Friends of JBG

The Botanical Gardens in Jerusalem are supported by the British Friends of JBG, who raise funds to provide scholarships for horticultural graduates to work there for a minimum of six months. This successful scheme has been in operation for more than 27 years and over 100 students from around the world have participated.  Download the application form here.  Applications should be made by the end of June each year.  Interviews are usually held in NW London in July and the successful candidate’s scholarship will usually begin in October.

The Gardens provide much needed green space for the inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem and serve as a centre for education, research, tourism and recreation. They are the largest and most important botanical gardens in Israel, covering more than 45 acres and displaying more than 10,000 species from all over the world, laid out in geographical regions. Medicinal plants and spices are grown separately and the Tropics are represented in the newly  replanted Dworsky Tropical Conservatory. Bulbs, trees, bonsai and other important collections are displayed throughout the Garden. The Gardens act as a living gene bank to protect endangered plants in Israel and beyond. 370 plant species are in immediate need of protection in Israel. Many of them are grown in the garden for conservation and educational needs.

JNF supports the Gardens by providing office accommodation to the administrator of the Friends, while in Israel, KKL are one of a small number of organisations who provide financial backing. Each year at least one Working Holiday is organised to the Gardens (usually one in March and one in November) and more information can be obtained from the JBG Administrator.

To find out more about the Friends’ activities and events or to help support the Gardens, contact the JBG Administrator on 020 8732 6100 or click here to email her.

Download the latest Friends of JBG Newsletter here.