A TRAINEE gardener at the National Trust's Cotehele Estate is to continue cultivating plants as an employed horticulturalist at the RHS Garden Rosemoor in Great Torrington. Formerly a science teacher and researcher in a microbiology lab, Jane Hammacott decided to switch careers three years ago, which meant volunteering in Cotehele's garden for a year before becoming a National Trust Academy trainee. Her two-year training regimen included working in all areas of Cotehele's garden, simultaneously completing her vocational qualification. Her new post at RHS Rosemoor Garden will focus on tending plants in the nursery. 'Jane learned very quickly and fitted in really well with the team,' said Dave Bouch, head gardener at Cotehele. 'We are very sad to see her go but are thrilled that her trainee position has resulted in a permanent job in horticulture, especially at such a prestigious garden. 'At Cotehele we believe that by passing the knowledge and skills of our current master gardeners on to the next generation, we can secure the future of our historic gardens. Jane's accomplishment is a real success story.' Jane said: 'I learned a lot at the National Trust. As I used to be a teacher I knew how hard it is to train people, but they just knew how to do it. 'The people were brilliant. Now I'll be able to see how a different organisation works. 'Rosemoor is one of five RHS gardens and it will be interesting to learn how they look after their estate — I'm really looking forward to it.'