Media release

Horticultural Students Travelling through Time at Hamilton Gardens

17 September 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gaining hands-on experience with ancient gardening concepts from different civilisations has become a reality for Wintec horticultural students.

A partnership between Hamilton Gardens and Wintec’s Horticulture Centre means students studying for their horticultural qualifications can work alongside qualified Hamilton Gardens’ gardeners to gain practical experience.

Hamilton Gardens’ Operations Manager Gus Flower says the new partnership has significant mutual benefits for both the students and the Gardens.

“All of our themed gardens have strong design concepts reflecting how certain gardens have developed through history,” Mr Flower says.

“Students are gaining hands-on experience working with our gardeners, but are also learning about the history of gardens and civilisations. It’s an incredibly unique opportunity for them.”

Wintec horticulture student Chelsey Stewart has swapped her tramping boots for gardening gloves. Chelsey recently walked the southern section of Te Araroa after leaving her policy analyst role, and is currently completing horticulture study with Wintec.

“I grew up on sheep and beef farm and then entered the public sector. It didn’t suit me and now I’m doing something I love. I’m coming back to my roots and making a career from a passion.”

Wintec’s Horticulture Centre is based in Hamilton Gardens, and its students now work with Hamilton Garden’s gardeners every Friday.

Hamilton Gardens has 21 themed gardens that explore the story of gardens through time and different civilisations including ancient gardening concepts from the Chinese Sung Dynasty to pre-European Maori cultivation techniques.

The Gardens is also home to New Zealand’s only productive pre-European Maori garden, Te Parapara.

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