Forty new employees have won places on Homebase’s  ‘Garden Academy’ training scheme.

Now in its third year, the students will undergo a 12-month programme to develop their gardening skills and knowledge and work alongside award-winning garden designer Adam Frost (right).

They will learn about garden planning and design, working with suppliers to develop product knowledge covering planting and landscaping, and will acquire practical horticultural skills to earn an RHS Level 1 Award.

Gareth Evans, 22, who will be based at Homebase Birmingham Sutton Coldfield store, said: " I’ve always loved gardening, so to be given the opportunity to turn my passion into a career is great, I can’t wait to get started.”

Garden Academy mentor Adam Frost said: “It can be challenging for our industry to attract young people to gardening and show them that it can be an exciting career. By working with Homebase, we have the opportunity to do something special and inspire a new generation of gardeners.”

Jonathon Kemp, head of garden and DIY, said Homebase was committed to championing horticulture as a career choice. “The academy is a fantastic opportunity for people from different backgrounds and ages to come together to share their passion for gardening and the outdoors and develop it into a great career. We are excited to welcome our third intake of Garden Academy students, to what we know will be a great start to their careers.”