The new year is a great time for garden planning and the perfect opportunity to reflect on honing gardening skills that you may be missing or would like to master.
Whether you’re a novice gardener or an accomplished plant professional, or even want to switch jobs with one in gardening, there is a wide range of courses to help you on your way. You can learn how to compost, create beautiful flower borders, or grow your own vegetables, as well as breeding, soil science, and garden design. “When it comes to enhancing your skills and knowledge with a course, changing the rules of the game in choosing the right course for you really comes down to your interests and passions,” says Susan Moss, Head of Teaching and Learning at RHS. “It should be something that interests and motivates you to ensure that you get the most out of your learning experience.
RHS Short Courses and Workshops (running over two to three days), offered at all RHS Gardens, range from pruning to reproduction to art, photography and garden design. “Another key factor is your end goal – what do you want to achieve? Are you looking for a course that captures your personal interest or want to turn a great passion for gardening into a career?
“If you’re looking to develop your curiosity, a shorter course could be the perfect start and a great way to meet like-minded individuals with the same passion.” The cost of the course, the time you can commit to it and most importantly the location are key factors to consider.
MyGardenSchool horticultural courses are easily accessible from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sterling or Perth (https://www.learningwithexperts.comgardening/gardening-courses-scotland).
There are also some great online courses that you can take.
Here are a few more courses available for 2022:
For garden designers of the future
Whether you choose to do it for one, two or three years, on campus or online, this course should put you in a good position to work in the field of garden design. Modules covered include design, design analysis, agricultural and construction design, while instruction is taught by professional designers who help students gain spatial awareness, visualization skills, and an understanding of design as it relates to the garden. Inchbald Diploma Garden Design Diploma (www.inchbald.co.uk), Inchbald School of Design, London, from £7,015 Online courses start 19 April – visit website for more details.
For wildlife lovers
This online course is perfect for gardeners of all abilities who want to make their garden wildlife friendly but still have the garden they want, not just wilderness. Chelsea Gold Medalist Andy Mackendo offers tips on attracting wildlife, whether you have a huge garden or a small plot, while maintaining the beauty of the park.
It will cover plants that attract wildlife, wildlife friendly habitats, what to do and what to avoid, and the importance of pollinators.
Gardening for Wildlife with Andy Mackendo (learningwithexperts.com); Online Get Started Whenever You Want Four-week tutor access for personalized assignment notes and guidance, £125 for publish learners.
The RHS offers many options for individuals to start a career in gardening. “Our RHS regulated Level 2 qualifications, which are offered part-time by accredited partners nationwide, are highly regarded by employers and are the ideal starting point,” Moss says.
These qualifications are also very popular among leisure learners and we have seen a significant increase in interest after the pandemic. “The full-time 2 level horticultural training programs offered in all RHS gardens provide an excellent opportunity for people with little or no experience to develop their skills and knowledge working alongside RHS horticultural experts.
Interns are employed and therefore paid while learning and we are currently accepting applications to start in August 2022 (applications close on 1 March). ”
For details visit: rhs.org.uk/education-learning/courses-workshops.
Hannah Stevenson