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Horticultural courses

VegplotmummyVegplotmummy Posts: 96
in The potting shed
Has anyone done a RHS course or simular course either online or at a college? 
Contemplating starting a course but would like some first hand advice/ experience. 
I have two children under the age of 3 and I'm not sure if I will be able to juggle everything. On the other hand looking towards the future and a total career change for when they go to school. 
As you can see I'm torn! haha 
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Posts

  • MrsFoxgloveMrsFoxglove Posts: 180
    I'm following this post as i'm in the same position. Have been toying with doing a RHS course since last summer and my 4 year old daughter will be starting school in September so i'll have some time to myself to perhaps start a course or two. Just not sure where to begin  :|:)
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    My kids were a bit older, six and three, when I started my masters degree.. while also working full time.  I think it is easier while they are younger, as they go to bed earlier and you have a few hours for homework every night.. and not yet running around to sports, music lessons, and everything else school age children are into.  I also have a supportive husband who pulls his weight with housework and child duties.. so that made a difference.  

    Do you know what you want to do for work?  It would be easier to suggest courses and qualifications if you have a set goal in mind.  Do you want to work at a GC?  Run and operate your own gardening landscape business?  Own a nursery?  What do you envision yourself doing in five years time?
    Utah, USA.
  • VegplotmummyVegplotmummy Posts: 96
    MrsFoxglove said:
    I'm following this post as i'm in the same position. Have been toying with doing a RHS course since last summer and my 4 year old daughter will be starting school in September so i'll have some time to myself to perhaps start a course or two. Just not sure where to begin  :|:)
    Well at least we're not alone! lol It's so hard to decide when to plunge into it. 
  • VegplotmummyVegplotmummy Posts: 96
    Thanks for replying @Blue Onion. I think my end goal would be garden designer/ landscaper, not sure of the best route. Am I right in thinking the designer just draws up plans but the landscaper would make the garden come to life. I really need to start at the bottom tho, learn about plants, soil etc. Any help would be appreciated. 
  • Janie BJanie B Posts: 963
    I'm interested in this thread too! My kids are all older now and have pretty much left home, and now I have more time I have discovered a love of gardening. I'd just like to learn a bit more about flowers and planting, but just for me. 
    Lincolnshire
  • AsarumAsarum Posts: 661
    Years ago now, but I did the RHS General Horticulture, part time for one year, and then the Diploma which took 2 years part time. They were provided locally. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I think they have changed now though, but look at the website. 
    East Anglia
  • aureliecelerieraureliecelerier Posts: 157
    Last year, I started studying the RHS level 2 diploma (theory and practice). It is a fantastic course that will teach you everything you need to know about plants, from design principles to propagation etc. I too am a mum (my son is 2.5 years old) so I decided to study part time only (every Saturday over a 2 years period). I found it was more manageable this way. Doing it in one year is possible but it is a lot more work and not all colleges do it... If part time, you probably will have to dedicate a full day to your homework. Go for it, you will not regret it. Unfortunately I had to stop my course halfway as I suffer from FMS but I don't loose hope one day I will be able to complete it :) 
  • aureliecelerieraureliecelerier Posts: 157
    Forgot to say the RHS diploma has 3 levels but you can start directly with level 2 providing you already have a bit of knowledge with plants :) 
  • VegplotmummyVegplotmummy Posts: 96
    @Janie B I like the "pretty much left home" we never leave!! haha 
  • VegplotmummyVegplotmummy Posts: 96
    I'm going to have a look on the RHS website this evening. See whats there, may have to do an online course. I don't have a big network of family that could look after the kids and my other half works shifts. Will have a gander tho. 
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