A team of horticulture apprentices have transformed a 300-year-old home's garden for the Trowbridge Flower Festival.
The students from Wiltshire College & University Centre's Lackham campus used their skills to ensure the rambling roses at Parade House, Fore Street, Trowbridge, are in full bloom for the festival.
The Georgian townhouse, built around 1720 for wool merchant Robert Houlton, was given a new lease of life by the apprentices.
Victoria Fiander, the assessor, said the college was asked to help with the garden just four weeks ago.
She said: "Normally we would like a year to plan and grow for a project like this but fortunately we had the roses we have been cultivating as part of our national collection and they were perfect for it."
The four students, who are studying a Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Operative apprenticeship, worked hard to transfer the plants, which were propagated from plant stock in 2022, to the garden.
Ms Fiander said: "The students worked really hard.
"They began by carefully inspecting each plant and applying precise pruning techniques to maintain its health, form, and structure.
"Lifting the roses from the beds was particularly challenging due to their well-developed root systems, substantial size, and the presence of key rose leaders—strong, healthy stems that emerged after last year’s flowering and will carry this year’s blooms.
"The students identified the new, flexible growth at the ends of older stems and carefully tied these leaders into the support structure to guide their development.
"With a bit of sunshine and regular watering, we’re hopeful they’ll be in full bloom just in time for the start of the festival next week."
The students also weeded the planting beds and incorporated peat-free compost to refresh the borders.
Ms Fiander said: "It was fascinating to watch their thought processes unfold as they worked.
"I stepped back and allowed them to take the lead, offering guidance only when necessary.
"It was a real team effort."
The festival is organised by Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce and features 50 businesses around the town entering displays.
Read more: Details as festival dubbed 'pint-sized Glastonbury' set to kick off
Membership and events director Megan Witty said: "We were so pleased Victoria could rustle up some very keen and able apprentices to come and plant the roses at Parade House.
"The small team worked incredibly quickly and brilliantly and not only did they plant the roses, but they also did some weeding, raised some flowers up and filled some planters.
"They were so friendly and lovely and we were just delighted that they could come and help.
"What they have done is wonderful."
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