Begin with guidance
Interns learn through daily work, personal instruction, certification classes, field trips, shared meals, and household responsibilities. The two first-year interns share the west bedroom in the bunkhouse.
Program
Learning and living at Gilbriar
The program is designed as a small, two-year residential experience where practical horticulture, everyday living, and personal development are learned side by side.
The two-year path
Two young women begin as interns each year. In the second year, they continue as apprentices while two new interns join them.
Practice with greater independence
Apprentices continue their nursery experience and may take part in contract gardening for local homeowners and businesses. The two second-year apprentices share the east bedroom.
Prepare for the next step
At graduation, participants receive job-search assistance, experience-based recommendations, and seed money to help them take their next steps.
What participants will learn
Horticultural training is combined with the practical abilities that support work, health, relationships, and independent living.
Gardening
Native landscaping, nursery work, certification, practical experience, and professional recommendations.
Business
Bookkeeping, money management, working with customers, and media promotion.
Health
Nutrition, cooking, exercise, yoga, hygiene, stress management, and sustainable routines.
People
Interviewing, networking, public speaking, communication, and self-promotion.
Household
Cleaning, sewing, laundry, budgeting, and basic maintenance.
Personal growth
Meditation, group reading, reflection, and self-betterment discussions.
Space to focus on learning
The program will provide the essentials participants need during their two years at Gilbriar.
- Housing and utilities
- Shared meals at the domes
- Nutrition and cooking lessons
- Meals and cooking practice at the Bunk House
- Bicycles for the two-mile trip to town
- Clothing and gardening gear
- Job-search assistance at graduation
- Seed money at graduation
Types of Learnings
Gilbriar Gardens
Personal instruction and hands-on experience with founder Paula Stone.
Certifications
Native Landscape Certification Program classes through the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT).
Field experience
Visits to the Wildflower Center, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Enchanted Rock, and other learning sites.
Community experience
Supervised volunteer work with NPSOT, Master Gardener, and Fredericksburg Nature Center.