Growing futures through Global Footprints

By Carmen Weiss

Two young horticulturists, two very different journeys, and one shared opportunity that shaped their impact on the industry. Through the Global Footprints Scholarship, Olivia Williams and Charlotte O’Leary stepped beyond their everyday nursery environments and into completely new horticultural contexts. Their experiences show one of the most incredible opportunities out there for young talent in the horticulture industry.

From the Amazon Rainforest of Peru…

Olivia began her career on the retail floor, building her skills through customer conversations and practical problem solving. She became known for her thoughtful advice and her ability to help people better understand their gardens. She says, ‘As a retail hortie, I pride myself on being the professional front to customers’ burning plant questions, taking the time to understand and teach them about their garden spaces.’

Encouraged by her colleagues, Olivia applied for the scholarship to strengthen her knowledge of sustainability and conservation, and in 2024, that goal took her to Peru. On her way to the Amazon, she ventured through Huascarán National Park, where she saw Puya raimondii, the world’s largest bromeliad and the national plant of Peru. Growing at elevations above 4000 metres, the plant has a limited natural range and is the focus of ongoing conservation work.

At her placement at the Taricaya Ecological Reserve in the southern Amazon, Olivia was struck by the biodiversity of the local ecosystem, and seeing many common houseplants growing in their natural habitat. Olivia’s focus was Dipteryx micrantha, a hardwood species under threat from deforestation. She helped rehabilitate a nursery of 250 saplings and contributed to field surveys to track the species within the reserve. Olivia also assisted with bird surveys, collected fruit for wildlife in rehabilitation, and observed species interactions across the site.

Working with Mauricio, a Bolivian biologist, Olivia learned how conservation and community education helps farmers grow sustainably without depleting wild plants.

‘I think knowledge is power,’ she says, ‘If people understand the impact of their actions, they can make better choices.’

Since returning to Australia, Olivia has continued to build on, and expand, her experience. Her focus remains on sustainability, with cutting-edge plant propagation technology and innovative practices using methods and machinery from laboratories in the United States and the European Union.

… to Monet’s garden in France

Travelling at the same time as Olivia, Charlotte’s scholarship adventure took her to the United Kingdom, with visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and RHS Garden Wisley, and then to Monet’s garden in Giverny, France. Each location offered a distinct perspective on horticulture and opportunities for Charlotte to expand her horizons, deepen her knowledge and forge connections with like-minded professionals on a global scale. ‘My goal was to leverage global experience to drive positive change within my community, inspiring others to embrace sustainable gardening practices, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world, and cultivating green spaces that beautify our surroundings,’ Charlotte says.

At Kew, Charlotte worked alongside staff on a range of scientific and conservation activities. She practiced propagation techniques such as aerial layering, repotted Amorphophallus titanum, and observed large-scale biological pest control methods used in plant management. ‘It was an incredible five weeks,’ she said at the end of her placement at Kew: ‘I am leaving with a notebook and camera roll full of inspiration, knowledge and practical skills.’

In France, Monet’s garden offered a contrasting experience focused on artistry and immersion. Charlotte worked across multiple areas of the garden, contributing to greenhouse work, and maintaining the well-known waterlily pond. ‘It was absolutely whimsical,’ she says, ‘Learning how to maintain a garden designed with an artist’s eye was something really special.’

Back home, Charlotte has continued to build on her experience, applying what she learned about plant care, presentation and customer engagement in her day-to-day nursery work. Like Olivia, she, too, is keen to return overseas: ‘I believe there is still so much to learn from the global horticulture industry, and I am eager to continue developing my skills. I would strongly encourage anyone considering applying for a scholarship to go for it. It’s a unique opportunity to learn, be inspired, and connect with the passion that exists for horticulture around the world.’

Applications for the Global Footprints Scholarships open every year from 1 May to 1 June.

For more information and/or to apply, visit www.globalfootprints.org.au.