The Professional Gardeners' Guild
Formed in 1977, The Professional Gardeners' Guild was originally a society for Head Gardeners and Garden Managers. Over the years, it has evolved to include assistant gardeners, single-handed gardeners, students, self-employed gardeners, in fact anyone who makes their living through professional gardening. It will be primarily of interest to those working in the private and heritage sectors
In 2010 the Guild introduced a category of affiliate member, for those who are interested in the aims and activities of the Guild, but who don't make their living from gardening.
The Guild is managed entirely by fellow professional gardeners and is funded by membership subscriptions. It aims to promote gardening as a profession, and to put gardeners in touch with each other, through its Journal and through regular regional and national meetings.
Interested in a career in Horticulture?
...visit the Grow Careers website at http://www.growcareers.info/
2012 SEMINAR
London Gardens Network Seminar: The Value of Conservation Plans
22nd March 2012 at the Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital road, London SW3 4HS
It cannot be overstated in these modern times how important it is for any garden, park or open space to have a Conservation Management Plan. A sound, well researched and forward thinking document of this nature will consolidate the site in all manner of ways. With its sections on history, conservation, management and future planning, it becomes the lead document from which all others cascade.
The London Gardens Network have taken this theme for its 2012 Seminar and are very pleased to announce a raft of eminent speakers who will be able to guide you through the whole concept of Conservation Management Plans. In the afternoon we will look at some of the adjuncts to this and discuss plant conservation and the value of trees on the landscape, finishing with the latest update on the Mad about Meadows initiative that is taking place in conjunction with the Olympics. The day will be lead by Tony Kirkham from Kew and so we invite everyone to view the seminar programme on this website and to attend the day in the wonderful surroundings of the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Because this is such an important subject, this year we are extending an invitation to delegates from outside the London area so of course we are recommending booking early to make sure your place is secured.
Your ticket price will include refreshments and a wholesome lunch cooked on site by the resident caterers. Please look at the Visitor Information on the Chelsea Physic Garden website for directions to the site and the entrance to this event will be via the office door on Royal Hospital Road. Programme, Tickets and registration through the London Gardens Network Website www.londongardensnetwork.com
London Gardens Network is a not-for-profit organisation facilitating links between gardens, colleges, trade associations and charitable bodies associated with the horticultural profession in and around London. For more details contact:www.londongardens network.com
MERLIN TRUST/AGS TOUR TO THE TAURUS MOUNTAINS...
The Merlin Trust in collaboration with the Alpine Garden Society is offering two fully funded places on the AGS forthcoming tour to the Taurus Mountains. Applications are invited to the Merlin Trust by no later than 31st January 2012. As with previous tours offered jointly, the destination reflects the alpine and rock plant interests of the Merlin Trust founder, Valerie Finnis VMH.
Applications are invited from British or Irish nationalities only, between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Other nationalities may apply if studying at a UK horticultural training establishment. If over 35 years applicant must be within their first five years of a career in horticulture
Please apply using the specific Merlin Trust/AGS tour scheme application from which can be downloaded from the website www.merlin-trust.org.uk, ‘Merlin Trust/AGS tour Scheme'
More detailed information can be found on the AGS website www.alpinegardensociety.net ‘forthcoming tours'
THE HERITAGE HORTICULTURAL SCHEME...
This is a new scheme focusing on the practical side of horticulture, offering an oportuity to hone your professional skills. The scheme will operate for four years and aims to increase the number of highly skilled gardeners available to the heritage horticultural sector in Wales and the UK.
The scheme offers placements at a number of Welsh gardens, for trainees over the age of 18. Each18 month placement is covered by a tax-free bursary of £12,857. For more details and an appicaton form, visit www.hhss.co.uk
PGG members in the News
Saturday gave the opportunity to visit Petworth House, where a tour of the Capability Brown landscape with Head gardener Gary Liddle was followed by a tour of Lady Egremont's private garden with Head Gardener Jonathon Arnold and Lady Egremont. The rest of the day was taken up with question time for a panel of experts and a talk by Martin Duncan of Arundel Castle about his experiences of managing gardens both in the UK and abroad. This led neatly into Sundays visit to Arundel Castle and a tour of the garde,n including the Duke and Duchess's private garden.
The weekend was another outstanding success thanks to the organisational skills of John Humphries of the PGG and Fiona Dennis of the HBGBS . All PGG trainees were funded with grants from RHS Bursaries.
