Scotland Grows Show S3 E2: Heritage & Horticulture Careers with Simon Jones, National Trust for Scotland

Simon Jones is a Gardens & Designed Landscapes Manager for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), managing gardens such as Threave, Culzean, Broughton, Greenbank, Hill House, Geilston, Crarae and Arduaine. 

 

Previously he was Curator of Plants at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland based at Edinburgh Zoo, designing and constructing over 30 exhibits during this time.

 

Look forward in this episode to hearing all about Simon's work with the National Trust for Scotland, highlighting the unique beauty and heritage of Scotland's gardens; the challenges faced by NTS gardens, from storm damage to diseases like sudden oak death, and the resilience needed to manage and restore these treasured landscapes.

 

Simon explores how horticulture offers not only a connection to nature but also mental well-being, especially for those considering a career change later in life—a trend that's seen a notable rise since the COVID pandemic. He also offers invaluable advice for new gardeners, including practical tips on starting with fruit and vegetables, and seeking local insights through visits to stunning NTS gardens.

 

Outside his role with NTS, Simon is a past Vice-President of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, member of the Incorporation of City Gardeners of Glasgow, past Director for Gardening Scotland and now a committee member with Kinghorn Community Land Association.

 

Welcome to the Scotland Grows Show, the podcast which celebrates everything that is good in Scottish gardening, as we join gardeners around the country to find out what grows well where they are, and pick up tips and stories along the way.

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Scotland Grows magazine is our digital title which celebrates Scottish gardens and gardens, and drops into your inbox 6 times a year. If you would like to subscribe to receive a copy, just follow this LINK.

 

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And of course, you can always find your share of gardening goodness on our website at scotlandgrowsmagazine.com.

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This series is sponsored by ROOTS, a subscription from the National Trust for Scotland which helps both your garden and Trust gardens thrive.

 

For £6 a month you will be sent a ROOTS pack every six weeks, with gardening gifts, including Scottish seeds six times a year, stories about Scotland’s plant life, and tips from  expert Trust gardeners, as well as an invitation to two exclusive ROOTS events a year with the Trust gardens team.

 

Whether you buy ROOTS for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, your £6 a month will go towards supporting Trust gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland. 

 

Find out more here: www.nts.org.uk/roots