National Trust gardeners at Trelissick have grown used to ending the day with "Sayonara" since Tomoe Enokida joined their ranks.

The 29-year-old from Tokyo is working with the team to learn about English gardening, having come here from the Agricultural Ministry in Japan where she researches biological pest and disease control.

While she extends her already capable English her fellow gardeners are learning some Japanese which will be useful when meeting visitors to the garden, many of whom come from Tomoe's home country.

Currently fascinated by the huge varieties of plants at Trelissick, Tomoe is also at home with the wide variety of camellias and azaleas which originate from Japan. One of these is a fine specimen of Japanese conifer (Cryptomeria Japonica) now over 100 years old.

Head gardener Barry Champion, who has been host-cum-boss to a number of student gardeners over the years, including those from Germany, Italy, France, Holland and Ireland, says everyone is enjoying her company.

"The Japanese are extremely polite," he said, "and we are learning good social skills from her as well as becoming very good at pidgin English!"

As a result of Tomoe's visit, he is hoping for closer horticultural links with Japan and possibly receiving some seeds of interesting plant varieties.

The trust, he said, relies heavily on volunteers for all aspects of the garden work.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Chris Curtis, property manager on 01872 862090. The trust provides clothing, equipment and accommodation for long-term helpers.