Kyla Mathewson feels she’s one of those rare creatures – a person who has scored the dream job, one which she can’t imagine swapping out.

Kyla is a curator of the geographic collection at Dunedin Botanic Gardens. She will represent the Young Amenity sector at this year’s Young Horticulturist Competition.

Born and raised in Reefton, on the South Island’s west coast, Kyla grew up surrounded by rain forest, which she suspects directly influenced her decision to study ecology.

The study has been extensive, spanning about seven years. Kyla has a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and a post graduate diploma in botany from Otago University. The study didn’t end there – it was followed by a three-year horticultural apprenticeship at Dunedin’s Botanic Gardens.

She finished her studies about four years ago and then dedicated a year to conservation work, regenerating native bush in the parks and reserves around Dunedin. And then the curator role came up at the botanic gardens.

“It was my goal, since my apprenticeship, to gain this role. It still feels surreal, and I am incredibly grateful. I thought it would take me longer to achieve my dream job, but luck, plus passion and persistence, ensured it came my way earlier.”

“I love my job because I can follow my plant passion and because it involves life-long learning and it’s so fulfilling. I think amenity horticulture has so many benefits to people and the community. I can follow my passion and feel I am doing something good for the community as well,” she enthuses.

Kyla’s curator job involves the maintenance and collection development of the geographic collection section of the gardens (and she trains apprentices too). The garden is a series of borders that represent plants from different regions of the world – Mexico, North America, South America, Australia, Southern Africa, North Asia, the Himalayas and the Mediterranean. The collection covers about six hectares including an arboretum as well.

“It’s an amazing collection, featuring probably some of the rarest plants to be found in New Zealand. We grow species true to their form, how they would be found in their natural environment – so no hybrids or cultivars,” she tells.

Last year Kyla visited South Korea, as part of an International Dendrology Society tour, and was able to see some of the plants in her collection in their natural habitat.

“This gave me so much inspiration. Biodiversity in North East Asia is very high and I am now researching this. I’m obsessed,” she laughs.

The trip also inspired a desire to learn Korean and she now goes to classes.

“I’m very passionate about learning more about other cultures. I love language learning and love seeing these plants in their natural habitats so more travel is on the agenda. The plan is to take up Mandarin studies too.”

Kyla says there is a lot she wishes to achieve in her job. Fast forward five years and she imagines she’d be continuing to develop the botanic garden’s collection, and promoting the horticulture industry.

“It’s possibly an industry that’s under-rated. I don’t think the public understands the different pathways available and what can be achieved. I would like to be actively involved in making more people aware of this,” Kyla says.

When not at work, or learning Korean, Kyla enjoys gardening at home and tending her small indoor plant collection. Being out in nature as much as possible is her thing.

And, of course, she’s gearing up for October’s competition finals.

“A huge advantage of being in the competition will be meeting experienced and like-minded people and making connections. In the amenity sector we can be a bit isolated, so I am looking forward to gaining a bigger and broader view of the horticulture sector,” Kyla says.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year 2024 Grand Final is being held over two days at the Karaka Bloodstock on 30 and 31 October. Tickets to the Grand Final Dinner & Awards are available until 16 October from younghort.co.nz