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Gardener

A gardener undertakes the general maintenance of gardens, working with others to create gardens

Training, qualifications and skills An RHS level 2 qualification, or the equivalent, is required. Previous experience of working in gardens or the horticultural industry is preferred.
Useful links RHS Apprenticeships
National Trust
Professional Gardeners’ Guild
Bankside Open Space Trust
WFGA
Professional Gardeners’ Trust
The Association of Professional Landscapers

Focus on: Horticulturist

Nina Burdin
RHS
Full time, salary up to £25k
Salford

I work in the Inner Walled Garden at RHS Garden Bridgewater. This is a new garden so my day-to-day work is mainly concerned with bringing the garden to life. I have been moving and cultivating soil, helping to set out and plant more than 10,000 plants, working with team mates and volunteers, and working with different garden designers to bring their ideas to fruition.

Get a horticultural qualification under your belt. Be open to opportunities – volunteering is a great way to meet people in the industry and work out if horticulture is the career for you. There are some great horticultural apprenticeships offered.

I studied for a master’s degree in landscape architecture, which cemented my love of nature and confirmed to me the vital importance that green spaces are for our health and well being, and the environment. After my degree I worked as an ecologist and as a private gardener, while studying for the RHS level 2 qualification. These experiences made me realise that being a horticulturist, and working outdoors in our great, green spaces was what I wanted to be.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.