THE historic Cotehele estate in East Cornwall is playing its part in training the gardeners of the future, through the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

NGS is a charity which gives away more than £2.5-million each year to nursing, caring and gardening charities. Each year it funds 12 garden academy students who undertake training within National Trust properties.

The scheme was set up in response to the shrinking pool of qualified gardeners from which any private or public owner could recruit new staff. Many who have undergone the training now work as full-time professional gardeners at National Trust, private and other major gardens at home and abroad.

Four aspiring gardeners are currently being trained in the South West through the academy scheme at Cotehele, Hidcote Manor Garden, Stourhead and Tyntesfield.

Jane Hammacott used to be a science teacher and researcher in a microbiology lab before she started her National Trust academy training at Cotehele. She went straight into the training post following 18 months of volunteering at Cotehele and has been full-time for five months. 

Her trainee's regimen includes working in all areas of the garden and Jane has gained experience with spring bulbs, herbaceous borders, soft fruit, the cut flower garden, palms, the stream and pond, as well as various plant collections. She is also working on the first stage of the Valley Garden development.

She said: 'I am on a steep learning curve at the moment, but every day brings something new. For me, the most important thing I am learning at the moment is to identify plants in the garden. 

'We have a collection of some 2,000 species at Cotehele and there are a large number that are entirely new to me. I am also learning propagation techniques and how to use and maintain garden machinery as well as some garden design methods.'

David Bouch, head gardener and acting general manager at Cotehele said: 'I'm so pleased the NGS is working with the National Trust to train high calibre gardeners capable of working in an historical amenity garden environment.

'Cotehele offers a perfect training opportunity to a novice gardener because of the wide range of horticulture skills and tasks needed to maintain this garden to the highest of standards from a botanical, historical and environmental point of view.

'It's a fantastic garden for the visitor and an awesome garden for the gardener.

'Jane has brought new vigour and enthusiasm to the team. The staff gardeners have been able to hone and practice their teaching skills. Having Jane with them has given them the unexpected opportunity to refresh and review their own horticulture knowledge. They've got a great deal out of sharing and passing on their knowledge to her.'

Hundreds of gardens will be open this year to support the work of the NGS. For more details go to: http://www.ngs.org.uk">www.ngs.org.uk