity and community spirit so decided to make the planting of the last magnolia tree into a ceremony by way of a thank you.
“We are looking forward to working with George and his gardener, Tom, on a replanting project this year at Marina Gardens to really maximise its potential.”
George said: “It’s been a real pleasure to see the fruits of Tom’s labour and we hope all who visit will enjoy the gardens - we have already received plenty of lovely comments from people living nearby.”