Hannah Finnemore and Jason Paine have joined the team at Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire as part of the 2025 Student Bursary Scheme.
The scheme offers a year of funded, practical horticultural training at Aberglasney Gardens.
Miss Finnemore, originally from Norfolk, said: “When I started at Aberglasney and looked closely, I could see how the planting choices were horticulturally interesting to me and diverse, as well as modern in choice, whilst remaining sympathetic to the historic features and surroundings.
“I love that everyone is enthusiastic to improve the gardens even more and the project assignments are an interesting challenge for me.
Hannah Finnemore previously completed an RHS course at Coleg Sir Gar (Image: Supplied)
“I hope to continue working in a garden like this and to develop my own garden design style.”
She previously completed an RHS course at Coleg Sir Gar and was already familiar with the gardens before starting her training.
Mr Paine, from Swansea, discovered his passion for gardening during the pandemic while working in a cafe at a local country park.
He said: “I wanted to work at Aberglasney as it is one of the places that has, in a strange sort of way, grown with me.
“I remember visiting as a young boy with my parents and walking through the yew archway and enjoying tea and scones with jam by the pool garden.
“Years later as I continue to learn the craft of horticulture at Aberglasney I constantly see it in new ways and consider myself very lucky to learn from experienced gardeners and head gardeners and especially lucky to be mentored by head gardeners who trained at Kew and Wisley.”
Jason Paine discovered his passion for gardening during the pandemic (Image: Supplied)
Mr Paine completed the RHS practical horticulture course at Coleg Sir Gar, then worked as an apprentice gardener at Swansea botanical gardens before joining the National Trust as a gardener at Newton House in Dinefwr.
Helen Scutt, director of Aberglasney Gardens, said: “Our new students have just fitted right in with the gardening team already.
“Since our gardens are ever evolving, we are able to provide students with unique and valuable opportunities to participate in significant landscape projects.
“I’m sure this year’s students will enjoy playing a part in making Aberglasney’s gardens special for our visitors to enjoy.”
The Aberglasney Bursary Scheme offers trainees hands-on experience in general and specialist gardening tasks, including bulb planting and propagation techniques, guided by the professional team.
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