After a year of studying, the first Homebase Garden Academy students have graduated from the scheme and have all been given a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 1 Award qualification.
The academy was set up in conjunction with award-winning garden designer Adam Frost in response to concerns over a shortage of young, skilled gardeners in the UK. The pioneering scheme was launched in 2013 in order to raise the profile of gardening as a career.

Over the last year the students have learnt about garden design from Mr Frost, and spent time with suppliers developing detailed product knowledge covering everything from planting to watering and landscaping. They also worked at their local Homebase store, helping customers create gardens.

All the students say the highlight of their time was supporting Mr Frost in building The Homebase Garden - Time to Reflect in partnership with Alzheimer's Society at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower show, which went on to win a Gold medal.

"I'm very proud of how far the students have come over the past year," commented Mr Frost. "They have fully embraced every opportunity and it was a great honour to get to know them.

"It's a challenge for our industry to excite young people about a career in gardening, but through schemes like this, we're really bringing gardening to the forefront as a fun and rewarding career path."

Matthew Compton, head of garden at Homebase, added that the retailer was now focused on supporting the students on their career journey.

"Many of the students will continue working in Homebase stores, offering expert knowledge and advice to customers, and several students have secured roles in our head office as horticultural advisors and buyers," he said.

The Homebase Garden Academy is now in its second year and has doubled the number of places for students.