RHS chief curator Jim Gardiner writes:
"The RHS runs a highly regarded training programme across all four RHS gardens leading to the prestigious Wisley Diploma in Practical Horticulture, as well as offering one-year specialist horticultural option placements at Wisley and one-year horticultural placements at Rosemoor, Hyde Hall and Harlow Carr.
"The trainees, who are paid a salary of £12,800 and live in first-rate accommodation with a study centre included, undergo an unique all-round training. Not only do they receive practical horticultural experience in our gardens, they also have unrivalled opportunities to work with our science team including plant pathologists, botanists and entomologists, as well as researching references through staff at the Lindley Library. The RHS provides a structured career path for RHS trainees from horticulturist to curator, which underlines the importance the RHS puts on personal career development. RHS bursaries have helped many budding gardeners across the world. We are proud that our School of Horticulture, founded in 1907, has produced hundreds of horticulturists across the industry spectrum, who, because of their excellent training are much in demand by employers. Notable names include Dan Pearson, Alys Fowler and Mike Nelhams.
"We work with several key partners on the Green Skills Initiative incorporating the GROW website which helps people looking to pursue a horticultural career."
