When I left school, I was uncertain about my future. I was looking for a part-time job during my gap year, with no clear direction of what to do afterwards. This all changed once I joined The Plant Shop and New View as a trainee gardener. It has been more than just a job, it's been a transformative experience that shaped my understanding of nature, sustainability, and my career aspirations.

From the beginning, I was welcomed into a friendly and knowledgeable team. Working alongside Claire and my colleagues, I quickly immersed myself in the world of horticulture. I learned about plant care, soil health, and the intricate relationships within ecosystems. Through hands-on experience, I developed a newfound respect for the environment and its delicate balance.

One of the most valuable aspects of my time with The Plant Shop and New View was the opportunity to attend horticultural workshops on educational trips. These experiences expanded my knowledge beyond day-to-day gardening tasks, introducing me to the principles of sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and conservation. I learned about the importance of biodiversity, the risks of monoculture, and the reliance wildlife has on small ecosystems like hedges to thrive.

The work demanded adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, all of which I embraced through daily challenges. Working in diverse landscapes, sometimes in harsh weather conditions, taught me resilience and perseverance. I also learned the importance of collaboration, as working closely with colleagues fostered newfound friendships with kind and hardworking people who have taught me a lot over the past year.

More recently, I was offered a great opportunity to stay at the plant shop through an apprenticeship scheme tied in with Sparsholt College to qualify as a level 4 countryside ranger. However, I've decided to return to education and get a degree in environmental management starting in September 2025, which is something I would never have imagined I'd be doing a year ago. I will also be coming back to work with the team during the holidays.

I am immensely grateful for my time at The Plant Shop and New View. The experiences, knowledge, and skills I have gained have set me on a path that I am deeply passionate about. 23/02/2025

Before joining The Plant Shop, I had left education and wasn't sure what my next step would be. I didn't have a job so a friend advised me to get in touch, and I'm so glad I did. I started as a trainee gardener with no experience, but from day one, I was welcomed into a supportive and knowledgeable team where the hands-on experience and guidance I received helped me grow in confidence and skill.

A particular part of the job that means a lot to me is making clients happy. Seeing their faces after working on their beautiful gardens is incredibly fulfilling. There's something so honest and rewarding about this work—I often go home smiling because of it. And, of course, working alongside such a great team makes every day even better.

One of the things that fascinated me most was the process of pruning trees and shrubs. I loved learning how you can manipulate plant growth through pruning—it made me realize that gardening is a delicate and precise job that requires great attention to detail. That level of care and craftsmanship really drew me in.

One of the unexpected joys of this job is working so closely with nature. While on the job, I often come across all kinds of wildlife such as birds and frogs. There's something really special about being surrounded by nature every day, and it makes the work feel even more meaningful.

Although I left for personal reasons at one point, I knew I wanted to come back. Now that I have returned, The Plant Shop is supporting me in specializing in my preferred area of horticulture—plants and ponds. Not only is it a fantastic place to start if you're a beginner, but there are also excellent progression routes for those looking to develop their skills and grow within the industry. If you enjoy hands-on, honest work and love being surrounded by nature, The Plant Shop is the perfect place to be. 03/03/2025

Claire and I have known each other for a good few years and I was talking to her in the summer about looking for work on a Friday as I currently work Monday – Thursday elsewhere at a local tomato grower. Claire suggested that I come work with her as a trainee gardener and I accepted in November 2024. Since then, I have worked on allotment 15 and have worked in various customers gardens with my work buddy Sarah. I have learnt a lot over the past few months, some examples are helping to build a shed, pruning roses both climbing and standard, potting plants, levelling a step, clearing the allotment and learning about no dig and how it benefits the soil quality. I am usually office-based Monday - Thursday, so it is good to get outside on a Friday and do something more physical with my time. I believe this has had benefits in both my fitness and mental health and I am enjoying my time. The spring and summer are coming, and I can't wait to see both the allotment and customers gardens in bloom rather than the brown of winter. 28/02/2025