The Adam Greathead Award Application Form

A unique opportunity for an aspiring horticulturalist to spend twelve months working and learning in two renowned gardens. The successful applicant will spend six months at Great Dixter, East Sussex, the garden of the late great Christopher Lloyd which is now a centre for horticultural education and a huge source of inspiration to everyone who visits. They will also spend six months at John Massey’s private garden at Ashwood Nurseries near Kingswinford in the West Midlands. John’s Garden is an outstanding garden full of wonderful plants and featured on TV on numerous occasions.

Information and guidelines:

Applicants 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 below. (Applications are now open for Autumn 2025 | deadline August 21st 2025).

Applicants should be 18 or over and resident in England or Wales.

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 by Philip Baulk, chair of the trustees, [email protected] (please check your spam emails).

 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. 

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, the Ashwood gardening team and Great Dixter.