Charlotte O'Leary

2024 | Horticulture

“My goal is to leverage this global experience to drive positive change within my community to inspire others to embrace sustainable gardening practices, to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, and to cultivate green spaces that beautify our surroundings.”

Charlotte’s scholarship relates to these UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs):

My goal for this scholarship was to expand my horticultural knowledge and gain experience in a range of world-class horticultural environments. I wanted to learn from industry leaders, develop practical skills, and explore different approaches to plant production, conservation, and garden management. Most importantly, I hoped to bring new ideas and techniques back to Australia to support my ongoing development as a horticulturist.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

I spent five weeks working alongside horticulturists across several departments at Kew. During my placement I practised aerial layering and other propagation techniques, assisted with repotting the famous Amorphophallus titanum (corpse flower), worked with endangered plant species, and observed biological pest control programs in action.

I gained valuable propagation skills and developed a deeper understanding of plant conservation and collection management. I also learned about the important role botanic gardens play in protecting threatened plant species and preserving biodiversity on a global scale.

Repotting the corpse flower was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Equally inspiring was working with endangered species and seeing firsthand the incredible conservation work being undertaken at Kew.

Kew demonstrated how sustainability can be integrated into horticulture through conservation programs, biological pest management, and environmentally responsible growing practices. Seeing beneficial insects used as a form of pest control was particularly fascinating and highlighted practical alternatives to chemical treatments.

RHS Garden Wisley

My next placement was at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Wisley, in Surrey. I spent a week working alongside the horticultural team, gaining exposure to a wide variety of plants and gardening techniques. A significant part of my placement involved working with the National Pelargonium Collection and learning how specialist plant collections are maintained.

The placement expanded my plant knowledge and gave me insight into the management of nationally significant collections. I learned about collection maintenance, plant identification, and the attention to detail required to maintain a world-class public garden.

Working with the National Pelargonium Collection was a real privilege. Having the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable staff while working with an important horticultural collection was a memorable experience.

I learned how sustainable horticultural practices can be incorporated into large-scale public gardens through careful plant management, integrated pest management, and efficient use of resources.

Claude Monet's Garden - Giverny, France

I worked across all four sectors of Monet's Garden, learning from each horticultural team and experiencing the many different aspects of maintaining this internationally renowned historic garden. My tasks included hand-sowing approximately 9,000 seeds in the greenhouse, caring for plants throughout the garden, and helping maintain the famous water garden and lily ponds.

I gained an appreciation for the skill and precision required to maintain a historic garden while preserving its artistic vision. I learned about large-scale seasonal production, display gardening, and the importance of attention to detail in creating immersive garden experiences.

Working around the iconic lily pond and helping care for the nymphaeas that inspired Monet's paintings was incredibly special. Being part of a garden that blends horticulture, history, and art so seamlessly was an unforgettable experience.

The placement highlighted the importance of propagation, seasonal planning, and careful garden management in maintaining a sustainable and resilient landscape. Growing plants from seed and working with established horticultural systems demonstrated how sustainability underpins even the most beautiful ornamental gardens.

Growth, Connection and Opportunity

The best part of the scholarship was the opportunity to learn from passionate horticulturists at some of the world's most renowned gardens. Each placement offered a unique perspective on horticulture, from conservation and propagation to collection management and artistic garden design.

The scholarship broadened my understanding of the horticultural industry and strengthened both my practical skills and professional confidence. It reinforced my passion for horticulture, introduced me to new techniques and ideas, and connected me with inspiring professionals from around the world. I returned home with a greater appreciation for the role horticulture plays in conservation, education, sustainability, and cultural heritage.

If I had to sum the experience up in three words, they would be growth, connection and opportunity. I think they capture my experience beautifully - they reflect not only the plants and skills I worked with, but also the people, places, and career opportunities that have come from the scholarship.

“Charlotte has demonstrated a comprehensive and proactive approach to sustainability, leadership, and professional growth. Her extensive experience in the horticulture industry, coupled with her clear vision for leveraging the scholarship, makes her an excellent candidate. She has the potential to make significant contributions to sustainable horticultural practices and inspire others in the field."
– Global Footprints Assessor Panel