Interview with Graham Ross, Garden Clinic

Meet:

Ash Walker

budding horticulturist

"Born under a tree' in rural NSW, this is the story of Ash Walker and his journey along an exciting career path.

INTERVIEW: GRAHAM ROSS

What were you doing when you entered the Global Footprints Scholarship (formerly the

BBM Scholarship*) competition?

I was 20 and working as a horticulturist at Welby Garden Centre in the Southern Highlands, NSW.

Have you always been keen on gardening?

Horticulture has been a passion since I was five years old. I think I was born under a tree. It began with my great nan, my nan, and my mum, working in the veggie patch. Each year I climbed the garden shed to pick the chokos from the roof, enough to fill a wheelbarrow. In high school, I gained work experience at Gardens R Us in Bowral, aged 15. A key person in my career who guided and mentored me was Justin Longhurst, Welby Nursery Manager. He recommended I apply for the scholarship.

Any career thoughts at that time?

i had ambitions to travel the world and explore the horticulture industry, but I was focused on finishing my studies. Once I finished year 12, I began my horticulture studies with a pretty good idea, but not a rock-solid plan for the future.

What happened after you applied for the scholarship?

I received a call from the Global Footprints CEO to say I had been awarded the scholarship; it was the 13th of August 2020. It was the best feeling in the world, it just shot me over the moon! I was super excited about what lay ahead and the opportunities that this would provide me. I felt a level of responsibility to represent the BBM* and the entire Australian horticultural industry.

What work experiences** has the scholarship given you?

My time overseas allowed me to work in the best gardens and flower shows in the world. I had five placements including:

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London. I worked on the 'Sanctuary Garden', designed by Kate Gould. The two weeks of the build were very intense, but I loved every minute, learning a lot about garden design. Then 'Show Week', which was great to talk with other designers and like-minded horticulturists.

The Royal Botanic Garden, Kew. For five weeks, I was privileged to work with the leading minds in horticulture and had an opportunity to learn more about botany.

Hidcote Manor Garden, National Trust UK, Cotswolds. Four weeks here showed me that using traditional practices in horticulture is the way we should all operate but with an innovative outlook.

Claude Monet's Garden, Giverny, France.

Wow, Monet's Garden is filled with so much beauty. My time there taught me about the management of a garden and sustainable methods of gardening.

The Eden Project, Cornwall UK. I spent five weeks in the biome domes. I found their methods of pest and disease management intriguing.

What were the highlights of your experience?

The entire six months was a highlight, but there were two standouts: The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, working on Kate Gould's Sanctuary Garden", which won a Gold Medal, Best Construction,

and Best in Category awards. Kate was kind enough to give me a copy of the gold medal award.

The other, while on my first day at The Eden Project, I had the honor to meet then Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla (pictured, left). I was told by other staff that someone special was coming to visit the garden, but no one knew who. BBC's Antique Road Show was filming that day and HRH was a guest for the show.

The Duchess walked through the Dome thanking everyone. The Duchess, Fiona Brace (Antique Road Show host), and I, chatted about my travels and my ambitions in horticulture. I couldn't ask for a better start.

What has the scholarship meant to you?

The scholarship allowed me to fulfill my dreams of traveling the world and exploring more sustainable and innovative horticultural

ideas. The scholarship has set me up for the future, so I can continue traveling and working in other gardens to expand my network and knowledge to improve the industry.

The Global Footprints Scholarship journey has changed my life for the better, I would highly recommend this scholarship to any young person interested in gardening.

Keep up to date with Ash's horticultural journey via Instagram, @ashwalker_hort. Learn more about career opportunities at Global Footprints: globalfootprints.org.au

• BBM changed its name to Global Footprints in 2022 but still uses both in communications because of the vast BBM legacy.

• *The overseas placements are arranged by the Australian Garden Council, a Not-for-Profit Organisation. www.gardencouncil.org

Again a big thank you to Global Footprints Scholarships, Garden Clinic, Australian Garden Council, scholarship sponsors, and everyone else who helped along the way.. much appreciated