Case Studies
The HBGTP gives trainees the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress their careers. Like Jacky who won the Aberglasney’s 2022 Student Bursary; and Claire who became the National Trust’s first ever horticultural scholar.
Read more about how our trainees arrived on the scheme, and how it has opened doors for them…
From HBGTP trainee to Senior Plantsman
Aaron Belcher completed his 12-month HBGTP placement at Tregothnan before successfully landing his new role as Senior Plantsman. He shares his experience and highlights below. Why did you choose the HBGTP, potentially over other training…
From Aldourie to Germany
Genevieve Slater has spent her 12-month placement working in the beautiful gardens at Aldourie Castle, during which time she was given the opportunity to visit a number of interesting gardens in Germany, all thanks to…
“The HBGTP ticked all the boxes for me” Jacqueline Hall
Jacqueline Hall completed her 12 month HBGTP placement at Ness Botanic Gardens before becoming Aberglasney’s 2022 Student Bursary winner. She shares her experiences and highlights of her placement below. Why did you choose the HBGTP,…
Helen’s passion for historic gardens
Helen Lindley shares how her interest in historic gardens and her desire for a career in horticulture lead to her applying for the HBGTP. Helen completed her 12 month placement at Chatsworth House. Why did…
Ellis loved the whole year!
Ellis Gant completed his 12 month HBGTP placement at Osborne on the Isle of Wight. He shares his experience of his placement below: Why did you choose the HBGTP, potentially over other training avenues? It…
“It has set me on a new path” Daniel Liston, Wrest Park
Daniel Liston shares his experience of training with the HBGTP, his interest in horticulture and his future career aspirations. Why did you choose the HBGTP, potentially over other training avenues? Following my decision to explore…
Helena Dove appointed as Senior Gardener at Myddelton House Gardens
Graduating HBGTP trainee Helena Dove has now started work as Senior Gardener in her host garden, Myddelton House. She outlines her plans for the garden in this article in Hort Week.
Dene Wood becomes Head Gardener at Holkham Hall
Dene completed his one year placement at Chatsworth House (2011-12) and went onto take up a full time post in Chatsworth gardens team. He then joined the 12 strong garden team at Holkham Hall in…
Lawrence Wright wins Young Horticulturist of the Year
Ex-HBGBee Lawrence Wright wins Young Horticulturist of the Year. Lawrence completed his one year HBGBS placement at Chatsworth House (2013-14) and went on to undertake the Wisley Diploma. This is the third time Lawrence has…
Helen Silver: Knows Her Onions
It’s a while since Helen completed her 6 month placement at The World Garden Lullingstone Castle. Now her training and patience has paid off – she’s found the perfect role! “When I completed my placement…
Jonny Bruce’s International Adventures
Jonny is our HBGTP trainee at Great Dixter (2014-16). He has certainly made the most of his time there! “The HBGTP has given me the opportunity to spend two years working in one of the…
Jenny Raffety – Smelling of Violets!
Jenny was our HBGBS trainee at Cambo in Scotland (2013-14). Jenny’s interest in alpines helped her to win the Alpine Specialist, a 1 year position at RHS Wisley. Jenny has now bagged a prize job…
Tamara Bridge wins RHS Young Garden Designer of the Year 2015
Congratulations to Tamara, who won the award for her iconic English garden design at Tatton Park Flower Show. Tamara credits the HBGBS with kickstarting her career in horticulture. She discusses her route from her placement…
James English – Success in Young Horticulturist of the Year
Congratulations to James on becoming the Eastern region’s Young Horticulturist of the Year!
Trainee Karen scoops job at the Hurlingham Club
HBGBS Trainee Karen has landed a job at the internationally renowned Hurlingham Club, “one of Britain’s greatest private member clubs”.
Frances moves onto Brodie Castle
After a hugely successful year at Threave, HBGBS Trainee Frances looks forward to her new job at Brodie Castle in Moray.
Trainee Rosie at Ness Botanic Gardens
Rosie was a contestant for Young Horticulturist of the Year, and wants to stay at Ness Botanic Gardens for as long as she can.
Nicola Starkey’s Himalayan adventure
Nicola Starkey didn’t exactly know where her HBGBS training would take her, but never imagined it would be to The Himalayas with a group of super-fit pensioners.
Nereida moves onto Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
On completion of her placement at Myddleton House, Nereida accepted a gardening post at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. She started work the very next week.
Eve Worrall’s travel adventures after placement
Following her placement, HBGBS Trainee Eve Worrall has travelled the world around the world, putting her training to good use.
Craig Finlay’s award-winning work
Following a successful year at Branklyn Gardens, the work that HBGBS trainee Craig Finlay carried out led to a Pitlochry in Bloom Award. Here he talks about overhauling a care home garden. “After completing my…
Tom Upton says that the HBGBS opens doors
According to Myddleton House trainee Tom Upton, taking part in the HBGBS can open doors for budding horticulturalists.
Naomi Watt – from New Zealand to Buckinghamshire
After her HBGBS placement, Naomi gained an RHS Bursary to study in New Zealand. Now she’s back in Buckinghamshire.
Corin Golding placed at Eden Project
HBGBS Trainee Corin Golding has been placed at one of the World’s most remarkable gardening attractions, the Eden Project.
Joanne Parker Escapes the Dispensary
Following nearly 10 years as a pharmacist, HBGBS trainee Joanne decided to break out of the dispensary and work among beautiful landscapes.
Kate Evans – from allotment to Chatsworth House
HBGBS Trainee Kate Evans became interested in horticulture as a career from working on her allotment. Through the HBGBS, she gained a placement at Chatsworth House.
Daniel Pretlove working at the Chelsea Physic Garden
Two years after HBGBS Trainee Daniel Pretlove was picking up rubbish in Kensington, he’s in charge of 10 glasshouses and over 5000 species of plants.
Eve Worrall day-dreamed of a job growing plants
“I was working in an office and spent my time staring out the window watching an old man potter around his immaculate allotment…how great it would be if I could get paid to work outside and grow stuff!”
Angela Simpson turned her passion into a profession
Hampton Court Trainee Angela Simpson’s eureka moment came when she realised she could turn her passion for gardening into her profession.
