Hello, my name is Alyce and I am a Landscape Apprentice, working in the Landscape Management team for Grosvenor Estates. I am studying a Level 3 in Horticulture Supervision at Capel Manor College; I completed my Level 2 in 2017.

I’ve always been quite an ‘outdoorsy’ and practical person, so I was never likely to choose a career in an office. I had done a BTEC in Animal Management at college and then a year of Environmental Science at university, both of which contributed to my love of nature and the outdoors. An apprenticeship appealed to me because of the hands-on approach to learning. I didn’t really know much about horticulture before I started, but my passion for it has really grown now. Being able to spend time in nature is really satisfying, even though the job can be physically tough at times, and I’ve learnt about the many possibilities and career options there are in this industry.

Grosvenor Estates manage and maintain a range of green spaces in central London, at some really prestigious locations. So, my average day will vary, and will take into consideration factors like the weather, the season and the safety of the local residents that use our gardens. For example, gardening in the winter can be hard due to the cold but your tasks are working towards getting the areas ready for the spring. In spring and summer, it is all systems go with general garden maintenance or planting and nurturing new and established plants.

Watering is one of the trickiest jobs with temperatures sometimes reaching high 30s in the height of summer. London’s microclimate means plants flourish earlier, so our team will have to use their experience, as opposed to books, when it comes to understanding what’s needed. Leaf clearance will take over much of our autumn months due to the many trees on our estates, we have more than 900. We recycle 100% of our green waste, the equivalent weight of six double decker buses a year!

The most enjoyable part of my job is having the freedom and opportunity to create new designs for areas of our gardens. Taking ownership over those designs and seeing others enjoy what you have created is a great feeling. This part of my job also helps me improve my plant knowledge when it comes to learning new plant names, as well as what they need to thrive. When creating designs, I always consider biodiversity, basing my plant choices around nectar rich plants that I know will attract a wide range of insects and other wildlife, perhaps even more important in London! I have been extremely lucky with Grosvenor as I have had the opportunity to grow my passion by meeting other professionals and attending courses to improve my gardening skills. Being able to go to events like the RHS Shows at Chelsea and Hampton Court and the seminars provided by London Gardens Network have all added to my enjoyment.

I have practised and learnt many skills in my role. One of them is certainly how to plan efficiently and be organised to achieve the best result. There are always times when you need to problem solve; in this industry, you need to be adaptable and find new ways of working for the benefit of yourself and the plants.

Communication and teamwork skills are both really important and I think I’ve improved in both since working here. Being able to communicate effectively is essential when directing a team for the best results. I have also developed by leading projects, from maintenance tasks to understanding the vision for our gardens and how to achieve it.

I think more people should consider careers in landscaping as a first choice. Horticulture or landscape management are skills that are in demand across the world – and Britain does have a good reputation as a nation of garden-lovers! Although it can be hard at times, it is also rewarding, and nature will always inspire you in a new way.

“Did you know that, on average, Landscape Apprentices can earn £17,900 per year?”

Apprenticeships in Landscape and Horticulture

Horticulture or Landscape Operative – Level 2

Planning and maintaining large gardens, parks and other green spaces.

Landscape Technician – Level 3

Work with and support landscape professionals in designing, planning and managing spaces in both natural and built environments.

Landscape or Horticulture Supervisor – Level 3

Planning and maintaining large gardens, parks and other green spaces.

Advanced Golf Greenkeeper – Level 3

Assisting with the supervising of the greenkeeping team and the maintenance of the golf course.

Horticulture or Landscape Technical Manager – Level 5

Now being developed!

Chartered Landscape Professional – Level 7

Now being developed! For more information visit

www.golandscape.co.uk