Applications open for Sissinghurst Castle’s next scholar
National Trust’s Sissinghurst Castle, situated in Kent has opened applications for it’s 18-month scholarship programme for the second year.
The Sissinghurst Scholarship is aimed at cultivating capable gardeners and facilitating future career paths, while addressing the horticulture skill shortage.
The successful scholar will spend 18-months gaining practical hands-on experience in horticulture, under the tuition of Head Gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team.
Providing a deeper understanding of a myriad of topics including, soil management, rose pruning, garden design, hedge care and plant health, with the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest.
Also covering non-traditional horticultural course topics such as project management and media relations.
Scholars will have the opportunity to work at other National Trust gardens, such as Hidcote, Bodnant and Mount Stewart, and other renowned gardens in the United States and Europe, including Chanticleer, Filoli and Giverny.
Sissinghurst Scholar Claire Margetts (C) National Trust Eira Mcintoch
Claire Margetts is last year’s successful candidate, selected from 59 candidates and is at present half-way through her scholarship.wart, and other renowned gardens in the United States and Europe, including Chanticleer, Filoli and Giverny.
She says: “The Scholarship’s hands-on experience in the art and craft of gardening at both Sissinghurst and our partner gardeners is superb. I’ve already chalked up invaluable experience at Bodnant, Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens, Giverny and Great Dixter.
“I recommend the inquisitive, ambitious and the driven gardener to apply and grasp the opportunity with both hands. It is a once in a lifetime career progression.”
Informal open days will be held at Sissinghurst Castle Garden on 24th and 26th June (1- 5 pm) and applications close 2nd July. First and second round interviews will be held on 10th July and 26th July respectively, with the successful candidate starting in early September.
For more information on the scholarship and how to apply, visit here.