At Douneside House our gardens are more than a place of beauty for guests; they are also a centre for learning, growth, and opportunity. Through the MacRobert Trust Horticultural Training Scheme, we provide aspiring horticulturists with a unique chance to gain hands-on experience in every aspect of garden management, from plant cultivation and propagation to design and seasonal maintenance.
As an RHS Partner Garden and an RHS Qualifications Approved Centre, Douneside House Gardens offer an exceptional training environment. Trainees work alongside our experienced horticultural team learning craft skills, gaining RHS qualification and certificates of competence and accumulating a high level of competence and proficiency to progress their professional horticultural careers. Many former MacRobert trainees now hold senior positions in prestigious gardens and organisations throughout the UK.
We recently celebrated our horticultural trainees and all they achieved throughout their year of training. Two have graduated and are moving on to exciting new opportunities, while two remain with us to undertake a second year of advanced horticultural and garden management training.
Sarah has been working towards establishing her own flower-growing business, combining the practical knowledge gained in the gardens at Douneside with her entrepreneurial drive. With land and polytunnels already secured, and a detailed propagation and planting programme in place, her new venture is well underway.
Lydia, who holds a first-class degree in Plant Science, will soon begin a one-year placement at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Her combination of academic expertise and practical horticultural training here in Royal Deeside has placed her in an excellent position to pursue her long-term ambition of working in botanical research and conservation, with hopes of a future PhD at institutions such as Kew Gardens.
Meanwhile, Kenny and Daisy are staying on with us for their second year. With a carefully designed programme that will stretch their knowledge and skills further, both are excited to continue their horticultural journey here at Douneside House.
The success of Sarah, Lydia, Kenny, and Daisy reflects the strength of the scheme and the opportunities offered by the gardens at Douneside. Their hard work not only supports their own career paths but also enhances the gardens that our guests enjoy throughout the year.
When you next stay at Douneside House, we invite you to explore the gardens for yourself, a living reflection of the passion, dedication, and training that make them flourish.
Find out more about our gardens here.