The JNF-backed Friends of Jerusalem Botanical Gardens have awarded their 99th and 100th gardening scholarships to young Americans James McGrath and Mark Mosinski.

Worth nearly £8,000 apiece, the grants enable recipients to live and work for a minimum six months at the Botanical Gardens, described as Jerusalem's "hidden oasis".

Mr McGrath and Mr Mosinski are currently on an internship scheme at the famous gardens at Great Dixter, East Sussex. They were recommended for the scholarships by a former recipient, Aaron Bertelsen, who now works at Great Dixter.

Brought up in New Zealand, he worked and studied at the Botanical Gardens from 2003-5. As well as honing his horticultural skills, he also rediscovered his Jewish roots. In recognition of his efforts for the Friends of the JBG, he has been made a patron.

The awards were presented at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, St Johns Wood, at an event raising funds for the scholarship scheme.

JBG Friends chairman Jose Dent commented: "These scholarships are crucial for the ongoing development of the gardens. Many former JBG scholarship winners developed into leading horticulturists and maintain a network which supports the gardens."