Native Gardens of Blue Hill

The Native Gardens of Blue Hill (NGBH) Apprenticeship is a seasonal, hands-on opportunity for individuals interested in ecological horticulture and Maine native plant gardening. Set within a four-acre garden open to the public, this apprenticeship offers meaningful experience working alongside the NGBH Garden Manager and a committed team of volunteers to care for and expand a diverse collection of Maine native plants.

 

This position combines practical garden work with independent projects, providing insight into the operations of a public garden and exposure to career pathways in horticulture and garden design. By helping steward the NGBH gardens, the apprentice will build skills, confidence, and professional connections that support future work in the field. Applicants should have some prior experience or exposure to gardening, horticulture, or related fields, and a demonstrated interest in native plants and sustainable practices.

 

Learning Objectives

• Native plant identification

• Sustainable and ecological garden management

• Plant propagation and seed collection

• Habitat-focused gardening

• Plant sourcing, installation, and monitoring

• Plant mapping and record keeping

• Visitor experience and garden interpretation

 

Benefits

• Paid stipend ($2,100 total)

• Hands-on horticultural education in a public garden

• Access to workshops and educational opportunities

• Networking with Maine horticulture professionals

• Connections to native plant nurseries

• Flexible scheduling after the initial training period

 

Schedule & Commitment

• 100 total hours over the season

• Mid-May through late October

• Averages about 5 hours per week, with seasonal variation

• Some weeks may require more time (7-8 hours), others less (1-2 hours)

• Must be available two Friday mornings per month

 

Responsibilities

• Planting and irrigation

• Weeding, composting, mulching, and pest management

• Staking and trellising

• Plant photography 

• Interpretive signage and plant labels

• Record keeping and plant mapping

• Seed collection and plant propagation