Click here to search commentonline

Tokyo Student Placement in Japanese Garden

Atsuko Akabane, pictured in the Japanese section of the Exploreers' garden in Pitlochry, truly has ‘traversed the globe’ to spend 6 weeks on work experience here.

Originally from Tokyo, Atsuko is an exchange student at the University of Arkansas where she is studying Horticulture. “Scotland is very different from Tokyo and Arkansas. It’s really exciting to be here. The plants are completely new to me – I’m quickly learning which have been planted and which ones are weeds!”

Atsuko is also spending time at Pitcairn Alpines learning about propagating bulbs and flower seed production and will spend three weeks at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh after her time in Pitlochry.

She added: “I’m really grateful to Diana Aitchson Fund which is part of the Scottish Rock Garden, for part funding my trip, as well as Julia Corden (Explorers Garden Manager) and Susan Band (Pitcairn Alpines) for this unique opportunity.”