Patricia Berakova works at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) as a glasshouse horticulturist.
“RBGE is an award winning, leading research institution that focuses on conservation and cultivation of plants, education, outreach and so much more! For example, thanks to RGBE a lot of endangered and threatened plants are now thriving in cultivation. We work on an amazing number of projects that have a global positive impact. That is really just scratching the surface when explaining how much the organisation does, which is why I feel so lucky to be a part of it.
I went to university after leaving school and studied English literature, history and culture, gaining a master’s degree, before moving to Edinburgh and working as a café manager. I took my time trying to work out what I would do in the future, but decided to change careers. I have always gardened at home and had a huge collection of house plants, and eventually realised that I should pursue this as a career.
I began with an introduction to horticulture evening course at RBGE and started volunteering at a market garden for the National Trust for Scotland, and at Inverleith House for the RBGE.
I did that for a year while working full time, and when the apprenticeship came up, it was a dream opportunity for me, and a perfect timing to fully dive into this career.
I completed an SVQ at Level 2 in Horticulture and Landscaping at SRUC by day release over two years. I also decided to complete an RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development in my spare time, so was quite proud that I managed to fit it in. As the apprenticeship was hands-on, completing both these qualifications helped me gain an excellent base in theoretical knowledge to accompany the practical skills I was gaining.
I loved the course at SRUC because of the variety of hands-on skills I learned, from grafting trees to laying monoblock. We went on many trips to other gardens, plant nurseries and other horticultural venues, which really expanded my horizons and taught me about the endless possibilities of careers in horticulture. These qualifications helped me to establish a strong base that I am able to build on every day.
As a person in their late twenties, living abroad, going through changing careers, with no support from family, the fact that I would get paid while I was learning was the reason I was able to consider applying for this apprenticeship in the first place.
Just as I was about to finish my apprenticeship, the job came up, so it was the perfect time.
There were no horticulturists attending career events when I was in school, but I am so proud that as a Lantra Industry Champion now I get to speak to pupils. Introducing them to the possibility of becoming a horticulturist is one of the most rewarding achievements of my professional life.
I am lucky enough to look after three different collections in the glasshouses. Apart from general maintenance, cultivation and propagation of the plants, I enjoy implementing Integrated Pest Management - I work with a lot of biocontrol, which is a very fascinating subject, and a sustainable method of ensuring the health of plants. I find working with students and volunteers especially rewarding, because I get to introduce them to an incredible variety of plants and help them learn new skills. Depending on what the team is up to, I help with anything and everything. At the moment we are in the middle of a huge renovation of our historic Palm Houses, hence a lot of teamwork goes into that behind the scenes.
Over the year, I prioritise and schedule seasonal work plans for potting, propagation, feeding, pruning, glasshouse maintenance etc. Each season is different, and each day is different – the ability to improvise and change plans last minute is a crucial skill to have when it comes to organising your schedule.
Stewardship of plant collections requires a wide range of practical horticultural skills, understanding of botanical horticulture and the importance of keeping data up-to-date on the online plants records database, as well as good communication and problem-solving skills. Cultivating plants under glass requires a special set of skills and knowledge, as these plants have vastly different requirements than outdoor plants, which brings new challenges. During my apprenticeship I spent almost a year shadowing glasshouse horticulturists, which enabled me to build this specific skill set.
The best thing about my job is the rewarding feeling I get every single day knowing that I get to contribute, even in part, to such an impactful organisation. Working with rare tropical plants that you normally don’t come across in Scotland is a huge perk as well! Changing careers was the best decision I made in my life.
I’m particularly proud of managing to achieve not one, but two qualifications during my apprenticeship – it took a lot of time and effort, but persevering really paid off. I vividly remember hesitating to apply for this apprenticeship, thinking I wasn’t good enough - if anyone had told me that at the end of the programme, I would be a three-time award winning horticulturist, I certainly wouldn’t have believed them.
Working in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men has sometimes made being a woman in horticulture challenging. Things have definitely changed for the better though, and I am grateful to work for such a gender diverse organisation alongside a great number of strong, skilled, inspiring women I can look up to.
Considering that we are in the middle of a global environmental change and there is a threat of extinction to around two thirds of plant species, RBGE’s research and conservation work is of paramount relevance and importance. I am proud to be able to contribute to that.
RBGE leads in many aspects, including sustainability. For instance, we have been peat free since the 90s, showcasing the possibilities, leading by example and inspiring other organisations.
I love the fact that the botanic garden is always buzzing, bringing in an incredible number of visitors every day from all around the world.
My friends frequently get jealous that I work with so many incredible and interesting plants from all over the world. But to anyone considering a career in horticulture – absolutely go for it, you won’t regret it! Get yourself a good support network of people that will encourage you to challenge yourself, and listen to your mentors, teachers and senior colleagues and never stop asking questions.
I would recommend this career to everyone who loves nourishing plants, wants to make a positive change, and enjoys working hands-on and spending time in nature.”