RHS Garden Harlow Carr has given me an experience to remember – not only for the horticultural experience but for my personal growth as well. Horticulture was always a hobby – something that I would enjoy and help at home with. It wasn’t until I realised I wanted to be outside and learning something new every day that I decided to train to be a horticulturist.
I chose an RHS Level 2 Horticultural Apprenticeship specifically because I wanted to get my hands dirty, learn as much I could in a practical way and have college work to back up the practical training. I learn better if I watch and then do a task so I understand it properly. At college I learn the science behind the horticulture. The combination of practical work and theory is a great way to acquire skills that will allow me to become the best horticulturist I can be.
I help with the general maintenance of the garden, I drive tractors, I prune fruit trees, I take plant cuttings and grow them on. I can mow stripes in a lawn as straight as can be. I can grow vegetables, look after tiny specialist alpine plants and identify most plants in the garden. This isn’t just a job; if you throw yourself into your apprenticeship, you’ll get so much out of it.
The RHS is an amazing place to work and learn. Every member of staff wants to see you progress. Since I started the Apprenticeship I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve been. In the future, I know I want to stay within the horticulture industry. Just now I think I want to be an all-round horticulturist, working on many aspects of a garden and using lots of different skills.
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