How do botanical gardens train professional gardeners?

Botanical gardens play a significant role in professional horticultural training, serving as centers that produce skilled gardeners for supervisory positions worldwide.1

Specific institutions have established dedicated programs to provide this training. Notable examples include:

• The Niagara Falls Parks Commission’s School of Horticulture in Canada.1
• The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England.1
• The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in Scotland.1
• The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin in Dublin, Ireland.1
• The Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley in England.1

These programs are designed to equip individuals with the advanced horticultural knowledge and practical experience necessary for professional careers in the field. While some botanical gardens also offer popular-level short courses for novices or enthusiasts, these specialized training programs are distinct in their focus on developing professional expertise. Additionally, broader horticultural education is supported through university programs and vocational training, which is particularly well-developed in Europe.2134