Picton Castle and Gardens
Location: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
Website: Picton Castle and Gardens website
Picton Castle dates to the 13th century and is surrounded by 60-acres of formal and informal gardens which host plant collections from around the world. A recently restored Victorian Walled Garden is a key feature filled with annual display beds, ornamental pond, herbaceous plantings and Mediterranean bed. Attached to this is a newly created educational area with a traditional glasshouse and wildlife demonstration garden.
Within the walls the old potting shed hosts a fernery with ferns from around the world. Other key areas of the garden include the Peach House Gardens and woodland which have vast herbaceous beds and collections of hydrangeas and ferns. The Gardens hold the National Collections of two ferns: Matteuccia and Woodwardia. There is also a Jungle Garden with a collection of hardy Zingerberales.
The Woodland Gardens of around 30-acres have extensive plantings of Picton-bred Rhododendron, many species of conifers as well as a Myrtle Avenue, all planted around native trees like ancient oaks. Historical features dot the woodlands including two Ice Houses, a dew pond and remnants of a picturesque cascade. A nursery is tucked away that produces plants for the gardens’ annual displays and for any projects the garden team are undertaking.
A trainee at Picton will learn aspects of maintaining and developing a large historic garden. They will develop their skills and knowledge in various areas of horticulture through the differing parts of the garden, providing a rounded trainee experience. They will also gain experience with a variety of garden machinery including tractors, mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters. The trainee will also have an active involvement in planning and delivering new developments and will work with teams of volunteers in the garden.
Placements available: One
Staff numbers: 5 full-time and 1 part-time horticulturists, 1 HBGTP trainee and 11 volunteers.
Ease of access: 3 miles East of Haverfordwest. 2 miles South of the A40.
Accommodation: No dedicated accommodation available.
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