Launched in 2016, our charity supports horticultural and “work ready” training schemes for people who have been long-term unemployed or who have faced major challenges. Students gain confidence while developing horticultural skills and are able to take advantage of wider options for employment.
Our courses are completely free and run in London for about 14 weeks. Graduates receive a certificate authorised by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, a City & Guilds qualification, work experience and mentoring, and introductions to well-respected employers including some of London’s finest parks and gardens.
Supporters include an impressive range of UK horticultural organisations, in particular Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST), an environmental and volunteering charity providing outstanding green spaces and outdoor activities within urban communities. Thanks to our supporters and delivery partners, students are able to take advantage of wide-ranging learning opportunitues, on-site training, skills-building, introductions to employers and work placements as well as gifts-in-kind and funding.
Many of our graduates have gone on to take their first steps in promising careers and others have opted to further their horticultural education through apprenticeships.
Although our courses are suited to a wide variety of people, they target those with the most needs.
Our history, trustees, partners, students, and early-career graduates working today
Major UK horticultural organisations support our students with skills & training
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We’re proud of the achievements of our students and graduates – over 115 early-career professionals who have completed the Future Gardeners course since 2016.
The 14-week course has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from our students, with an impressive 82% graduating and going on to work placements, apprenticeships and further training in our field. Many students and graduates report positive improvements to mental health and a well-deserved optimism in terms of building a career in horticulture.
A few highlights!
Dennis Williamson had been doing building maintenance and cleaning work but was drawn to working outdoors. “I could see a natural extension there, and always felt that the gardens were far more neglected than the houses I was working in…I want to be able to serve clients, giving them the best service and the best advice possible”
Peter Roake undertook work experience at Walworth Garden as part of the course and was then offered a job there. “The course led to this job. It helped me. I was already in recovery, on the road to rebuilding my life, …but I might have relapsed. It’s worked for me. Most definitely.”
Celebrating our largest number of graduates yet at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Our latest graduates celebrated their achievements in the iconic St John’s Waterloo crypt
Opening up job opportunities for students
A memorable volunteer experience at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show
A bright future as a self-employed gardener or designer
“Future Gardeners was brilliant. It inspired me, it connected me.”
The couse has opened doors to potential careers and given me the confidence to pursue something I have passion for
I think the course structure is great and the trips especially were excellent
I enjoyed the practical, hands-on approach.
The course has helped me feel more confident and connected to the community and locality where I live.
I cannot stress enough how important the whole experience has been to me
It has been amazing getting to know other people starting out in horticulture, going around all the beautiful gardens and seeing what is out there for future jobs.
… A really important program as many people (myself included) face barriers to getting involved in horticulture through lack of funds.
I’m more aware of conflicting demands within the industry and how my work could help to alleviate issues caused by barriers to sustainability
I feel like this course helped me find a job but also greatly improved my mental health.
I would highly recommend the Future Gardeners course to anyone wanting to pursue a career in gardening and horticulture.
It’s given me back my confidence and renewed focus on a trade which supports my wellbeing.
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