Top honours for horticulture students
14 December 2010
Graduates in the Master of Horticulture (MHort) were honoured today in a ceremony at the Horticultural Halls in London.
RHS President Elizabeth Banks said: “Events like today provide an idea opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our candidates.”
The presentation represents the culmination of three or four years work for the MHort Award (Master of Horticulture) and long periods of study for those who have won the RHS level 2 certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Diploma Award.
Master of Horticulture graduates were as follows:
- Andrew Cotterill, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, for a dissertation on the susceptibility of ornamental plants and rabbit management.
- Bernard Farrell, of Upper Norwood, Croydon, for a dissertation on the value of designed landscapes & surrounding gardens in the provision of respite care for terminally ill children and their families.
- Stuart Logan, of Newbury, Berkshire, for a dissertation on factors which may affect the commercial future of the traditional English grown dessert apple.
- Matthew Pottage, of Wisely, Surrey - an RHS employee - for a dissertation on the future of big trees in the urban landscape.
- David Sutton, of Folkestone, Kent, for a dissertation on the landscaping of zoos.
- Elias Mlimbila, of Dublin, for a dissertation on trees in the urban landscape, benefit and contribution to the environment and communities.
- Rosie Yeomans of Hampshire, for a dissertation on how the delivery of an RHS certificate course can be adapted to maximise the success of the learners.
- Christopher Skinner, of Maidstone, Kent, for a dissertation on the appearance of fungi on oak trees.
The Bursary Advisor Committee Prize for the ‘highest standard of report writing' was awarded to Stuart McPherson, of Dorset, for his report on pitcher plants through South East Asia. RHS Wisley employee Amy Rayner also won the award.
The Centenary Prize for the RHS level 2 General Certificate in Horticulture was awarded to Louise Furniss, of Chiswick, London, who aspires to develop a career in garden design and management. The Anne Menhinick Prize, given to the candidate with the highest mark in the RHS level 2 Certificate in Horticulture and under 30, was given to Laura Mythen of Hertfordshire.
The Hector Harrison Award, for the highest marks for the RHS level 3 Advanced Certificate in Horticulture, was awarded to Caroline Corkett of Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Matthew Smith, of Purley, Surrey, was awarded The Chittenden Award for the highest overall mark in the RHS level 3 Diploma in Horticulture.
RHS Director General Sue Biggs said: “If we can recreate the success here today, we will, I hope, have ambassadors to spread the word about the RHS and make horticulture a career to be proud of.”