School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Course information & application pack

2

School of Heritage Gardening

Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Contents

Course Information

Introduction.................................................................................................. 3

Training locations ......................................................................................... 4

Courses Available ......................................................................................... 5

Course Details .............................................................................................. 6

Part-time Study Options .............................................................................. 10

Bursaries & Accommodation ....................................................................... 10

Applications Closing Date ........................................................................... 10

Certificate in Heritage Gardening Syllabus .................................................. 11

Diploma in Heritage Gardening Syllabus .................................................... 12

Assignments & Assessments ......................................................................... 12

Contact Us .................................................................................................. 13

Application Pack

Gardening Course Application Form…………………………………..……..14

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Course Information

Introduction

Learn skills such as pruning, grafting, glasshouse cultivation and fruit and vegetable cultivation to professional

standards. Improve plant identification skills and learn how to use tools and machinery correctly to industry

standard.

We take students with an academic horticultural qualification and turn them into employable professionals by

designing our courses to ensure each student has a great deal of practical tuition and gains experience

throughout the spring, summer, autumn and winter in a wide range of skills.

Our staff are seasoned experts in their field, who care for many of the nation’s most significant gardens. As

part of the course, students are required to undertake practical assessments of the skills they have been trained

in; carry out regular plant identification tests and a number of course work assignments to enhance the

practical training. Upon successful completion of the practical assessments and assignments which form the

first year of the course, students are awarded the Certificate in Practical Heritage Gardening, and after

successful completion of the second year – the Diploma in Practical Heritage Gardening.

The School of Heritage Gardening’s practical courses are offered in several of our gardens across Scotland,

covering all the heritage and modern craft skills necessary to back up the artistic and scientific knowledge

gained in an academic qualification in horticulture. Some of our courses are run in partnership with other

organisations. Please contact us to discuss part-time study options on our full time courses, or to discuss any

of the information in this pack by emailing shg@nts.org.uk.

4

Training locations

Threave Gardens

Threave has been the home of our School of practical

gardening for many decades. In spring, the magnificent

gardens are carpeted with over 200 varieties of daffodil

complementing the spring-flowering shrubs and trees.

Later you can admire succulent fruit and vegetables in

the walled garden and glasshouses. There is a rock

garden, rose garden, heathers, conifers and herbaceous

perennials. There are ponds and water gardens, and

beautiful specimen and champion trees in the parkland

surrounding the Scottish baronial Threave House. The Certificate in Practical Heritage Gardening course and

the first year of the two-year Diploma in Heritage Gardening course is offered from Threave. This opportunity

is particularly valuable to students who have achieved a Higher National Certificate (or equivalent) in

horticulture who wish to develop their practical skills to support theoretical studies.

The second year of the Diploma in Heritage Gardening course takes place at one of the heritage

gardens listed below. Each student will have the option to state their preferred heritage garden.

Branklyn Garden

This attractive garden is a haven of peace within walking

distance of Perth. There is an outstanding collection of

plants – in particular Rhododendrons, alpines,

herbaceous and peat-garden plants. Branklyn also holds

national collections of Casiope and Lilium (Mylnefield

Lilies) and is developing a collection of Rhododendron

taliense.

Crathes Castle

This large and stunning walled garden is separated into 8

garden rooms by massive yew hedges and topiary, ranging

from formal to the modern. A garden of the Arts and Crafts

movement planted in its current form from the 1920s, it is

heavily influenced by Gertrude Jekyll. Sir James and Lady

Burnett created many themed areas including the June border,

the Blue and Pink Border and famous White borders. There

are terraces, woodland gardens and the magnificent

Mackenzie & Moncur range of glasshouses. The garden

overlays a Designed Landscape which dates back to the

1700s.

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Kellie Castle

The magical four-hundred-year-old walled garden

contains a mixture of old roses, beautiful herbaceous

borders, shrubs, wall-trained fruits, an orchard and

vegetables, it was restored by the eminent Lorimer

family in the late 19th Century. The garden is in the Arts

and Crafts style with many delightful design features,

including a catmint and delphinium border, a secret

garden and a beautiful carved stone bowl. The elegant

summer house was built to Sir Robert Lorimer’s design in

1900. The wider estate contains parkland, a pond, woodland, a fernery and meadow walks. The garden has

been run organically since 1990.

Pitmedden Garden

This garden, planted on an extravagant scale, is a 1950’s re-

creation of a 17th Century formal garden, with over 5 miles

of box hedging arranged in intricate patterns to form six

parterres. These parterres are filled with some 40,000

plants bursting with colour in the summer months.

Extensive herbaceous borders provide an abundance of

colour and texture throughout the season and there is a

spectacular Lupin border, topiary and sundials. 80

varieties of apple trees adorn the high granite walls,

offering a spectacular show of blossom and scent in spring.

In addition honeysuckle, jasmine, roses, a herb garden, and fountains add to the sensory experience

Courses Available

Certificate in Heritage Gardening (one year, full-time / two years part-time)

Diploma in Heritage Gardening (two years, full-time)

NTS/RBGE Diploma in Botanic and Heritage Gardening (four years, full-time)

NTS Internships

6

Course Details

1. Certificate in Heritage Gardening

Location:

The Certificate course is offered at Threave Gardens in the south-west of Scotland. The application

deadline is April 30th each year and courses begin in September.

Entry Qualifications:

RHS Level 2 theory course or HNC in horticulture Six months practical experience in amenity gardening in a general context

Whilst entry qualifications are flexible and dependant on the individual circumstances of

applicants, it is essential that potential students are currently taking or have completed a course in

further or higher education and have the minimum practical gardening experience (as outlined

above).

Content:

A comprehensive range of practical gardening skills to professional gardener standards are covered.

Please see attached syllabus. Students are assessed on practical skills and are also required to

undertake regular plant identification tests, maintain a diary and complete a number of course work

assignments to enhance the practical training.

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

2. Diploma in Heritage Gardening

Location:

Year two takes place at one of the heritage gardens listed under training locations. The application

deadline is April 30th each year and courses begin in September.

Entry Qualifications:

RHS Level 2 theory course or HNC in horticulture Students would have completed the Certificate or comparable qualification A minimum of one year practical experience in amenity horticulture

Whilst entry qualifications are flexible and dependant on the individual circumstances of

applicants, it is essential that potential students are currently taking or have completed a course in

further or higher education and have the minimum practical gardening experience (as outlined

above).

Content:

Year two is based at a heritage garden and completes the consolidation of practical skills learnt in

year one whilst focusing on developing garden management skills. Please see attached syllabus.

Students are required to attend the Garden History: Informing Conservation and Management

course as part of the syllabus. Supervisory and staff management skills along with a range of other

garden management skills are included. During the year a project focused on an aspect of

management relevant to the individual garden will be carried out.

8

3. NTS/RBGE Diploma in Botanic & Heritage Gardening

This qualification is awarded jointly by the National Trust for Scotland’s www.nts.org.uk School of

Heritage Gardening (SHG) and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) www.rbge.org.uk

and combines existing SHG and RBGE programmes into one qualification that represents a badge of

quality.

The Diploma in Botanic & Heritage Gardening aims to re-invent the traditional model where both

theory and practical skills are combined to ensure that graduates have the necessary skills and

knowledge to deliver at a gardens supervisory level. Horticultural training has been offered by NTS

at SHG, Threave for over 50 years and at RBGE for over 100 years. By working together and

combining our 150 years of experience and management of almost 40 gardens and designed

landscapes, NTS & RBGE can provide the skills and knowledge that both students and industry

need.

Course Programme:

The duration of the Diploma in B & HG is four years and students will complete:

Year Programme Venue

1 HNC in Horticulture RBGE (or other UK college)

2 SHG Certificate in Practical Heritage Gardening

www.nts.org.uk/Gardens/TrainingCareers/

SHG, Threave

3 Year two of the RBGE HND in Horticulture with Plantsmanship

www.rbge.org.uk/education/professional-courses/hnd-

bsc-horticulture-with-plantsmanship

RBGE and Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh (SRUC)

4 SHG Diploma in Heritage Gardening: 2nd practical year in a heritage garden with a garden management-linked assignment

National Trust for Scotland garden, or other approved heritage garden

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Year 1: The flexibility in year one means that entrants from other colleges (particularly in Scotland)

can complete the programme.

Year 2: Is undertaken at SHG, Threave, where a range of practical skills are taught along with plant

identification, students are expected to complete a diary and other assignments. A series of garden

visits and tours are undertaken to expose students to a range of garden types.

Year 3: Primarily focused at the RBG Edinburgh it also includes a close linkage to SAC. Students

will develop projects that align to the overall aim of the Dip. BHG programme e.g. management

assignment(s). A management project leading on from year three in management skills will be

completed during year four.

Year 4: Could be in any NTS/ RBGE approved heritage garden in Scotland, and allows other

gardens to link into the programme. Year four will include more practical training/experience and

assessment of skills, including team and organisational ability. Students must complete assignments

set by SHG/ RBGE in year four to complete the Dip. BHG.

Application & Enrolment:

Students should initially contact either NTS or RBGE by email if they are interested in the Dip. BHG

shg@nts.org.uk or education@rbge.org.uk. Students must apply for the HNC/HND through the

specific college or UCAS as appropriate. NTS and/or RBGE can advise on this. The ideal is that

students complete years one through four in the above order; however, as long as all SHG/RBGE

elements are satisfactorily completed the Dip. BHG can be awarded.

Financial support for studies:

Please see the Bursaries & Accommodation section for details on the support available for years two

and four of the course. Please contact RBGE for details on financial support available to students on

years one and three.

4. Voluntary Internships

A range of voluntary internship options are available within the Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Department of the National Trust for Scotland. Many of our heritage gardens are able to offer

practical professional gardening internships, and there are also project-led office-based internships

based in our central office, from between six and ten weeks.

10

Part-time Study Options The Certificate in Heritage Gardening can be studied part-time over two years, and the Diploma in

Heritage Gardening can be studied part-time over four years, giving students the flexibility to

continue other commitments, or to undertake paid work to support their studies.

NTS bursaries or accommodation will not be available to students who attend these courses on a

part-time basis; however students may be eligible for bursary or financial support from external

bodies. Assistance in sourcing external funding can be given on an individual basis. Please go to the

contact details section of this pack.

Bursaries & Accommodation

Students who are offered a place on a full-time School of Heritage Gardening course may also be

eligible for a Trust bursary, as well free self-catering accommodation at the training site.1

Students can apply for rent & council tax free self-contained on-site accommodation as well as for a

£5000 bursary to assist with living costs during both the Certificate & Diploma courses. Council

tax, heating, lighting, TV licence fee & internet are included at Threave for year one. Please contact

the SHG Coordinator for specific property arrangements for year two of the Diploma course.

Applications Closing Date The closing date for applications is 30th April each year for September entrants for all SHG

courses.

1 Bursary payments and accommodation provision applies to the Certificate course and the two year Diploma

in Heritage Gardening course. For students enrolled on the NTS/RBGE Diploma in Botanic and Heritage

Gardening, the Trust will only consider paying a bursary on years two and four (providing students are placed

at an NTS heritage garden for those years). Currently, the accommodation at Threave is only available for

single individuals.

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Certificate in Heritage Gardening Syllabus

Modules2 1. Induction: Introduction to Threave, The School of Heritage Gardening and the work of The

National Trust for Scotland

2. Soils composts and manures: Cultivation of soils, fertilisers and composts

3. Safe use and maintenance of tools, equipment and machinery

4. Glasshouse cultivation and maintenance

5. Propagation: Seed, and vegetative propagation techniques

6. Pest and diseases

7. Pruning

8. Lawn establishment and care

9. Fruit growing

10. Vegetable growing

11. Taxonomy and nomenclature

12. Health and safety

13. Visits to gardens of interest

14. Guided study tour

Assignments & Assessments

Practical training and assessment will take place at Threave garden.

Students will identify twenty plants per fortnight and create a Portfolio of Plant Profiles.

A Practical Work Diary will be kept to record new skills learnt and old skills consolidated.

An Employability Assessment will be undertaken four times per year.

Students will complete a study tour report

2 The following list is intended to be indicative of the practical topics that may be covered during the course; it is neither necessarily

exhaustive nor binding.

12

Diploma in Heritage Gardening Syllabus

Year 1: Threave Gardens (please see ‘Certificate’ syllabus)

Year 2: NTS Heritage Garden

Modules3

1. Induction: Introduction to the heritage garden training site

2. Practical professional gardening skills (continued from year one)

3. Budgets: Preparation, Negotiation and Management (Finance and GDL Services staff)

4. Tree Inspections and Safety (Forestry Manager)

5. Managing commercial activities & income generation from gardens4 (Head Gardeners/Property Managers)

6. Interview & Performance Management Skills (HR)

7. The Manager's Checklist (HR)

8. Managing plant collection data & using plant databases (Gardens Advisor for Plant Collections)

9. Presentation skills (Staff Training Manager)

10. Health & Safety Management (SHE Adviser)

11. Garden History: Informing Conservation and Management5 (Christopher Dingwall - Garden Historian & Lecturer)

12. Taxonomy and Nomenclature (continued from year one)

Assignments & Assessments

Practical training and assessment will take place at the host heritage garden training site. Some modules take place on a block release basis at an NTS property. All modules will be taught by experienced NTS specialist staff working within the industry, with occasional input from external experts where required.

Students will identify ten plants per fortnight and create a Portfolio of Plant Profiles.

A Practical Work Diary will be kept to record new skills learned and old skills consolidated.

Skills assessment records from year one will be reviewed quarterly and updated to assess

consistency and improvement.

An Employability Assessment will be undertaken five times per year.

3 The following list is intended to be indicative of the practical topics that may be covered during the course; it is neither necessarily

exhaustive nor binding. 4 This module will involve visits to other gardens

5 Students are required to complete this module as part of the year 2 criteria

School of Heritage Gardening Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Contact Us For further details on any of the SHG courses please contact:

School of Heritage Gardening Co-ordinator

Gardens & Designed Landscapes Department,

The National Trust for Scotland

Hermiston Quay

5 Cultins Road

Edinburgh, EH11 4DF

Email:shg@nts.org.uk

14

Application Pack

Detach the application below, complete and submit by 30th April to:

School of Heritage Gardening Co-ordinator

Gardens & Designed Landscapes Department,

The National Trust for Scotland

Hermiston Quay

5 Cultins Road

Edinburgh, EH11 4DF

Or by email to:

shg@nts.org.uk

School of Heritage Gardening

Cultivating the art, craft and science of practical horticulture

Gardening Course Application Form

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL PARTS OF THIS FORM – FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE FORM NOT BEING ACCEPTED

Course applied for: Diploma in Heritage Gardening

Please indicate 2nd Year training sites you wish to apply to (if relevant): Where did you see this course advertised or who told you about it?

PERSONAL DETAILS (Please complete this section in BLOCK CAPITALS)

Title:

Date of Birth:

Surname:

Forename(s):

Address: Including Postcode:

Tel (day):

Tel (mobile):

Tel (evening):

Email:

Nationality:

Occupation:

English Language Proficiency:

Disability: (If any, please state nature & any special needs)

REFEREES Provide the names and contact details of two referees, preferably one from a relevant college or university, and one from a current or most recent employer.

APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THESE REFEREES IN ADVANCE TO OBTAIN PRIOR AGREEMENT TO BE INCLUDED

Referee 1 Referee 2

Name

Position Held

How does s/he know you?

Address (including post-code)

Tel. (day)

Email

A1 of A6

Course Applied for: Applicant name (initial + surname only)

REHABILIITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 applicants for certain studentships (including those where you will have access to children and vulnerable adults) require you to declare all your “criminal convictions” including all convictions, cautions, reprimands, final warnings and any other information must be disclosed and you should not withhold information about a conviction that would otherwise be regarded as “spent” under the Act. Only relevant information shall be taken into account, so disclosure shall not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a Studentship. In addition, a Disclosure Scotland check may be requested to be satisfactorily completed by the successful applicant. Any failure to disclose this information may result in disciplinary action, dismissal and/or revocation of the Studentship/Bursary. Any information provided will be completely confidential. Please provide () the following information: Yes No

Do you have any “criminal convictions”?

Are you subject to pending criminal proceedings?

If you answer “Yes” to either of these questions, please state the nature of your conviction/s or proceedings below:

ELIGIBILITY TO STUDY and PROOF OF QUALIFICATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS If you are invited to interview you will be asked to bring certain proof with you. Please tick () to confirm that you can provide:

photographic proof of your identity proof of your UK immigration status proof of qualifications

APPLICANT DECLARATION

By signing below:

1. I consent, under the provisions of the Data Protection Act, to the National Trust for Scotland processing, by means of a computer database or otherwise, any information which I provide to them, to process this application and may be shared with other grant giving bodies but shall otherwise be held in confidence by the Trust and not divulged to any other third party without my consent.

2. I consent to the National Trust for Scotland: pursuing references at the agreed timing, medical report, seeking proof of my eligibility to study within the UK, seeking proof of the educational/training qualifications and seeking proof of membership of professional bodies, societies and/or organisations that I cite in this application before confirming any placement offer. I understand any placement offer may be withdrawn if these are not found to be satisfactory to the School of Heritage Gardening.

3. I have no known illness or disability which would affect the safe and/or effective completion of the Studentship.

4. I declare that the information on all parts of this Application Form and in any supporting documents is to the best of my

knowledge and belief, complete and accurate and no information requested or material requested has been omitted. I understand that the Trust reserves the right to withdraw any offer of bursary or Studentship and seek reimbursement of the full bursary or Studentship granted, if the information given by me is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading in any way.

Signed:_____________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________ Date: _________________

A2 of A6

Course Applied for: Applicant name (initial + surname only)

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS (Most recent first)

Schools & Colleges / University Attended from to Course & Qualifications Gained

This placement requires you to be self-sufficient and proficient in IT. Please () indicate your experience:

Regular user? Self-assessment of level of competency: Have you had training?

Yes No Beginner Intermediate Advanced Yes No

Email

Electronic diary

Internet

Word-processing

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Data-bases

Social Media: FB

Social Media: Twitter

Social Media: Blogging

A3 of A6

Course Applied for: Applicant name (initial + surname only)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (Most recent first)

Company Name & Type of Business Dates of Employment

Job Title & Main Responsibilities Reason for Leaving

A4 of A6

Course Applied for: Applicant name (initial + surname only)

IMMIGRATION STATUS, PERMITS & LICENCES (Please tick ()as appropriate)

Do you have a valid passport? Yes No Address where residing whilst in UK:

(Please specify if different from above)

Do you have a visa for entry? Yes No

Do you have a work permit? Yes No

Date of entry or expected entry to UK? (Enter date DD/MM/YYYY)

.

Do you have valid health insurance? Yes No

Do you have a driving license for driving within the UK?

Yes No

Provisional Postcode:

Necessary leave of absence? Yes No

REASON & PURPOSE OF APPLICATION

Please state the reasons and purpose for your application to this course & detail all relevant information (750 words maximum):

A5 of A6

Notes on Completing this Application Form

Thank you for your interest in the Certificate/ Diploma in Heritage Horticulture with the NTS School of Heritage Gardening. Please read these notes carefully before you complete and submit your application form.

1. The National Trust for Scotland Courses and Bursaries do not provide funds to support academic courses. 2. Closing date for Applications is the 30th April each year. Late applications shall not be considered. 3. The National trust for Scotland is not able to sponsor non-EU nationals with the UK government. Therefore, the

National Trust for Scotland can only accept applications from EU residents for a place on the School of Heritage Gardening courses.

4. This Application Form and any Supporting Documentation may be submitted electronically to the following email address: shg@nts.org.uk . Do not submit a CV or covering letter – if you submit a CV or covering letter they will be destroyed without consideration.

5. If you choose to submit your form electronically and have not hand-signed the “Declaration”, you are still bound by it and, by submitting your application we will deem you to have agreed to it. If you are invited to interview, we may ask you to hand-sign your application before the interview begins.

6. Paper/hard copy Applications Forms and any supporting documentation must by typed or completed in clear legible handwriting on A4 paper and posted to: The School of Heritage Gardening Co-ordinator, the National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF.

7. Please make sure that the name of the course you are applying for and your first initial and surname (e.g. Certificate, ‘B BLOGGS’) appears in the top of each page of the application and any additional sheets you use.

8. Please give full answers to all the questions asked or information requested on the application form. If you feel that something does not apply to you, please enter “Not Applicable” in the appropriate space – if you leave a space blank we may assume that you have accidentally missed out an answer and you should note that incomplete forms will be rejected by us.

9. If you are to be invited for interview we may contact you in whichever way we feel is most appropriate – by letter, telephone, or email – so please ensure that your postal address, telephone number(s), and email address are stated accurately and that you regularly use/check these in case we have contacted you.

10. Because of the logistics of bringing together the Selection Panel for an interview date, if you are invited to interview and the date does not suit you we cannot guarantee to be able to offer you an alternative and your application may then be suspended – you should make every effort to attend the time and date we offer.

11. If you are invited to interview you should follow closely the instructions you will be given as interviews may also involve tours of sites, practical exercises, etc.

12. The National Trust for Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and as such it is the policy of the Trust that all candidates should be treated equally in relation to selection opportunities, training, compensation, and all other such conditions regardless of sex, marital status, racial group, religion, national origin, age or disability.

13. The National Trust for Scotland takes Data Protection very seriously. We have designed the School of Heritage Gardening Application Form and the administrative procedures for handling applications to protect the information you provide. This will mean, for example, that only the SHG Co-ordinator and Administrator will know your name and address throughout the selection process, and the Interview Panel itself will not know your name until the day of the interview. After the selection process is complete we will destroy the details we hold about you unless you are the candidate we wish to offer the place to in which case some elements of your application (e.g. your name and address and a note of your qualifications) will be used as the basis for your Student Record. We generally destroy all data relating to unsuccessful applicants within 6 months of the conclusion of the selection process. As an applicant you have the right under the Data Protection Act 1995 to request to see any data we hold about you – including notes made at shortlisting and interview stages – and we are obliged by law to provide you with this. (But remember that if we are not pursuing your application we will have destroyed your Application Form and records relating to you.) We will make a charge of £10 for this service and should you wish to make a request you must do so in writing to School of Heritage Gardening Co-ordinator, The School of Heritage Gardening Co-ordinator, the National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF.

Colin Wren

School of Heritage Gardening Co-ordinator

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410 and depends for its support on the subscriptions of its members, donations and legacies. www.nts.org.uk

A6 of A6