Native Gardens group announces paid mentorship and apprentice programs

Skylar Giovagnoli, right, shown here with mentee Deborah Perkins, won a spot in last year’s program. Photo courtesy of Native Gardens of Blue Hill.

Feb. 16, 2026

By staff

Native Gardens of Blue Hill is offering mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities that provide professional training in sustainable landscaping and gardening practices. The training includes compensation for those selected for the program.

The organization will accept two applicants into its 2026 professional development opportunities in ecological horticulture, one for its established mentorship program and one for its new seasonal apprenticeship program, according to a press release.

The mentorship program offers personalized, one-on-one mentoring that pairs rising professionals with experienced mentors.

Native Gardens of Blue Hill is launching a new apprenticeship program this year. Photo courtesy of Native Gardens of Blue Hill.

“The program supports the next generation of land care professionals, strengthens Maine’s horticultural community, and fosters a collaborative network of ecological land care practitioners,” the release said. Benefits include a $2,000 stipend for mentors and $500 for mentees, who can apply as a group team, to use toward classes, workshops, tools, books, and other professional development expenses.

The organization is also launching a paid, hands-on apprenticeship for individuals interested in ecological horticulture and Maine native plants. Based at NGBH’s four-acre public garden at Bagaduce Music in Blue Hill, the seasonal apprenticeship offers the chance to work alongside professional staff and dedicated volunteers to care for and expand a diverse collection of Maine native plants. The position includes a stipend and runs from May through October on a part-time, flexible schedule.

Applications for the mentorship program are due March 1. Apprenticeship applications will be accepted through mid-March. Full details and application information for all programs are available on the organization’s website. Any questions may be emailed to gardens@ngbh.org.

Native Gardens of Blue Hill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016 with a mission to promote the value of native plants and sustainable garden practices through education, implementation and innovation, according to the release.