Taster Sessions

Feed your curiosity and join us on one of our taster days to gain a deeper understanding of the horticultural industry and what’s involved

Have you always wondered what working in horticulture really includes?  Are you curious to know why people grow passionate about plants and gardening?

These taster sessions offer you the opportunity to:

  • Gain an insight into working in a garden and the secret life of plants.
  • Discover the different training routes into horticulture to kick-start a successful career.
  • Recognise the breadth of career opportunities available in the sector.

What’s more, you will also try out a practical task in our teams, so it's not all listening to information.  

Taster sessions usually run from 10am – 2pm, and are tailored for a mix of age groups whether you are already a keen grower, someone with simply a love for plants, or unsure whether horticulture is for you and you just want to try something you have not done before, there is a session for everyone.

We run tailored taster days for organisations such as schools and community groups to showcase horticultural careers. Please get in touch if you would like to explore this opportunity.

Sessions are currently available at RHS Gardens Wisley and RHS Bridgewater and we are working hard to increase the number of events throughout the year.  From 2024, we will be introducing similar taster events at our other Gardens.

What you’ll do
Our taster sessions offer you the opportunity to experience a working garden and see behind the scenes to get a taste of what working in horticulture is like.  You’ll get the chance to have a go at a hands-on practical task, with ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Sessions do vary, visit our events listing for upcoming sessions.

Please note: When booking your ticket, you are leaving the RHS website. Tickets are made available through Eventbrite on behalf of the RHS. Both the RHS and Eventbrite terms and conditions and privacy policy will apply.
Where could it lead?
Whether it helps you choose the subjects you study at school or college, look into carrying out a work experience placement with us or volunteer, or whether it gets you interested in the apprenticeships we offer at the RHS, these sessions will open your eyes to the breadth of careers available and support you towards an exciting future ahead. 
What you’ll need
The session will be outside. Appropriate clothing for the time of year and weather forecast is required along with sturdy boots (no open toed shoes or heels).

Attendees must be aged 16 or over.

 
What you’ll get
As well as gaining a fantastic insight into the environment at the RHS and the work we do, you’ll acquire a clearer understanding of the various career paths in horticulture and the exciting training and volunteering opportunities available to you should you wish to grow further.

Next steps

To take a look at upcoming dates for sessions, visit the New Shoots events listings page. 

Please note: The event sign-up portal is provided by Eventbrite on behalf of RHS. When signing up to taster sessions, you are leaving the RHS website, and will be governed by both the RHS and Eventbrite’s privacy notices. Please read both privacy notices before you apply. 

Hear from our participants

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

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See the range of options on offer

Browse our programmes

Learn about the initiative to promote horticultural careers

What is New Shoots?

If you have a question on work experience, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section. 

FAQs

Contact us
For more information or if you have a question, please get in touch with the New Shoots team. 


E-mail:
[email protected]

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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.