INGER Collins, a dedicated volunteer at The Gibberd Garden, celebrated her 100th birthday on December 4th, 2025. Her decades of service and deep knowledge of the site are invaluable, especially as the Garden prepares for its annual Snowdrop Days in February 2026.

Born in 1925 in a large schoolhouse in rural Denmark, Inger’s family garden was always very much part of the house and, as such, well looked after. Wide doors opened out to the garden and parties would stretch onto the lawn surrounded by fruit trees. In the autumn, before cycling off to school, the children would pick apples for lunch. Fruit was also pickled and stored for the long winter months. And at harvest time Inger could often be found at the top of the tree!

After studying English at college in Copenhagen, Inger came to Britain on a cultural exchange in 1949.

Starting out in Southend, she settled in Harlow in 1960 with her husband, Ken Collins, and both became well-known head teachers in the area, Inger at The Downs and Ken at Kingsmoor.

Inger’s connection to the Gibberd Garden began when Ken became one of the original Trustees in 1995. The House and Garden, home of Sir Frederick Gibberd, Master Planner of Harlow, were facing budget cuts after Sir Frederick’s death in 1984. The establishment of the Trust was a crucial effort to save the Garden for the people of Harlow.

For decades, Inger has been central to the Garden’s success. She is a continuing source of knowledge regarding the history of the New Town, Sir Frederick, and the Garden’s renowned sculpture collection. 

Her contributions have been hands-on and varied: she has actively gardened and continues to do so; she served as a Steward, guiding visitors through the Gibberd Rooms; she acted on various committees; and has helped with fundraising and hospitality by making cakes, soup, and serving tea.

Inger celebrated her centennial on Tuesday, December 2nd, with fellow gardeners at a lunch in the Gibberd Garden Barn Tea Room. She was presented with a magnificent chocolate cake, a garden photograph album, and two pastel drawings in a specially created birthday card.

This February, visitors can admire the beauty of the grounds, including the results of Inger’s labours—ably assisted by professional Gardeners Matt and John and a team of volunteers—during the popular Snowdrop Days, which showcase the Garden’s stunning snowdrops and hellebores.

Visit the Garden: Snowdrop Days 2026

The Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Harlow
Sundays: February 1, 8, 15, 22 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Soup and bread will be available at lunchtime, followed by tea and cakes in the afternoon.
Wednesdays: February 4, 11, 18 from 2 pm to 4 pm
Tea and cakes will be served.

If you are interested in volunteering, see below for more details.