Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Stodels Nurseries runs gardener training courses next month
EIGHT years ago, Stodels Nurseries began a gardening training programme to help existing and potential gardeners hone their skills and provide a certificate of competence.
“We often received requests from customers to help teach their gardeners the correct way to plant, prune and look after the garden so decided to put together a course that would help cover these aspects from a theoretical and practical per- spective,” says Nick Stodel, managing director of Stodels Nurseries.
“For personalised attention, the courses are restricted to 15 students who attend for two hours a week over a four week period.
“Over the years we have found that graduates from the course are far more confident, are able to command a better wage and help make people’s gardens flourish.”
The courses are run at all five Stodels’ branches ( Bellville, Kenilworth, Milnerton, Constantia and Somerset West) and the next one starts on September 7 at 11am. Participants need to commit to attending the course for two hours every Wednesday for four weeks.
Information covered includes soil preparation, pruning, feeding and dealing with garden pests.
“We formalise the course by holding a graduation on the final day,” says Stodel.
“The students write an exam and if they pass they receive a certificate which states they have been trained at the Stodels’ School.”
He says the courses are very popular and have helped create employment opportunities. Armed with their certificates gardeners are able to secure additional jobs. Some of the graduates have been employed at Stodels Nurseries, which he says is a great circle of “learn and earn”.
To help get your property looking its best this summer, enrol your gardener for the next training course sessions, which will take place on September 7, 14, 21 and 28.
Spaces are limited so to book, or for further information, call your local Stodels Garden Centre or visit www.stodels.com.