Kew Specialist Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture
A one year, full time course to gain a specialist certificate in how to plant and maintain ornamental gardens.
Duration
1 year
About the course
This course is perfect for horticulturists wishing to specialise in a particular area of horticulture by spending a full year within that area of specialism.
Open to horticulturists anywhere in the world who would like to come to Kew to undertake some professional training in some of Kew’s unique plant collections. This course runs from September to September.
The programme involves:
- working on a rotational basis within the rose collections, seasonal bedding displays, the Rock Garden (including the Davies Alpine House), Aquatic Garden, Woodland Garden, Grass Garden and the Great Broadwalk Borders
- undertaking two weeks of work experience or a travel scholarship related to ornamental horticulture.
Coursework
- attending the Kew Diploma lectures on Turf Management and Garden History
- completing a pest and disease project looking at a range of pests and diseases affecting ornamental plants
- regular plant identification tests
Additional qualifications
- FEPA PA1 & PA6aw
- Tractor driving
- Manual handling course
- Health & Safety training
- In-house tractor driving course
Salary
- £15,429 along with a book/equipment allowance of £725
Eligibility
Applicants:
- are expected as a minimum to hold a Level 2 qualification in Horticulture
- should have six months* practical experience in a professional horticultural environment (*six months in total – not, for example, one day a week for six months)
- must be computer literate with the ability to produce word-processed coursework
- from overseas are considered, and acceptance is subject to a work permit being granted for non-EU nationals. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested
