BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GARDENS
The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens have a exceptional plant collection of international significance. Situated close to Romsey in Hampshire in the South of England, is the greatest collection of hardy woody plants in the world growing in 180 acres of formal and informal landscapes. With an ever expanding collection and concentration of horticultural expertise, the Gardens are an important centre for education and conservation and are enjoyed by around 140,000 visitors a
year.

In 1977, to secure the future of his collection, Sir Harold Hillier gave the Gardens in trust to Hampshire County Council who has managed and financed them since. With this support the Gardens have continued to expand and now grow 42,000 plants of around 12,000 taxa and house the largest number of NCCPG National Plant Collections (13) to be found on any one site. Over 37 of its trees are "champion" trees - the largest specimens of their kind in the country. New plants are constantly being introduced, not only from nurseries in this country and abroad, but also through the good relations we have with botanic gardens throughout the world and from expeditions to areas including China, Chile and Mexico.

AIMS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
Students are given the opportunity to work amongst a world renowned collection of trees and shrubs, gaining practical experience and receiving training from members of the Horticultural Team in most aspects of maintaining 180 acres of gardens. The overall aim is to broaden a knowledge of plants, methods of cultivation and maintenance and to improve general horticultural experience.
During their time here students work with the Horticultural Team in the various areas of the Gardens and have the options to train in the Education, Botany, Propagation and Visitor Services departments if they wish. Students will also benefit from all the training workshops, plant identification walks and tests and visits to other gardens.

STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAMME
The tremendous range of plant material and the high standard of maintenance, recording and labelling have contributed to the distinguished reputation of the Gardens worldwide. Where else could a more suitable environment be found for the training of some of our next generation of botanical horticulturalists?

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

• To broaden plant knowledge and develop a basic understanding of classification of names and organisms.
• To build familiarity with the plant collections, its plants and how to cultivate them.
• How to maintain and develop a garden and plant collection open to the public.
• To build their own self confidence by being encouraged to research and discuss the plants within the collection.
• To gain an understanding of the complexity of working in a garden with paying visitors.