This programme provides students with all the fundamental horticultural skills for a large botanic or amenity garden. It is ideal for continuing professional development for early career horticulturists, or for keen amateurs.
The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture is also a great complement to the theory-based RHS level 2 Certificate in Horticulture, or for those studying the RHS Advanced Certificate. It is currently available to the public as a series of eight day Saturday workshops.
This course forms a core part of the first year of our HND/BSc degree, and we can also deliver it as an overseas development package to botanic gardens, conservation nurseries or similar organisations across the globe.
Course outline
The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture is taught over eight one-day units - six of these are compulsory, and two optional units that allows you to tailor your learning to a horticultural speciality.
Core units:
- Plant Structure & Nomenclature (CPH-1)
- Seed Propagation (CPH-2)
- Vegetative Propagation (CPH-3)
- Planting & Establishment (CPH-4)
- Container Plant Cultivation (CPH-5)
- Plant Care & Maintenance (CPH-6)
Optional Units (complete at least one):
- Soils & Composting (CPH-7)
- Pest, Disease & Weed Control (CPH-8)
- Propagation by Grafting (CPH-9)
- Tree Surveying (CPH-10)
- Grass Cultivation & Maintenance (CPH-11)
Additional units can be developed for specific groups depending on specialised horticultural requirements for the institution or local climate.
Assessment
Assessment consists of two parts:
- Course notebook: in which students must record what they learn on the day, as written notes, sketches or diagrams.
- Practical exam: students are expected to carry out a significant amount of practice after the taught section of the course is completed, before they take a Practical Test to gain certification.
Total time to complete the course is a minimum of 60 hours, and includes eight taught sessions (c. six hours each), plus time for specimen preparation.
How to apply
You can download an information leaflet and the Course Handbook from the 'Downloads' box on the right. For further details or to find out how we can tailor this course to your institution, contact the Education office via our enquiry form (select 'Education') or direct at:
Education Department
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh
EH3 5LR
Telephone: 0131 248 2937