Two Merrist Wood College landscaping apprentices have gained invaluable industry experience after helping to build an award-winning show garden at the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair.
Ellis Thomas, who is employed by MGM Landscaping, and Jett Benson, employed by Landscape Associates, were invited to work alongside members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) on its showcase garden, ‘Elevated Garden Living’.
Built over an intensive four-day period at Audley End House & Gardens, the garden went on to receive a Platinum Award and Best Showcase Garden, giving Ellis and Jett the opportunity to experience first-hand what goes into creating a garden at the very highest level.
The collaborative APL project was designed by Designscape and brought together professionals from across the landscaping industry, with Ellis and Jett working alongside nine different contractors during the build.
‘Elevated Garden Living’ was designed to showcase creative ways of making the most of elevated and compact outdoor spaces, such as balconies, roof terraces and smaller gardens.
Its features included an elevated decked terrace using two different colours and laying patterns, a feature wall with plant shelves, a pergola with window detail, a copper rain-chain water feature and a house façade backdrop representing a balcony or small roof terrace.
For Ellis and Jett, the project provided much more than the chance to contribute to an award-winning garden. Working in a fast-paced professional environment introduced them to new techniques, tools and approaches, while allowing them to learn directly from experienced landscapers.
Phil Tremayne from the Association of Professional Landscapers praised the apprentices for the way they embraced the experience.
He said: “When Jett and Ellis first arrived there were obviously a few nerves, but they got to grips with the situation very quickly and settled in superbly.
“There were nine different contractors here, so there were a lot of faces they didn’t know and techniques they had never seen before, but they never shied away from any task.
“What the guys really liked was that they were always inquisitive. They asked questions, wanted to know why things were being done in a certain way and what tools would work best.
“The professionals they were working with were more than happy to take the time to show them, talk them through the processes and get them using new tools and techniques. They’ve been a joy to have with us and have been really good.”
The experience extended beyond the show garden itself, with Ellis and Jett staying with members of the team during the build, giving them another opportunity to get to know and learn from professionals working across the landscaping industry.
Phil added: “They really got involved. They mucked in, engaged with everyone in the evenings and came out for dinner with us. They fitted into the team brilliantly.”
Paul Newman, Garden Designer at Designscape, was equally impressed by their contribution.
He said: “Jett and Ellis have performed exceedingly well. They tackled every task full speed ahead and nothing was too much trouble for them.
“They worked together as part of the team in a small space, everyone bonded and the results speak for themselves – we won the Platinum Award and Best Showcase Garden.
“It was a fabulous four days working with these young guys, and I really hope they enjoyed the experience.”
Kris Donnelly from Haldon Landscape and Construction, who worked closely with Ellis and Jett during the first two days of the build, also contacted the college following the event to praise their attitude and work ethic.
He said: “It was refreshing to see their young attitude towards work. They took everything I told them in their stride and were appreciative of all the know-how.
“Top lads and all the best for their future in landscaping. Great workers and I’d take them on for sure.”
The APL described ‘Elevated Garden Living’ as a celebration of the “creativity, expertise and craftsmanship” of its members and highlighted the importance of giving the Merrist Wood apprentices the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of constructing a professional show garden.
Following its double award success, the association also congratulated Ellis and Jett for their contribution and the “vital experience” they gained during the build.
The garden was designed by Designscape and created with the involvement of APL members including Landscapes By Design, Adscape, Holland Landscapes, TKE Landscaping, Haldon Landscape and Construction, Cordes Horticultural Ltd, Bramley Apple Garden Design and Jacq and Wills Landscapes.
The experience provided Ellis and Jett with a fantastic opportunity to put their apprenticeship learning into practice, build industry connections and develop their skills alongside experienced professionals – while playing their part in creating a Platinum Award-winning garden.
Go to Activate Apprenticeships for more information on our apprenticeship opportunities.
