My First Season at York Gate

Alice Cunningham grew up in rural Wales and has always had a strong interest in the outdoors, wildlife and gardening. Whilst she was at University in Norwich, she continued to nurture her love of the natural world alongside her studies.

After completing her degree, she returned home to Wales and decided to combine her passion for the outdoors with the skills and experience she had gained during her course.

Alice came across an Instagram advert for the apprenticeship at York Gate Garden and applied immediately. After being accepted onto the apprenticeship programme through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, she packed her bags and relocated to Leeds.

Alice is now four months into her apprenticeship, and below she shares her story so far. 

Starting my apprenticeship at York Gate Garden has been a genuinely rewarding experience. The combination of learning on the job whilst studying for my RHS Level 2 qualification is giving me the opportunity to build practical skills, develop my plant knowledge, and gain confidence in a real working environment. No two days at York Gate are ever the same, and this variety means I am always able to try new things, such as learning to use new tools for hedge-cutting, planting or even hedge-laying. I love how this can lead to potential new learning opportunities, as I really enjoyed hedge-laying and am now looking at courses to attend in order to grow this skill.

One of the biggest positives of my apprenticeship so far has been the garden team. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and generous with their time and knowledge. I’m learning that asking questions is not only encouraged, but essential, and being able to ask about anything, from plant identification to planting techniques, helps me to grow confidence in my understanding. We are also encouraged to gain work experience at other gardens, and there is a real culture of shared learning, where experience is passed on and curiosity welcomed, which makes such a difference. I feel really lucky to be learning in such a supportive environment and to get to work outside in nature every day alongside the garden team.

Not long after beginning my apprenticeship, Siân (the other apprentice here) and I attended three fantastic events, including a Conifer training day at Chatsworth House, The Royal Parks Guild Discovery Day in London, and a Grow Careers North event at Askham Bryan college. These were such valuable experiences, especially as someone who is interested in learning about the different niches within horticulture, but also because we were able to connect with other apprentices and explore what a future career in horticulture could look like. I came away feeling really inspired by the enthusiasm of the different people that we met.

The apprenticeship so far has shown me how valuable hands-on learning can be, especially when it’s supported by a generous and experienced team. I’m excited to see all the different seasons at York Gate, and to keep learning, asking questions and developing my confidence. 

Click here to find out more about a career in horticulture.