If you've been to Ventnor Botanic Garden and enjoyed a tour of the attraction, you may already have met Jonyth Hill.

You would never have guessed, however, that this enthusiastic and spritely volunteer tour guide is 88 years old!

Today, a surprise party was held in her honour, to celebrate 30 years of volunteering, and she was presented with a huge bouquet of garden flowers, and a certificate.

Staff and Friends of Ventnor Botanic Garden attended to give her a huge round of applause, and speeches were made about her utter devotion to the garden she knows so well.  

Isle of Wight County Press: Jonyth Hill, 88, enjoyed a surprise party for 30 years of volunteering at Ventnor Botanic GardenJonyth Hill, 88, enjoyed a surprise party for 30 years of volunteering at Ventnor Botanic Garden (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Isle of Wight County Press: Jonyth Hill with Ventnor Botanic Garden curator Chris Kidd.Jonyth Hill with Ventnor Botanic Garden curator Chris Kidd. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

She's not retiring - she's still got plenty of tours around the garden left in her and remains there by popular demand!

Curator Chris Kidd said Jonyth was there to support him from his very first day on site, and is like an Auntie to him.

She has organised open days, plant sales, workshops, and plant auctions.

Jonyth, of Niton, paid tribute to her late husband John, who used to be by her side at the garden.

She also paid tribute to the staff who are "her support" and promised to "keep going as long as I possibly can".

The County Press asked Jonyth for her three top tips for keen gardeners out there.

She gave this sterling advice.

1) Go out into the garden and enjoy what you've got and really appreciate it.

2) If you are not feeling up to a bit of gardening, go and do it anyway, and it will make you feel better.

3) Volunteer. It's full of laughs and very social.