Jason
Owner of Summit Gardens. Experience in horticulture in excess of 20 years, business established in 2004. Qualifications: RHS General Certificate in Horticulture; HNC in Garden Design; BSc (Hons) degree in Landscape Management.
“It was the mid 1990’s and I was moving around between jobs without any career path. I found a job with Coblands Nurseries, a local large nursery, selling plants off a truck to garden centres. I just fell in love with the job but felt frustrated at not having the plant knowledge so I enrolled on a 2 year course at Hadlow College. I came out with a distinction and a decent education to back up my experience.
"Twenty plus years on I’m still really enjoying the work and can honestly say I love going to work each day. Well, most days!”
Emily
Emily has been with us for a couple of years now, having joined as an apprentice. She is now studying for further horticultural qualifications to back up her workplace experience. She's a great credit to Summit Gardens.
"When I left school most of my friends went off to university but it wasn’t for me. I wanted to work outdoors but wasn’t entirely sure of the career I wanted. I did have experience of working in a garden centre, which I really enjoyed. I decided to sign up for a work based apprenticeship in horticulture, through Hadlow College. Jason took me on and I successfully completed the course. I’m now striving for an RHS level 2 horticultural qualification to increase my knowledge.
"I’ve been working here for more than 2 years now and really enjoy the work. As well as the horticultural experience I’ve gained, I’m now able to help construct garden structures, such as fences and decking."