In the same way that every family & home sees good times
and bad times, so too does every garden. In recent years many gardens have had to
prune back staff numbers to balance their books, and thus the initiative of the
RHS to create opportunities with apprenticeships and studentships is to be really
celebrated. I’ve been invited to speak on several occasions about my
apprenticeship, at school outreach events and fundraising evenings. I wondered
whether the RHS would also like me to express my view and appreciation of the
apprenticeship in their monthly publication ‘The Garden’. Of course, being one
of the top twenty-five biggest magazines in the country, to have anything of
mine in its pages would be incredibly exciting - but equally I assumed
something of its stature would not be interested or could use someone better
for the job. What a lovely surprise it was, then, to have an email from
Michelle Housden of the editorial team informing me that they liked the idea! I
think it may have come as a surprise to the team at Hyde Hall too - opening the latest issue over their lunches in the mess room, and seeing
one of their own in the comment section!
"Coming to the completion of my apprenticeship at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, I
know for certain this has been the brightest beginning anyone could ever wish
for.
The intention of the scheme is to gradually immerse apprentices into the
horticultural environment until they can stand on their own two feet as real
gardeners. The first challenge is adjusting to the rhythm and steady pace of
work. The three-hundred-and-sixty acres of Hyde Hall require year-round dedication,
and give ample cause for activity from eight every morning until four every
afternoon, light or dark and rain or shine. It offers an honest picture of
gardening life, not to mention an unrivalled chance to appreciate the true
cycle of a year. There are far more than four seasons here, but endless waves
of colour and interest which individually peak and fade.
Naturally, the next challenge is to familiarise
oneself with the garden’s fantastic array of plants, and the tasks for their
care and maintenance. So much within Hyde Hall’s gardens enthrall, and can
spark an apprentice’s education. Spending a day each week at a local college
also upholds one’s focus, especially with the occasional exam thrown in. However,
as with any apprenticeship much also depends on the character of the
experienced professional. Their ability to inspire and to lead is essential.
Although each horticulturalist at Hyde Hall has a a different personality and a
different part of the gardens to call their own, they all show such patience and
take time everyday to explain what is happening in their area. I’ve never had a
question ignored or unanswered, and the horticulturalists invariably work twice
as hard as the students around them. It means I understand what I need to do
each day, and feel a drive to support the garden and the team by working as
hard as I can.
Although the success of
the apprenticeship can be measured by exams passed and years completed, leaps
in confidence and opportunities to actually teach others have been the real
milestones for me. I explained annuals, biennials and perennials to a new
college student last week, and my mother now prunes out dead, damaged and
diseased stems from her roses following her son’s first ever tutorial. Of course,
there are still countless things I’m yet to learn which lie ahead - but what a
brilliant, welcoming first step into horticulture the RHS apprenticeship has
been."
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