GROW FOR IT! Gardening group celebrate awards from Horticultural Society with party for families
IT was green for go as students celebrated digging in for success at Parklea Branching Out with a party for their family and friends.
Eleven people who use the social enterprise horticulture centre have just received certificates from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.
Eight students were presented with a growing qualification which involved 30 hours of activities recorded in a portfolio.
A further three were recognised for their hard work over 80 hours.
Lindi Steele, 25, who received both, said: “It was really good to get two awards.
“I was learning all about worms and how to create new ‘worm cafes’ and how to maintain them.
“I feel quite proud of myself.”
Her dad George, 59, said: “She put in a lot of hours to get the award.
“Lindi comes to Parklea three days a week and the support we got from them during Covid really helped the family.
“It gave Lindi an outlet - we have a lot to be grateful for, having the support of Parklea.”
Robert Kelly, training and development manager for Parklea, says the qualifications prepare people to become gardeners.
He said: “The students learned how to improve their environment through bio-diversity, feeding birds and growing buddy plants to benefit the growing of fruit and vegetables.
“It could also lead to paid work, as they do grounds maintenance and a range of other activities.
“They have all worked really hard and I am proud of every single student.”
Jean Gavin, of The Royal Caley presented the awards.
She said: “This particular group were very active throughout Covid and lockdown and didn’t lose their focus.
“Portfolios submitted by Robert are some of the best I’ve ever seen.
“The work that has been recorded is outstanding, top standard fantastic level of work.
“It’s not just about gardening skills but personal development and setting goals and looking at additional achievements.”
She is full of praise for the Parklea project.
Jean said: “We have been presenting awards here since 2006 and it is one of the most important projects that we work with.
“There is a commitment here to teach people not only horticulture but life skills, employability skills and this builds their confidence and selfesteem.
“Some students might not learn in an academic way but are learning in a practical way.”