The National Trust for Scotland’s school of heritage gardening celebrated another successful set of graduations last week, having gained practical hands on training and experience in the care of historic gardens and parklands.
NTS writes:
The National Trust for Scotland’s School of Heritage Gardening celebrated another successful season on Friday 15 August, as its latest crop of newly-qualified gardeners graduate from Threave Gardens, Pitmedden Gardens, Crathes Castle Gardens, Kellie Castle and Branklyn Garden.
The National Trust for Scotland’s School of Heritage Gardening celebrated another successful season on Friday 15 August, as its latest crop of newly-qualified gardeners graduate from Threave Gardens, Pitmedden Gardens, Crathes Castle Gardens, Kellie Castle and Branklyn Garden.
The graduation ceremony took place at 1pm on the lawns at Threave Garden, Castle Douglas.
A total of 6 students have just completed the Trust’s Certificate in Heritage Horticulture, also 2 have completed the 2nd year to gain the Diploma in Heritage Gardening; and are off to pursue further study or employment in the professional gardening world.
The placements provide students with the opportunity to train alongside highly skilled and experienced horticulturists who gave guidance and tutoring enabling students to gain the valuable skills needed for a career in professional horticulture.
Students have had the chance to live and train onsite in Threave Estate / Kellie Castle or Branklyn Garden for the past 50 weeks, learning about different aspects of practical gardening and gaining hands on experience in the cultivation and maintenance of the gardens and plant collections.
Co-ordinator of the School of Heritage Gardening, Chris Wardle said: ‘Good gardeners are in demand and we know that we produce well-qualified horticulturists with excellent practical experience. Spending a year at Threave or at the other sites is an excellent introduction into the world of heritage gardening and there are few organisations which can provide the breadth and range of experience that the National Trust for Scotland can.
‘We hope that these newly-qualified gardeners can put their skills to good use, caring for some of Scotland and the UK’s most impressive gardens.’ The good news is that many of our graduates go on to further study or directly into employment upon conclusion of their course, and many eminent careers in horticulture started with the School so we know we are turning out high-quality gardeners, with relevant skills.’
