We've mentioned the Women Returners to Amenity Gardening Scheme and their association with Combermere Abbey before, and group of nine trainees from the WRAGS were at the Abbey recently for a day of practical on-the-job training. The speciality they were looking at this time, under the eye of Combermere's head gardener, Patrick Driscall, was spur pruning the Espalier fruit trees in the fruit maze in the wedding garden.

As Patrick says, "Despite it being England in January, and with a forecast for rain and rather low temperatures, the sun shone, and the day was well attended by an enthusiastic and inquisitive bunch of trainee gardeners - and even a qualified tree surgeon.

During their day at Combermere our guests learned about the purpose of both summer and winter pruning, the methodology behind carrying out the pruning, the history and designers of the maze and the rootstocks and varieties of apples and pears used. All felt that their personal learning goals for the course were met, and there was excellent feedback on the usefulness of the workday with many indicating it would help them in their future careers in horticulture. Most importantly they all enjoyed the day, and we are looking at organising similar gardening training days at Combermere."

The Abbey is delighted to play host to WRAGS, which, in addition to its horticultural training scheme, also provides part-time placements in over a hundred gardens around the country. The Women's Farm and Garden Association also organises hands-on workdays, enabling members to tackle seasonal tasks at placement gardens. These range from rose and fruit tree pruning to creating wildflower meadows. Non-members are able to participate in either theory-based workshops or weekend garden tours if spaces are available. Click here for more details, and there's a feature on the National Rural website (click here).