The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses

The Gardens were established in 1832, designed by J.C. Loudon in an English gardenesque style. The Gardens have links with Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson who was trainee here at the beginning of his career.

The botanical collections consist in 7000 taxa and have a focus on economically important plants, phytogeographical areas and alpine planting. There are also two national collections (Cyclamen species and bonsai).

Relevant features and areas of specialisations are: four different glasshouse ranges (tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid); historic Backhouse Rock Garden; and a variety of garden’s rooms and styles distributed in 15 acres.

As a trainee in the Gardens, you will be trained in botanical and ornamental approaches; outdoor and indoor gardening; propagation techniques; plant database management; and use of machinery and power tools. On-site educational facilities include a library, archives and a horticultural college (providing City & Guild and RHS certificates).

Placement opportunity: 1 year

Staff numbers: 7 full-time gardeners; 14 garden volunteers; and 12 bonsai volunteers (Friends of the National Bonsai Collection).

Ease of access: Five Ways railway station is 20 minutes’ walk away. Birmingham New Street railway station is approximately 20 minutes away by bus. Birmingham International Airport is 40 minutes’ drive away.

Accommodation: No dedicated accommodation available.