Get greener fingers
HANNAH STEPHENSON LOOKS AT COURSES TO GET
Gardening
THE new year is a great time for garden planning or honing the skills you may be missing or want to perfect.
Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished plants pro, or even want to swap careers for one in horticulture, there’s a wealth of courses out there to help you on your way.
You can learn how to make compost, create beautiful flower borders or grow your own vegetables, as well as propagation, soil science and garden design.
Suzanne Moss, head of education and learning at the RHS says: “Choosing the right course really comes down to your interests and passion. RHS short courses and workshops (run over a couple of hours to three days), delivered at all RHS Gardens, range from pruning to propagation to art, photography and garden design.
“Another key factor is your end goal – are you looking for a course that captivates your interest or wanting to turn a passion into a career?”
Of course cost, time and location are other key factors to consider, she observes, adding: “A shorter course may be the ideal start and a great way to meet likeminded individuals with the same passion.”
Here are a few of the courses available in 2022:
FOR GROW-YOUR-OWN FANS
No-Dig Day Course (charlesdowding.co.uk) selected dates from March 19, Homeacres, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, £195: Plantsman and grow-your-own expert Charles Dowding shows the basics of his ‘no dig’ principles, a method where you can grow edibles without having to do any of the backbreaking digging of old.
You’ll learn how to grow more food in less time, the principles of compost making using examples of Dowding’s composting process.
FOR LEARNING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
Ecology and sustainability in your garden workshop (rhs.org.uk) Apr 1, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, £61 for RHS members, £75 non-members: The one-day session looks at ways we can ‘reduce, re-use, reclaim and recycle’. Other RHS workshops through the year will
include subjects such as Bokashi composting and fermentation which breaks down meat and dairy for use in the garden, and learning to scythe.
For details visit rhs.org.uk/education-learning/courses-workshops
FOR FUTURE GARDEN DESIGNERS
Inchbald Diploma Garden Design (www.inchbald.co.uk), Inchbald School of Design, London, from £7,015: This course – one, two or three years, on campus or online – should set you in good stead for a career in garden design.
Professional designers help students gain spatial awareness and visualisation skills and an understanding of design as it relates to the garden.
Online courses start on April 19 – visit the website for further details.
FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS
Gardening for wildlife with Chelsea gold medal-winner Andy McIndoe (learningwithexperts.com); online, start when you like, four-week tutor access for personalised assignment feedback and coaching, £125: Ideal for gardeners of all abilities who want to make their garden wildlife-friendly but not just a wilderness.
FOR BUDDING FLORISTS
One-day business of floristry course (judithblacklock. com), Feb 4, Judith Blacklock Flower School, London, £198: Ideal for keen gardeners who are thinking about monetising a hobby. Karen Barnes, former head of product development for Interflora, will be heading up the course which is suitable for those who have perhaps already taken a few tentative steps into the industry but need a little extra help.
The school also runs a two-week professional course for those who want a more in-depth insight, also available online and on Saturdays.
FOR WANNABE PROFESSIONALS
The RHS offers several options for individuals to kick-start a career in horticulture.
“Our regulated RHS Qualifications at Level 2, delivered parttime by approved partners nationwide, are highly regarded by employers and are the ideal starting point,” says Suzanne. “These qualifications are also hugely popular with leisure learners and we have seen a significant increase in interest following the pandemic.
“Our full-time Level 2 workbased horticultural apprenticeships delivered at all RHS gardens provide an excellent opportunity for people with little or no experience to grow their skills and knowledge working alongside RHS horticulturists. Apprentices are employed and paid while learning and we are currently accepting applications to start in August 2022 (applications close Mar 1).”
For details visit: rhs.org.uk/ education-learning/coursesworkshops.
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