Norway – June/July 2027

Plants Above Treeline is looking for a small number of motivated people above the age of 18,  interested in joining us for a four-week unpaid practical placement during the construction of our new alpine garden in the mountains of Valdres, Norway, in June/July 2027.

 

This is a practical training and experience opportunity and is not paid employment. Accommodation and meals will be provided free of charge during the placement.

The new alpine garden will cover approximately 2,900 m² and is being developed specifically for the cultivation of alpine plants from mountain regions around the world.

The project will give participants hands-on experience in the construction and development of a specialised alpine garden. The project will include, among other things:

• construction of naturalistic streams and small water features

• creation of scree beds

• construction of crevice beds

• wet and bog-garden areas using peat-block constructions

• preparation of specialised growing areas and substrates

• development of a propagation and production area with cold frames

• propagation/cultivation of alpine plants

An important requirement

The placement involves physically demanding outdoor work, and participants must be physically capable of carrying out this type of work.

Tasks may include digging, lifting and moving rocks, soil, gravel and peat blocks, as well as working outdoors for extended periods and in changing mountain weather.

Being able and willing to take part in physically demanding manual work is therefore a prerequisite for joining the project.

Previous professional experience in horticulture or garden construction is not essential. We are primarily looking for people with a genuine interest in alpine plants, rock gardening, botany or horticulture who are practical, motivated, willing to learn and comfortable working as part of a small team.

Living with us

During the four-week placement, participants will stay together with us in the cabin in the mountains. Minimum stay is one week. Accommodation and meals are provided free of charge.

The placement is also intended to be an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience and to spend time with people who share an interest in alpine plants and mountain environments.

The Norwegian mountains on your doorstep

Outside working hours, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for exploring the Norwegian mountains, including:

• mountain hiking

• mountain biking

• field botany and exploring the local flora

• trout fishing

• wild camping and overnight trips in the mountains

Further practical information about the placement, working arrangements, travel and accommodation will be provided to relevant applicants.

Interested?

If you are interested in joining us for up to four weeks in June or July 2027, please contact:  botanic@online.no

Please tell us a little about yourself, where you are from, your experience and interests, and why you would like to take part in the project.

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Best regards,
Geir Moen / Plants Above Treeline