The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and BALI Registered members to design and build a show garden, with support from horticulture and landscape students, at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (3-8 July).
BALI, through its education and careers initiative GoLandscape, is working with the RHS to promote students studying horticulture and landscape courses, and those undertaking work-based apprenticeships. Students from the South of England have been invited by BALI to help build the show garden, titled ‘Best of Both Worlds’. They will be mentored by senior level landscaping professionals, including garden designers, landscape contractors and GoLandscape ambassadors, in a true demonstration of industry collaboration.
BALI’s Education Officer, Stephen Ensell, commented: “Now more than ever we need to unite under BALI’s GoLandscape initiative to promote the many opportunities available to secure a rewarding career in the industry. There is no better way of doing this than by supporting and encouraging our hard-working students and apprentices from across the industry at a nationally recognised event such as the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.”
He continued: “By demonstrating the skills and capabilities of our next generation and by allowing them to gain first-hand experience with a show garden build of this size and complexity, we are creating an insight into landscaping for potential students coming out of secondary education and to career changers.”
RHS Show Manager, Gemma Lake said: “We are thrilled to be working with BALI at RHS Hampton this year to bring an exciting show garden that will offer the opportunity for dedicated landscaping students to display their skills and craftsmanship. At the RHS we know how important it is to help support young talent out there and we’re looking forward to welcoming some of the very best alongside BALI to encourage and inspire others.”