Taster Sessions

Discover the exciting world of careers in horticulture through a Taster Session at one of our RHS gardens. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, exploring a career change, or supporting students in discovering green industries, we’ve got options for everyone:

Open Taster Sessions

Feed your curiosity and discover careers in the horticultural industry.

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work in horticulture? Are you curious about why so many people are passionate about working with plants? Our Open Taster Sessions are open to the public and designed to give you an introduction to careers in horticulture.

Working in a garden: Explore an RHS garden and get a feel for life behind the scenes
Practical tasks: Roll up your sleeves and try out a hands-on task with our team
Career insights: Learn about some of the training routes, job roles, and career paths available in the horticultural sector
Expert guidance: Ask our staff all your questions about horticultural careers and gain valuable advice

A clearer understanding of various career paths in horticulture
Inspiration to explore work experience, volunteering, or even apprenticeships in the industry
An insight into the vital role jobs in the industry play in shaping our world

Duration: Usually 10am – 2pm, but can differ at each of our gardens so check in advance
Who’s it for? Anyone aged 16 and over, whether your simply curious to explore career options or you’ve already started your training and would like more information
Preparation: Sessions are outdoors so bring suitable clothing for the weather and clean sturdy boots (no open-toed shoes or heels)

Bespoke Taster Sessions

Inspire your students with a unique insight into green careers at one of our RHS gardens.

Closed sessions tailored for schools, colleges, and groups, our Bespoke Taster Sessions showcase the exciting opportunities available in the horticultural sector, helping students aged 14+ explore how a green career could grow their future.

Behind-the-scenes tours: Discover an RHS garden and explore the variety of work that goes on
Employer engagement: Meet horticulture professionals to learn about the wide range of career pathways, ranging from plant conservation and scientific research to landscape design and food growing
Hands-on learning: Students participate in a practical task, immersing themselves in the working environment

Our Bespoke Taster Sessions align with key Gatsby Benchmarks, helping schools and colleges deliver high-quality careers advice. They include:

Encounters with employers and employees: Meet RHS staff working in diverse roles, for example practical horticulture, science, and engineering
Experiences of workplaces: Gain first-hand experience of our work environment
Encounters with further and higher education: Discover work-based training opportunities and qualifications at the RHS and in the wider industry

Duration: Flexible to group needs, up to 4 hours at one of our RHS gardens
Who’s it for? Students aged 14+
Cost: Free for schools and colleges (travel support available, subject to need)
Preparation: Sessions are outdoors so appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear are essential

Where Could It Lead?

Whether you're considering a career change, choosing school or college subjects, or exploring your options, these sessions will equip you with the information you need to begin taking steps towards an exciting and fulfilling career in horticulture.

Next Steps

Next Steps
To explore and book the opportunities that suit your needs:

Open Taster Sessions: Visit the New Shoots Eventbrite page to view and book available sessions.

Bespoke Taster Sessions: Tailored for schools, colleges, or community groups. Email us at newshoots@rhs.org.uk to arrange a session.

If you have further questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email the New Shoots team at newshoots@rhs.org.uk.

Please note: The event sign-up portal is provided by Eventbrite on behalf of RHS. When signing up to taster sessions, you are leaving the RHS website and will be governed by both the RHS and Eventbrite’s privacy notices. Please read both privacy notices before you apply.

Hear from our participants

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

“I had a lovely day, it was great to be outdoors in the sun and getting to do a practical activity. Was also really nice to spend time with some lovely people.”

“I enjoyed meeting different people and hearing them talk about what they do on a day-to-day basis”

“It provided a sense of achievement by completing tasks at the allotment and a sense of belonging by being given the opportunity to be part of the RHS Wisley team for a day.”

See the range of options on offer

Browse our programmes

Learn about the initiative to promote horticultural careers

What is New Shoots?

If you have a question on work experience, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section.

FAQs

Contact us

For more information or if you have a question, please get in touch with the New Shoots team.

E-mail:
newshoots@rhs.org.uk

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.