Diploma in Plants and Plantsmanship

A degree of commitment, interest, and self-motivation is expected from all students, and an additional one to one and half days per week should be spent on homework. Work must be well executed and handed in on time.

This course takes place over three ten-week terms, each with a half-term of one week, commencing in September. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 10.30am until 3.15pm. Progressive lectures, demonstrations and visits to gardens and nurseries give a deeper insight into growing and grouping plants. Teaching is both theoretical and practical; active participation is encouraged. Leading authorities discuss the difference between individual species and how to plant, propagate, prune and maintain. Diplomas are only awarded to those who achieve the required pass mark in all written exercises and projects.

In addition to monthly ‘Plant Observations’ students will submit four seasonal planting plans and various homework on plant comparisons, associations and groupings.

During the year several visits are organised to look at seasonal plants and plant combinations.

• Plant identification in and out of season
• History, habitat and ecology
• Bulbs – using bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes
• Year round creative gardening for colour and the changing seasons
• Half hardies and subtropical plants
• Native and garden trees
• Living boundaries, ground cover and coping with shade
• Choice plants for August and November gaps, with Bob Brown
• Experiences of a plant hunter
• The winter garden
• Pruning techniques
• Soils and plant supports
• Visit to Wisley with Roy Lancaster

Projects

Projects

Projects

Applying for a Course:

Applicants will be invited to a group information session at the School with the Vice Principal, Simon Pyle, who explains each course in detail. During this hour, students are shown the lecture rooms, may see a class in progress and possibly meet other students. Upon acceptance as a student, a deposit is required, full payment being due at least two months before the course begins. Graduation with presentation of diplomas is held at the end of each academic year.

On payment of the balance of fees, students will be sent a timetable, reading list, guidance on how to prepare for the course and a list of necessary equipment.

Our long experience in teaching ensures value for money. Except at the sole discretion of the Principal, fees cannot be refunded nor are places transferable from year to year or to another subject.