New Rates for RHS Examinations

The rates for the RHS Examinations are increasing from 1st September 2007

RHS Level 2 - £35.00 per unit

RHS Advanced - £45.00 per module, Practical Module £80.00

RHS Diploma - £45.00 per moudule, Practical Module £120.00

Further details and enquires should be addressed to

RHS Qualifications

RHS Garden Wisley

Woking

Surrey

GU23 6QB

Tel 0845 260 9000

Email qualifications@rhs.org.uk

I had a lovely walk at the Kenfig National Nature Reserve, Ton Kenfig, Near Pyle, Bridgend, CF33 4PT Tel. 01656 743386.

Over the past 30 years I have enjoyed many such visits.  There is a new interpretation centre and soon it will have much more to offer (- than the existing excellent loos!) There is a program of Discovery Days - about the wild flowers, the birds, the moths and so much more.  If you are in South Wales and have a spare day - do enjoy the walk down past Kenfig lake and access the dunes to the sea coast, take a packed lunch and a flora book.  The wild flowers and orchids are tremendous - this year it is so lush with the May rains but it is a unique place and I can recommend it.  Oliver

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

'Got a worth while idea?' The Winston Churchill Memorail Trust has a fellowship cheme.  "They will help to turn your ambition into reality". Categories include Making a Living in the Countryside also the Rehabilitation of Offenders. It occurs to me that the view from the inside might also be of interest. We have some truly excellent work from our members 'in the nick' many of whom benefit already via The Prisoners Education Trust (www.prisonerseducation.org.uk)

www.wcmt.org.uk or call 020 7584 9315

Grants

The LSA Charitable Trust

This trust awards grants for the advancement in horticulture and land cultivation.

The trustees are inclined towards students in mainstream horticulture, or studying horticultural co-operative schemes and horticultural marketing at colleges in England. 

Applications have to be made by 28th February and 31st August each year.  Further details are available from The LSA Charitable Trust, c/o 66 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH

Competition

Can you identify the shrub shown?

We have 5 free packs to give away within the range of Nemasys to give away to the first correct answers.

Please email your answers to helen@hccollege.co.uk with your name and address.

More details on the Nemasys range of products are available from their website www.nemasysinfo.com

From the Postbag

Dr I McC writes of her RHS Level 2 Course "I found the course absolutely excellent, and so thoroughly enjoyable.  I have learned so, so much, and that knowledge has boosted by confidence as a gardener no end ...... Therefore, I want to thank you for opening up a whole new path in my life!"

Christine from Cornwall wrote this week to say.... 

"I have found immense pleasure in this course and will be deciding on another shortly. I will look forward to the return of my mini project and your remarks."

We had a particularly kindly letter from RB of Wallingford who was completing his Enjoy Herbs study programme, extracts from the letter:

A well structured course with good course material build-up, maintaining a high level of interest throughout, inducing enthusiasm right to the end.  For the serious student it is a good springboard for futher research into subjects of particular interest.  Excellent course for the 'herb novice'.

Length of course (18 months) is ideal, together with the flexibility of module submission within that period.  Excellent tutor/student link, with a quick turnaround of lesson assessments.  Subtle tutor guidance/nudges where applicable. I had an excellent rapport with my tutr, his guidance and additional information supplied was highly appreciated.

Paul from Middlesex writes This is a very sad occasion, the submitting of my tenth lesson. I am almost reluctant to post it as it ends a rather special year .....the course has stretched me much more than any of the other courses I have been doing .... made you want to find out more and more, to a point of 'where to stop'?  I am finding it very hard to find the right words to say 'THANK YOU', for your help, encouragement and comments that I have received from you over this last year.

A lovely letter from Nicki Lewis-Smith who completed her GLADD coures with us last year.  She has won a £1,000 bursary in conjunction with the Shrewsbury Flower Show and she has a garden to create at this world renouned event - 10th and 11th Augus www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

An update on this item Nicki won Silver Gilt at the show a star in the making I feel.  Below is a picture of her garden design title Synchronicity.

Nicki has a lovely web site www.nickilewissmith.com it is quite a model in its own right with lovely colour.  It mentions the Institute of Horticulture and has lots of useful web site links.

Olivers visit to Applecourt Nursery and Garden Hordle Lane, Hordle, Lymington SO41 0HU

This garen is now in the hands of Angela & Charles Meads. It is a treasure house of varieties - a garden full of compartments and tender plants. I cam away with Hemerocallis and the wish to revisit the very fine collection of stunning plants. Their splendid plant list does have over 250 colour pictures.

Unlabelled but it looked like a well coloured from of Clerodendron 'carnival' which is a very unusual tree.