Gardener’s Cuttings

Dylan Price, Trainee Gardener

Reflecting on the Traineeship

I remember first visiting the Garden four years ago during the spring Open Day, being greeted by the effervescent and dynamic planting; the experience made a big impression. I remember thinking what an exciting place, with a special spirit; it was clear to me that passion, creativity and consideration went into the space, and I knew then that I would love to one day be part of the team. I followed the journey of the Garden on Instagram and knew of the Traineeship, aspiring to apply once my apprenticeship was complete.

Learning

It’s surreal to be writing this in my second year as Trainee Gardener starting in September 2024. Time has flown by and I can’t overstate how much I feel I have developed as a gardener since being at the Inn. As well as studying the RHS Level 3, the chance to have ownership of areas in the Garden has been a welcome responsibility, actively observing plants and understanding what they need.

The wide range of species – and regular plant idents to help them stick – have put me in good stead for the future. A less common garden plant like Dahlia imperialis in the Hydrangea Border springs to mind, this gentle giant that hails from the Americas sits towards the back of the border, its nodding flowers are so majestic, and they tower at heights of over 10ft! They are herbaceous and hollow-stemmed. Supporting them with twine – that is more like rope to be honest – and thinning the canopy is well worth it as they flower here in early winter.

Craft

Methods traditional to ornamental horticulture like hazel-stem plant supports, staking and the chance to be artistic with pot displays have been a treat and valuable part of the traineeship. As a knitter, the craft of gardening appeals to my creative side and managing the meadow of flowers for pollinators and invertebrates has been a new and fascinating experience. If you’ve seen us with our scythes, you’ll know what I’m talking about! Scything takes some getting used to; the opportunity to learn and practise the craft is so special because it protects organisms living in the meadow as you cut giving them a chance to retreat, carrying out the meadow takedown in stages and retaining the material for habitat piles is also beneficial. For me, the contrast between the meadow and borders, along with the bucolic habitat piles that curious visitors often ask about, makes the Garden unique and creates a calming atmosphere.

Connections

Throughout the Traineeship I have had the good fortune of meeting many interesting and inspiring people who have generously imparted their knowledge. In July 2025, I was welcomed for the week at the historic Gravetye Manor to work alongside the team with Head Gardener Tom Coward, and former Inner Temple Trainee Sam Fry. The sun was strong that week and the bold, bright colours in the flower garden certainly rivalled it. The team were so thoughtful, and I learned a lot. One particular takeaway was how colour can enhance ornamental value:: how pairing two plants with a subtle petal undertone can make another plant shine. Red can also be used in small doses to draw the eye as a focal point, much like painting. Being part of the London Gardens Network has been a great way of meeting fellow gardeners and has opened my eyes to how varied our industry is in the city, from public green spaces and private gardens to big botanical gardens, contributing to the committee’s annual seminar has been an enjoyable experience.

Going forward

As I prepare for the final RHS exams I’m optimistic, two years in the Garden has consolidated my knowledge, and being part of the talented team has been fantastic and a bit of a pinch-me moment. They’ve been welcoming and supportive throughout and I have learned so much from each of them, I am excited to carry this knowledge forward in my gardening career and I know I’ll reflect on my time at The Inner Temple with fondness and joy. Thank you to everyone who has made the experience so special.

In the meantime, you can find me on Instagram @dylan_gardens where I’ll post from my next horticultural chapter in September.

Dylan Price
Trainee Gardener