The closing date for the Finnis Scott Award is fast approaching: Professional gardeners have just 8 weeks left to apply for funding.

APPLY NOW – Closing Date 30th September 2011

The Finnis Scott Award provides a bursary to support opportunities for professional gardeners to to experience different garden environments, horticultural establishments and working practices in the United Kingdom or Ireland.  The purpose of the award is to develop existing skills or learn new skills that will benefit both the gardener and enhance the management of their own garden.

A proposal can take the form of shadowing a manager, joining a team for a particular garden project or activity or simply working with other gardeners to experience their approach to that site. The benefits both to the individual and their  team  can be far reaching and include the chance to 'think outside of the box', increasing practical skills and team-building.

The Finnis Scott Award can help with paying travel, accommodation and other costs.  The award will be granted to professional gardeners planning a secondment or an exchange. Joint applications between gardens are welcome. Please note the award cannot be used for wild plant expeditions.

See the website for further details:

 http://www.pgg.org.uk/page/pgg-trust/the-finnis-scott-award/ 

Staff secondments are an essential part of any continuing professional development and can help you to increase the skills and 'know how' in your garden. So apply now for a the Finnis Scott Award and bring a bit of good news into your training budget.  If you would like to discuss your ideas please contact me directly.