Sissinghurst Castle Garden launches prestigious new horticulture scholarship

Abstract

World-renowned garden launches prestigious new horticulture scholarship, the National Trust's firstPractical programme will teach already experienced gardeners to be the best in their craft, with tuition from Head Gardener, Troy Scott Smith and teamTrust says scholarship will help address horticulture skills shortage, provide exciting career paths and create tomorrow's leading Head GardenersScholarship adds another layer to Trust's investment in horticulture education, alongside apprenticeship scheme Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent, one of the world's best-known gardens, is launching a new horticulture scholarship - the National Trust's first - to nurture and develop the gardeners and head gardeners of the future. The Sissinghurst Scholarship, generously funded by donations and legacies, will nurture excellence, giving practical hands-on experience in the art and craft of horticulture, with a particular focus on the traditions and practices of the garden's founders, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. The flagship 18-month scholarship will commence in September. A separate 10-month Growing Scholarship will begin next March, with an emphasis on nursery skills and kitchen gardening. Each scholarship is open to both UK and international applicants with a minimum RHS Level 2 in Horticulture and offers a generous Grade 8 and Grade 10 salary, respectively. Heavily subsidised on-site accommodation is available. Head Gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team will all work with the successful applicants to ensure scholars get the most from the experience.