2026 Horticultural Traineeship

Now in its 13th year, the Garden Museum’s annual Horticultural Traineeship has been designed to give a gardener of particular talent and ambition the opportunity to explore possibilities for their professional future by placing them at the centre of a busy gardening hub. Previous trainees have gone on to roles as independent garden professionals, in parks management, tree surgery and media, and include Matt Collins, our Head Gardener.

Working alongside Matt and the museum gardens team, the appeal of this programme is in its diversity of experiences and involvement in the Museum’s public programme. It also offers placements in contemporary designed gardens, which in past years have included Lowther Castle, Great Dixter, Aberglasney Gardens, Beth Chatto Gardens and Jimi Blake’s garden Hunting Brook in County Wicklow, and award winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show ‘show garden’ builds.

This is a part time, four days a week role generously funded by the National Gardens Scheme. The traineeship will run from September 2026 — September 2027.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a covering letter explaining why you believe you would be a good candidate for the Traineeship by Monday 3 August. Interviews are expected to take place the w/c 17 August.