“I have had a wonderful time learning more about horticulture principles and have benefitted greatly as a professional gardener from my time learning, but also from the opportunity to network with other gardeners of diverse abilities and backgrounds.”

— Jacob competed the RHS Level 2 Horticulure Principles at Bristol Botanic Gardens with funding from Lironi

“My aim in taking the course was to gain confidence in using a chainsaw, learn to maintain them correctly and be able to assess any faults or broken parts. I’m a gardener rather than an arborist but work part time on an estate and am often asked if I can fell trees or crosscut fallen trees.

I hope that with the knowledge I’ve gained from this course, I will be able to take on small chainsaw work as part of my gardening business and my work on the estate.”

— Andrew completed the Level 2 Award in chainsaw maintenance, crosscutting and felling of trees up to 380mm at One Ash Training,

“Without this support I would have really struggled to gain this qualification that allows me to be better prepared for any future employment.”

—Stella completed the PA1 & PA6 course with help from Scotland’s Gardens Scheme’s Cattanach Fund.

“The course has helped me develop the skills and confidence to include garden design into my self employed work. My first challenge being; to build on an existing planting scheme adding colour and year-round interest to a customers garden and re-develop a rock garden that was covered in weeds and brambles.

I am very grateful to the PGT for their support toward the cost of this course, giving me the opportunity to study and further develop my skills, knowledge and career prospects.”

— Yolanda completed the Garden Design Diploma with the British Academy of Garden Design with funding from The Finnis Scott Foundation