Adam Lilley

The difficulty associated with studying Physics at University has shaped me into a analytical, hard working and efficient individual through hours of dedicated study. However, realising that my passion lies in the outdoors and nature I took that dedication and applied it to my career in horticulture instead. I am currently working full time and studying at RHS Wisley for my level 4 diploma in Horticulture.

The experience has been challenging in almost everyway possible, however, the passionate and knowledgeable people I've met; the ideas and practical skills they have passed on to me; as well as the knowledge I have gained have been invaluable. I have developed a keen interest in ecological gardening and agroforestry - the practise of growing edible trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants all together in intertwined layers. I have explored this passion through extensive personal reading and research; trips to agroforestry sites and nurseries; attending symposiums; and growing many of the plants myself.

Work Experience at Meadow Community Primary School (2016-04 – 2016-04)

I spent a week at the Meadow Community primary school in which I shared the responsibility for the safety and safeguarding of a year 4 class, in particular with pupils that struggled with the educational environment. This experience increased my confidence in using my initiative to help the pupils with various tasks.

Work Experience at University of Leicester Molecular and Cell Biology Department (2018-05 – 2018-05)

I spent a week at the University of Leicester Molecular and cell Biology department, where I shadowed technicians and researchers, observing the meticulous level of organisation and punctuality required for their work environment.

Hospitality Staff at Levy (2019 – 2022)

I had a part-time job with Levy where I would work in hospitality at football/rugby games and evening functions. I would typically work behind the bar at matches serving large crowds of customers in a short amount time, thriving under the fast paced environment and pressure. On the other hand, when I worked on extended evening functions I was able to form a positive rapport with customers whilst keeping up service well into late hours.

Additionally, in 2021 I continued to work during the pandemic, quickly adapting to the new format of working under restrictions.

Bartender at Three Wheatsheaves Pub (2021 – 2021)

Whilst undertaking my final year at University I held a position behind the bar at the Three Wheatsheaves pub in Nottingham. The pub is at the epicentre of the main residential student area for Nottingham University, making work a busy, high pressure environment. Not only was I required to serve drinks at fast pace, I was also expected to preserve a good relationship with the regulars.

Working at the Three Wheatsheaves has built my ability to build good relations with regular customers whilst working the job.

Garden Centre Assistant at Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre (2022-07 – 2023-07)

I was employed as a garden centre assistant at the Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre. My duties were to conduct general plant husbandry on stock, which included application of fertilisers, repotting and potting up plants, watering, pruning and monitoring of the health of the plant stock. It was also within my role to give advice to customers with questions regarding plant care; garden design and planning; propagation and pruning, ultimately ensuring that they have the right plant for their space.

I worked in a team of knowledgeable individuals who frequently passed on their horticultural knowledge to me. Additionally, I was exposed to a plethora of new plant species and cultivars as well as the insects that they would sometimes host.

Gardener at Uppingham School Gardens Department (2023-08 – 2024-08)

I was employed as a gardener at the Uppingham School Gardens Department. During this role, I became used to the professional pace required to maintain the extensive gardens across the site (more than 20 gardens and grounds scattered around Uppingham). The role involved regularly working in teams of up to 9 gardeners, undertaking large jobs such as hedgecutting, mulching, strimming, leaf blowing and mowing, border maintenance, plant propagation and tree/shrub pruning.

Working in large groups required excellent coordination, communication and vigilance in ensuring everyone's safety. I frequently worked alone, which came with the responsibility of managing my own time as well as ensuring my own safety. Countless hours of tractor driving around expensive cars and old buildings made me proficient and confident in the reversing trailers with a tractor.

The role came with a duty of care and safeguarding. I had to be constantly vigilant about the health and safety of students, staff and public when undertaking dangerous jobs such as hedgecutting, strimming, and maneuvering large vehicles. The role came with a duty of care and safeguarding being in a school setting.

Whilst moving around site, we would constantly be engaging with the landscape and often be the first people to notice, fix or report hazards such as hanging branches, broken paving, and slippery surfaces. This was important especially when there are hundreds of students moving across site multiple times a day. Patience and vigilance was needed in excess when moving large vehicles and trailers as there would be hundreds of students moving around haphazardly during parts of the day.

I frequently helped out with gardening club after school, in which my colleagues and I would set up tasks such as bulb planting, seed sowing and weeding for students.

Gardener and Student at RHS Wisley (2024-09 – Present)

In 2024, I successfully applied for a position to work at RHS Wisley whilst studying on the Wisley level 3&4 diploma. I have enhanced my horticultural knowledge and skills by working with experts in their respective fields at a world renowned garden. The course involves rotating around teams in the garden, which has facilitated me to work in a range of horticultural settings, such as edibles, herbaceous, woodland, alpine, glasshouse, propagation and turf teams.

This style of work has exposed me to a wealth of new horticultural ideas and practices. As part of the level 3 qualification, we have regular assessments and projects on the practical application of horticulture; whereas the level 4 qualification focuses on the management of horticultural operations. The assessments range from fortnightly identification tests; a dissertation on a research topic of our choosing;

skills journals; and a design and build project; and frequent presentations. The course itself is a demanding endeavour, requiring hours of studying every week whilst managing a physically demanding job.

GCSEs in General Education – Wigston College (2017-07)

A levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics – Wigston College (2019-07)

Bachelor of Science with 1st class honours in Physics with Theoretical Astrophysics – University of Nottingham (2019 – 2022)

Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture – RHS (2023)

Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Plant Growth and Development – RHS (2023)

Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture – RHS (2025)

Level 4 Diploma in Horticulture – RHS (2026)