Nathan Watson

2023

Horticulture

Sponsored by Heritage Gardens Nursery, Bonnyrigg Garden Centre, Heritage Nursery Yarralumla and Willow Park Nursery

My enthusiasm for landscape architecture and garden design stems from a deep reverence and appreciation for the natural environment. I am also passionate about environmental sustainability and spreading awareness on human impacts to the natural environment such as, soil degradation and pressures on flora and fauna.

I implore anyone to seek the more environmentally friendly option and to consider the cost of human-induced activities on the environment. As a horticulturist, I endeavour to maintain this philosophy in all my work. I also try to reveal the way different plants interact in a particular setting and how this further creates a living dynamic between plants, animals and the inanimate aspects of a landscape. This might mean emphasising plant unison or perhaps to highlight a particular species for a prized food source or some other use. In my work, I try to capture the grandeur of nature and aim to inform others about the importance of natural resources to all life forms. I hope individuals might feel more engaged with the world around them and gain a feeling of belonging to the natural environment.

I would be very interested in furthering my experience in amenity pruning particularly in formal garden settings. I revel at pruning activities and am passionate about the display of gardens i.e., manicured hedges and boarders and topiary pruning. I am looking forward to setting foot in Europe and hope to work at number of gardens and estates, some of which surround and decorate buildings and structures famous for their history and architecture.

The Palace of Versailles is perhaps one of the most recognisable attractions in all of France. As a structural emanation of French history, heritage and royal influence, it features 250 acres of landscape and is embellished with magnificent gardens. The Orangery is a prominent feature of the property and serves the purpose of housing an array of fruiting and ornamental trees during winter. These trees are otherwise displayed on the parterre over the growing season where they can be viewed from the palace’s lofty stories.  

I am passionate about protecting the environment and ensuring the inclusion of nature and green spaces in our urban world. I would like to gain a better understanding of what it is like to integrate this value in an urban setting and to live in a society which embraces ‘greener’ lifestyle choices and industry practises. For instance, Slovenia are world leaders in unifying the natural world with the built environment. They have done this through many initiatives that collectively target threats to nature and natural resources arising from urbanisation. I.e., air pollution, waste production and water security and have taken necessary measures to cut non-renewable recourses of energy and limit single use materials in hospitality sectors.

In addition to working with nature, I also appreciate contributing to a legacy and furthering a tradition or giving identity to a cultural icon. The Blarney Castle and Gardens are amongst some of the most culturally significant places in Ireland. The landmark is recognised by its famous Blarney Stone. The Blarney Stone is built into the battlements of the castle. The stone was set into the castle in 1446 and it is said “that whoever kisses, OH! He never misses to grow eloquent “An equally eloquent garden surrounds Blarney Castle, subdivided into sections that are all the more enhanced by their unique identities.