23 New HBGTP Graduates!
Friday 30th August saw 23 talented horticulturalists graduate from the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Program (HBGTP) at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
Sunshine and scones greeted the graduates and their families, industry professionals and representatives from the trainees’ placement gardens. The group enjoyed the opportunity to see an exhibition of the trainees’ work. Certificates were presented by English Heritage Chief Executive, Kate Mavor, with talks provided by Kate and EH Head of Gardens and Landscape, John Watkins. The day closed with a chance to walk around the Grade I Listed gardens at Wrest Park.
Those graduating have completed either a 1 or 2 year intensive heritage horticulture training course at a leading UK historic or botanic garden. Placement gardens ranged from Osborne House on the Isle of Wight to Oxford Botanic Gardens, to Bodnant in North Wales. The historic and botanic garden sector has long suffered from a shortage of skilled people to care for our most prestigious British gardens. Those graduating join over 250 others who have completed the scheme. The majority of graduates have already secured employment or are heading onto further training.
