Applications have opened for Aberglasney’s 12-month student bursary scheme, where Students will spend the year in Aberglasney’s historic and diverse gardens gaining hands-on experience and being trained on all common UK garden tasks.
Aberglasney Gardens’ Director, Helen Scutt, said, “Our bursary scheme is fully funded and covers a wide range of subjects. It focuses on core horticultural practices including pruning techniques, plant husbandry, turf care and propagation whilst also giving a comprehensive insight into kitchen garden management, woodland garden maintenance and elements of both hard and soft landscaping.
“Since our gardens are ever evolving, we are often able to provide students with unique and valuable opportunities to participate in significant landscape projects. Recent examples include our re-development of the Upper Walled Garden and the Ninfarium, where students have been instrumental in their design and care.”
Aberglasney say that students will have regular contact with the Garden’s Director and the Assistant Head Gardener. A safe and supportive learning environment will be provided whilst allowing the students to learn first-hand from experienced professionals.
(Image: Aberglasney)
Amongst this year’s students is Freddy Fuller. Freddy, originally from Lancashire, came to study at Aberglasney after completing his HBGTP qualification at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. He worked in an independent houseplant shop in Bristol for four years which affirmed his love of plants. Whilst working he volunteered at Bristol Botanics in the glasshouses and gained his RHS Level 2 practical qualification.
Like many others, Freddy is training in horticulture as his second career. His original training was in visual arts, specifically illustration and graphic design, which he finds helpful when deciding how to make a garden look beautiful.
Freddy said, “Because my background is mostly in tropical plants, I’m really enjoying working in Abeglasney’s Ninfarium. It’s such an amazing and unique space. One of the best things about working at Aberglasney is being able to contribute to the future of a garden that many people visit and enjoy. I’d recommend the bursary to anyone looking to improve their knowledge and skills.”
The closing date for completed applications is 20 April 2025, with interviews set for May.
(Lead image: Aberglasney)
