Future Gardeners Celebrates Graduation of 24th Cohort at Chelsea Physic Garden
The Future Gardeners programme, now in its ninth successful year, celebrated the achievements of its 24th graduating class with a special ceremony held at the Chelsea Physic Garden in November. The event honoured the hard work and dedication of 14 graduating students, all of whom completed the programme with a 100% graduation rate, marking another strong milestone for this growing pathway into the horticultural profession.
The ceremony brought together industry leaders, alumni, employers, and supporters to recognise the students’ accomplishments and the programme’s role in shaping the next generation of horticultural talent. In 2025, National Garden Scheme funding supported four students through the programme.
Industry Leaders Celebrate the Next Wave of Green Skills
The graduates were joined by Jennifer Pheasey, Directory of Policy and Public Affairs, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, both long-standing champions of horticultural skills development. Their presence underscored the increasing importance of accessible training routes into the sector, particularly as the UK faces critical shortages in skilled horticultural workers.
Pheasey congratulated the students and highlighted the essential role they will play in shaping greener cities and healthier communities.
“We cannot breathe without horticulture and the work that you do,” she said, urging graduates to see themselves not only as gardeners, but as environmental stewards with a vital part to play in the nation’s future.
Dr Claxton echoed this sentiment, outlining the National Garden Scheme’s ongoing support of the programme and hinting at increased investment in the coming year saying: “The Future Gardeners course continues to demonstrate its enormous value—not only to participants, but to the wider sector. We’re proud to be part of its growth and excited about strengthening our support.”
Transformational Opportunities
Future Gardeners, delivered by Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST), is a free, ten-week, hands-on programme designed to open doors into the horticultural industry. As a charity dedicated to creating and maintaining exceptional green spaces across London, BOST uses the course to provide practical training, professional certification, and direct employment pathways to adults seeking a new start.
For many, the programme is life changing. Graduate Chantelle Grace reflected on her experience:
“This course has been life changing. Horticulture was something I never knew about before, and now it’s a world I feel excited to be part of.”
Celebrating Outstanding Achievement
This year’s cohort included several standout students who have already moved into placements or early career roles. Two graduates are currently working with Blakedown Landscapes on the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden in Regent’s Park, contributing to one of London’s notable landscape projects. Another graduate has taken up a volunteering role at Kew Gardens, gaining valuable experience at one of the world’s most prestigious botanical institutions.
A Growing Pipeline for a Greener Future
With the ongoing need for skilled horticultural workers and increasing public interest in green spaces, programmes like Future Gardeners are becoming essential pathways into a sector that is vital for climate resilience, biodiversity, and urban wellbeing. The continued success of the programme—and the enthusiasm of its graduates—reflects both the demand for green skills and the potential for horticulture to provide meaningful, sustainable careers.
You can read more about the National Garden Scheme’s support for the programme here Bankside Open Spaces Trust – National Garden Scheme
