The Adam Greathead Award

The Adam Greathead Award is a unique opportunity, sponsored by the Ashwood Charitable Trust, for an aspiring horticulturalist to spend twelve months working and learning in two renowned gardens.

The famous Summer borders at Great Dixter

The Adam Greathead Award will allow the successful applicant to spend six months at Great Dixter in East Sussex, the garden of the late great Christopher Lloyd, and now a centre for horticultural education as well as a huge source of inspiration to everyone who visits.

They will also spend six months at John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries in the West Midlands. This outstanding garden, regarded as one of the finest private gardens in the UK, is the creation of nursery owner John Massey and has been featured on TV on numerous occasions.

Who can apply?

Applicants should be 18 or over and resident in England or Wales. They should have a strong enthusiasm for horticulture, a love of plants and a willingness to take on practical tasks and see them through to completion.

If you think you possess these qualities, then you are invited to complete and submit the application form:

APPLICATION  FORM  (Applications are now open for Autumn 2025 | deadline August 21st 2025)

Looking towards the canal in John’s Garden

Please let us know if you require any adjustments owing to a disability which you wish us to take into account when considering your application.

All applications will be acknowledged and a short list may be drawn up before the successful applicant is chosen. All applicants will be informed of the result of their application. The decision of the trustees is final.

Additional information:

The successful applicant will receive the national living wage after deductions for statutory pension and national insurance contributions. There will also be a boot and thermal clothing allowance and some help with accommodation costs. Due to our country location, your own transport would be advisable.

Start dates and locations are to be agreed with the successful applicant and Great Dixter.

Adam Greathead remembered:

The late Adam Greathead  enjoying a quiet moment

The Award is named in memory of Adam Greathead, inspirational Head Gardener at John’s Garden from 2014-2017.  Adam passed away suddenly aged 27 in 2017, a young life cut tragically short and a great loss to the world of horticulture. We hope that the Adam Greathead Award will honour his memory as well as being a lasting tribute to such a remarkable young man. Read more

About the Ashwood Charitable Trust:

The Ashwood Charitable trust is non-profit making and every penny of the money raised is distributed to good causes. All monies from charitable events, donations and any other giving is channelled to nominated charities.
It also strives towards the encouragement and improvement of the science, art and practice of horticulture in all its branches. Read more