Cambo Gardens
Location: Fife, Scotland
Website: Cambo Gardens website
Cambo Estate has been owned by the Erskine family since the late 1670s. The designed ‘picturesque’ landscape and associated formal gardens were developed in the latter half of the 18th century.
The 2.5 acre Walled Garden, home to extensive allium and rose collections, was established in the early 1800s and is unusual in having a sloping topography with the two east and west sides of the garden dropping gradually down to the Cambo Burn which intersects the whole garden along a north/south axis.
A contemporary cutting garden is in development, and the edible garden and orchard provides produce for the café and shop.
Cambo is well-known for its Plant Heritage national collection of snowdrops within the formal gardens and woodlands, as well as a collection of over 200 roses. The 19th century glasshouses were replaced in 2016 by a new custom-built Alitex range, which gives both productive propagation spaces and public displays.
A trainee based at Cambo will gain practical experience of working through the seasons as part of a team in a large garden, which includes a mix of ornamental and productive horticulture. Training will be given on various machinery including hedge-trimmers, compact tractors, mini-tractor with trailer, strimmers and an Atco pedestrian lawnmower.
Placements available: One
Staff numbers: x7 (5 full-time equivalent) horticulturists, 1 HBGTP trainee and 10-12 volunteers
Ease of access: 8.5 miles from St Andrews
Accommodation: Possibility of accommodation on Cambo Estate, to be discussed at interview.