Trust students carry on historic horticultural traditions

Six students of the National Trust for Scotland's School of Heritage Gardening passed their certificate in heritage horticulture last week.

The one-year placement enables people to train at Threave Gardens or Kellie Castle to gain hands-on experience in cultivation, upkeep and plant collections.

College co-ordinator Sinclair Williamson said: "Spending a year at Threave or Kellie is an excellent introduction into the world of heritage gardening."

The graduates include Matthew Fox, who recently landed a nurseryman job at Quercus Nursery, Fife, and Joanna Niemczewska, who plans to continue her studies in Ayr. Frances Keeton aims to be a head gardener in a botanic or landscaped garden while Jane Shaw wants to work in an historic garden. Katie Croft, who will return to Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, also won the Scottish round at the Young Horticulturist of the Year.

Rachel Tilling wants to stay in a National Trust garden.