Celebrating our horticulture apprentices at Fullers Mill Garden

This National Apprenticeship Week we are delighted to celebrate not just our current apprentices at Fullers Mill Garden, but previous ones too.

We currently have two apprentices: Lauren Boyd and Justin Farrow. Both work five days per week in the garden, whilst remote learning at Suffolk New College. They are studying Level 3 City and Guilds in Practical Horticulture Management in Parks and Gardens.

Lauren and Justin started at Fullers Mill on the Level 2 course and are currently in their third year with us. They will complete their Level 3 course in 2026 when we will be recruiting for new apprentices.

Lauren’s journey: From houseplants to horticulture

Lauren started her horticultural journey as a houseplant enthusiast with no formal horticulture training and decided to dabble in outdoor gardening. When Lauren finished her A Levels she decided to explore the opportunity of an apprenticeship.

Lauren commented on her experience so far: ‘I've absolutely loved it, especially learning about propagation. I find the whole process amazing, from taking cuttings to nurturing them into new plants. I enjoy all the different methods for each plant, and I think it’s so fascinating that plants can grow a whole new plant from a small cutting and for some plants all you need is a leaf.

‘Being outside is brilliant and I love watching the seasons change. Autumn is my favourite time of year when the leaves begin to change, and the garden is full of shades of orange, yellow, and purple. I love to see the seed heads on plants - they are almost as good as the flowers if not better!’

Justin’s journey: From postman to passionate gardener

Justin didn’t know what he wanted to do for a career but knew he wanted to work in nature and liked being outside, having spent some time working as a postman. He knew he wanted to do something he could make a career of and be passionate about, so applied for an apprenticeship in horticulture.

When he was offered the apprenticeship at Fullers Mill Garden he decided to jump in head first, even though he had no experience in horticulture, and didn’t even know what a snowdrop was! He decided it was a good opportunity, and here his journey began.

Justin said: 'I'm absolutely loving every minute. Every day is a new adventure, and I'm learning so much. I can't believe I get to spend my days outside, getting my hands dirty and helping things grow.

‘Springtime is definitely my favourite. Seeing all the new life emerge after winter is really special at Fullers Mill, blink and you miss it. There's something magical about watching those tiny buds turn into leaves and flowers.

‘I've discovered a real passion for trees, too. I love caring for them and planting new ones in the garden, especially rare and unusual varieties. There's something so majestic and timeless about trees.’

What do apprentices do at Fullers Mill Garden?

Not only do Lauren and Justin get to spend their days outdoors working in the garden, they also have opportunities to learn and gain experience of the industry in a fun, proactive way.

They have visited other gardens such as Edinburgh and Cambridge Botanic Gardens, Chippenham Park, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent and many others. They have also been to talks to help them expand their knowledge, learning about things such as how climate change will affect the future of gardens and plants, the difficulty and restrictions of importing plants, and pests and diseases.

They learn from their gardening colleagues on a daily basis, picking up hints and tips on things such as pruning, planting trees and plants, propagation methods and watching things they plant go through the process from seed to plant.

Then there are the more unique projects such as cutting the riverbank back, learning why it’s important and understanding more about the wildlife around us and its role in nature.

In the last year, Lauren and Justin have been given the task of clearing access to the lake and ensuring the paths are accessible for visitors. They are looking forward to seeing visitors enjoying walking around this area of the garden - that has not previously been open to the public - knowing that their hard work aids the experience of the visitors to Fullers Mill Garden.

Finding a sense of purpose through an apprenticeship

Lauren and Justin agree that doing a job like this is very satisfying; being able to work in such a beautiful garden in nature every day alongside all the wildlife really gives them a sense of purpose.

Lauren says: ‘It is such a pleasure to have the chance to work here at Fullers Mill. The diversity and rarity of some of the plants here really is remarkable and gives us the opportunity to work with and learn about a broader variety of plants and their needs and habits.’

Justin adds: ‘As apprentices, we both love that there isn’t much in the way of formality, everything tends to flow from one bed to the next, planted in a way that hopefully mimics how nature intended. Learning on the job like this in a practical way is great and means we get the most out of every day.’

Life after an Apprenticeship at Fullers Mill Garden

Some of the apprentices who come to Fullers Mill end up staying on after their training is complete or returning once they have gained more experience elsewhere.

Gary’s journey: From apprentice to Garden Manager

We first welcomed Gary Bean to our gardens several years ago when he was starting out in horticulture and came to our gardens as an apprentice. Recently Gary has returned to Fullers Mill Garden, taking up the post of Garden Manager. He now has the responsibility of sharing his extensive knowledge, care and encouragement with the apprentices he manages today.

Gary comments: ‘I feel it is important to offer apprenticeships whenever you can, to help continue the high standards within our profession.

‘By having apprentices in our garden, we get to guide them and see them grow into educated and passionate enthusiasts of whatever path they choose to follow at the end of their training.

‘To have even the slightest input into someone’s future like that, is an amazing feeling.’

How you can become a Trainee at Fullers Mill Garden

Our apprenticeship opportunities are advertised through Suffolk New College. You can join their talent pool to be the first to hear about apprenticeship opportunities at Fullers Mill Garden. Become a Trainee - Suffolk New College

Suitable applicants will be shortlisted and invited for an interview at the garden. We will then make an offer to the successful applicant.

We recruit apprentices of all ages, no matter what point in life you’re starting out on your horticultural journey.

About Fullers Mill Garden and Perennial

Fullers Mill Garden is an award-winning seven-acre enchanting waterside oasis set in Bury St Edmunds in the heart of Suffolk. Created by the late Bernard Tickner MBE, it combines dappled woodland with a plantsman’s collection of shrubs, perennials, lilies and marginal plants to create a year-round garden.

In 2013, for its long-term preservation, the garden was generously gifted to Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works in horticulture and their families. Perennial provide free, essential advice, support, services and a helpline for anyone in horticulture, from new starters to retirees.