The (First) Sissinghurst Scholar

Back in June 2022, one of the National Trust's most famous properties opened applications for The Sissinghurst Scholarship.

This new, annual programme based at Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a special opportunity for the chosen scholar to gain 18 months practical hands-on experience in the art and craft of horticulture, with a focus on the approach of Sissinghurst's founders, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicholson.

Late last month, the inaugural 2022 Sissinghirst Scholar was named as Claire Margetts.

Claire said: “The pull of applying to be a part of the traditions and practices used by Vita and Harold, under the tuition of Head Gardener Troy Scott-Smith and his team, was irresistible.”

And Claire continued: "As the first Scholar I feel a great sense of responsibility to legacy, to hopefully in-turn inspire future Scholars and to go on and teach these skills to the next generation. I'm pretty sure, that if little me had seen more female Head Gardeners at historic gardens I would have thought, how do I get that job?

The National Trust’s Head of Gardens and Parklands, Andy Jasper, said: “As custodian of some of the world’s greatest gardens, we take heritage gardening, our horticultural assets, and the profession seriously.

“We want to nurture and develop the very best talent, cultivating horticulturists who can lead internationally significant gardens with confidence. This will help address the skill shortage that horticulture faces, provide exciting career paths, and ensure that heritage gardening skills and historic gardens are in the best possible hands.”

Applications for the 2023 Sissinghurst Scholarship will open in mid-May 2023.