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HORTICULTURE COURSES 2018 / 2019
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The Gardener’s Garden Centre
Courses at Coolings School of Horticulture 2018-2019
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L Coolings runs a wide range of gardening related courses, some OF practical, some academic and some just for fun. They’re all richly rewarding, both socially and in learning. If you are not sure which course is best for you, come along and chat to our tutors to see what it’s all about:
• Saturday 23rd June 2018 (2 - 4pm)
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Come and meet our lecturers to find out what it's all about.
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Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture HORTICUL
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Tuesdays 9.30am to 12.30pm, Starts 18th September 2018 or Monday evening 6.30pm to 9pm, starts 17th September 2018 Cost: £499 per year (30 weeks) (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
• Thursday 6th September 2018 (2 - 4pm)
Here at Coolings we like to think of ourselves as a beacon of educational excellence but much friendlier and relaxed than other similar establishments. There are lots of good reasons to take a course with us, and they’re all included in the price! I nspirational lecturing staff who make learning easy and fun A purpose-built working area for practical sessions We have our own gardens and production nursery where students are encouraged
Course Length: 2 Years Tutors: Tessa Allen
to take part in practical sessions, and which enable them to gain an insight into our industry L ight refreshments are included as part of your course W e hold a glamorous Awards Evening for those completing a course of a year or more C ourses are lots of fun! A mature and warm atmosphere where friendships are made A ll students receive a 15% Coolings Discount card!
The RHS (Level 2) Certificate is well recognised within the industry; students who achieve it will be well placed to progress onto further courses or into employment. This course is over 100 years old and still as popular as ever. The course is also ideal for the dedicated amateur gardener who wishes to extend their knowledge and perhaps achieve a nationally recognised qualification. The Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture is a broad-ranging course taught 3 hours a week over 6 terms and covers the full spectrum of horticultural subjects. It is ideal for beginners or for those with some experience. Achievement on this course is through nationally set written examinations taken in February and June 2019 (Year 1) and February and June 2020 (Year 2) and the level of knowledge expected is equivalent to a good level of pass in a GCSE science subject.
Neil Bone
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T: 01959 532269 E: rushmorehill@coolings.co.uk W: www.coolings.co.uk
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Coolings Garden Centre Rushmore Hill Knockholt Sevenoaks Kent, TN14 7NN
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Book online at www.coolings.co.uk/education Email lesley@coolings.co.uk
Who can apply?
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Kevin Tooher
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Caroline Halfpenny
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Alex Lindsay
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Tessa Allen
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Entry onto this course is open to anyone who has a genuine interest in horticulture – no formal qualification is necessary.
What will I Learn?
The weekly session will include plant identifications as well as classroom-based theory. Comprehensive notes will be provided. Students will be encouraged to take part in weekly practical demonstrations. The following outline is intended only for general guidance on the range of subjects to be studied:
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Year 1
Plant Classification, Structure and Function Propagation Weeds, Pest and Disease Problems Soil Management and Nutrition
Year 2
Garden Design Fruit and Vegetable Growing Greenhouse Management Plant Choice, Establishment and Maintenance
Guided tours including RHS Wisley Garden, will be arranged and are included in the course fees.
What should I bring each week?
Writing equipment is advisable to enable you to take down any extra notes and your weekly homework. Secateurs and gloves will be required for most practicals. You will be advised of any extra tools required for practicals a week in advance. Sensible outdoor clothing and strong outdoor shoes, preferably steel toe-capped boots, should be brought in for the practical session each week. The course tutor, Tessa Allen, has taught horticulture for over 30 years and the RHS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture for the last 19 years. Throughout, Tessa has had a high achievement and retention rate, which she puts down to the friendly but organised classroom atmosphere. Student numbers will be limited to each session so please book early to ensure a place.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education 3
RHS Level 2
RHS Level 3
Course Length: 1 Year | Tutor: Kevin Tooher
Course Length: 2 Years | Tutors: Kevin Tooher & Caroline Halfpenny
Starts (Daytime) Wednesday 26th September 2018, 9.30am - 3pm Starts (Evening) Wednesday 5th September 2018, 6.30 - 9pm plus some weekend days Cost: £599 (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
Starts (Daytime) Thursday 27th September 2018, 9.30am - 3pm
Certificate in Practical Horticulture
This practical course is recognised in the horticultural industry and focuses on developing essential horticultural skills, many employers see this as a pathway to employment. Who can apply? The course has appeal for those working in horticulture looking to up skill, as well as a future career changer and interest to the hobby gardener. What will I learn? Ground preparation for seed sowing Care and pruning of plants Sowing seeds and vegetative propagation techniques Soil testing Practical skills in establishing seeds and plants in soil Identification of a range of common
Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture
Cost: £599 per year (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
garden plants, weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and beneficial organisms. Whilst this course is more focussed on practical skills there is still a significant classroom element and there are a number of very short written tests taken under exam conditions (around 10 to 15 minutes). The completion of the RHS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture level 2 and the Certificate in Practical Horticulture entitles you to the RHS level 2 Diploma. Please be aware that with frequent assessments there is a need for regular attendance on the course. Learning will take place at both Coolings sites. There will be some weekend catch up sessions and students on the evening course will need to attend some weekend days owing to lack of light through the winter months.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
If you can only do an evening course please register this with us as we may launch this given sufficient demand. This is a 2-year course and the price is per year, each year comprising up to 22 weeks. The RHS (Level 3) Principles of Horticulture is widely recognised within the industry and is a significantly higher qualification than Level 2. Whereas the Level 2 equates roughly to GCSE Level, this course is ‘A’ level standard or even slightly higher and will be more challenging than Level 2, covering the same areas but to a much greater depth.
Students will be required to do reading in their own time. To qualify for this course students must have completed RHS Level 2 or an equivalent standard of horticultural qualification. Please contact us for advice on qualifying alternatives. You may qualify if you have at least 5 years industry experience but will be subject to a telephone interview.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
RHS Level 3
Certificate in Practical Horticulture Course Length: 1 Year | Tutor: Kevin Tooher Starts (Daytime) Friday 28th September 2018, 9.30am - 3pm Cost: £599 per year (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
If you can only do an evening course please register this with us as we may launch this given sufficient demand.
Who can apply?
This practical course is a significant step up from the RHS Level 2 course and is widely recognised within the horticultural industry. Whereas the Level 2 equates roughly to GCSE Level, this course is ‘A’ level standard or even something slightly higher and will be more challenging than Level 2, covering the same areas but to a much greater depth. To qualify for this course students must have completed RHS Level 2 or an equivalent 4
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standard of horticultural qualification. Please contact us for advice on qualifying alternatives. You may also qualify if you have at least 5 years industry experience but will be subject to a telephone interview.
What will I learn?
The course covers the same ground as the Level 2 qualification but in much greater depth. Please be aware that with frequent assessments there is a need for regular attendance on the course. Learning will take place at both Coolings sites.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education 5
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Visits will include: Savill Gardens, Windsor Audley End, Essex Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire World Garden, Lullingstone Salutation Garden, Sandwich
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Starts Friday 28th September 2018, 9.30am – 12.30pm Cost: £599 (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
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Starts Saturday 6th October 2018, 9.30am - 12.30pm Cost from: £199 per 10 week module | £499 for all 3 modules (30 weeks) (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
Who can apply? For people who have an interest in gardening and want to know more without a taxing level of science and complexity! No prior knowledge or experience is required. Focusing on the principle areas of contemporary gardening it is divided into 3 modules, each of 3 hours per week for 10 weeks.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
Course Length: 1 Year | Tutor: Neil Bone
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This course includes 10 full-day visits to gardens and places of horticultural interest. The days of the visits will run from 9am - 4pm. The price includes all coach trips, but not entry to the gardens.
Botanical Adventures 3
Do you think horticulture is just about pretty flowers and a herbaceous border? During this thought-provoking and wide-ranging botanical adventure, you will discover how forensic botanists are helping the police catch killers and solve other major crimes. Via a series of weekly demonstrations and hands-on practical’s you will learn how to diagnose and treat a range of different garden pests and diseases using organic remedies you can make yourself at home. As well as learning the recipe and technique for making your own Japanese style bokashi compost. Themed weekly plant identifications will help you build your knowledge and confidence finding the right plants for the right places in your garden and
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help you achieve the garden effect you want and give your Discount garden all year-round interest. As part of our adventure we will look at different garden styles from around the world and how they can be successfully incorporated into our own gardens, particularly those from Scandinavia. Enjoy learning in a relaxed and informative atmosphere in the company of enthusiastic fellow gardeners. The course includes 10 planned full day visits to a range of gardens and nurseries in the South East to compliment the class room themes studied.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
The whole course lasts 30 weeks. The modules are also offered as individual courses so it will be possible to dip in and out for subjects you have a particular interest in. There will also be a practical element to each module to give real experience of the topics covered. There will also be a practical element to each module to give real-life experience of most of the topics covered.
What will I learn? Module 1 - The basics of how to garden S oil cultivation and preparation Propagation Planting Maintenance tasks Pruning Composting Growing in containers and small areas
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Course Length: 1 Year | Tutor: Neil Bone
Classroom days will include practical demonstrations, including opportunities to improve your propagation skills.
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What will I learn? Weekly plant identification Right Plant, Right Place: for soil types and microclimates Garden Designers of the 20th century Plant Hunters of the 19th and 20th century Origin of many of our Garden Plants Growing Vegetables and Fruit in small spaces Month by Month: Jobs in your Garden
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Who can apply? Suitable for anyone with a love of gardening, this exciting and informative course covers a fascinating range of topics.
How to be a Successful Gardener
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A course that is exclusive to Coolings Relax and have fun, learning in the company of fellow gardeners. No exams, no pressure, no requirement for any prior course attendance.
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Starts Thursday 13th September 2018, 9.30am – 12.30pm OR 1pm - 4pm Cost: £599 (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
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Course Length: 1 Year (30 weeks) | Tutor: Tessa Allen
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Plants, Pioneers, Gardens and Gurus
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Garden Horizons
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Module 2 - Wildlife and environmentally friendly gardening Friend or foe – enemies and allies in the natural world Wildlife and wildlife havens Plant choice and wildlife – gardens significant impact on nature Sustainable gardening Gardening in a changing climate Peat-free growing Sustainable design Within these four walls – how to reuse and recycle in the garden
Module 3 - Growing your own vegetables Planning your vegetable garden – when and what to sow Preparing the ground Use of fertilisers and compost – including green manures Sowing and planting Pests and disease monitoring and management Harvesting and avoiding gluts Gardens and your well-being Herbs for eating Plants of medicinal interest
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education 7
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Thursday 15th November 2018, 9.30am to 3.30pm Cost: £80 (Includes 10% Coolings Family Discount)
Plant and Establish your Fruit Tree Friday 7th December 2018, 9.30am - 12.30pm Cost: £45 (Includes 10% Coolings Family Discount)
Framework Grafting Friday 4th May 2018, 9.30am - 3.30pm Cost: £120 (Includes 10% Coolings Family Discount)
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Wednesday 6th February 2019, 9.30am - 3.30pm Cost: £120 (Includes 10% Coolings Family Discount)
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Starts Thursday 21st February 2019, 6.30pm – 9pm Cost: £65 (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
Winter Pruning of Fruit Trees
Bench Grafting
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To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
Course Length: 3 weeks | Tutor: Alex Lindsay BA Hons, GD DIP
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Week 2 - From Renaissance Discount to Romanticism Week 3 - The birth of Modernism to present day gardens
NEW - Planting Design for Beginners
This course aims to help you choose the right plants for your garden and give a structured design with seasonal interest. It examines the influence of soil type and site conditions to your choices and gives ideas for gardens of all sizes. Students will learn about a wide range of trees and plants and how to design successfully with them.
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Starts Thursday 17th January 2019, 6.30pm – 9pm Cost: £65 (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
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Course Length: 3 weeks | Tutor: Alex Lindsay BA Hons, GD DIP
Week 1 - Gardens of the ancient worlds
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To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
NEW - A History of Garden Design
This course covers many ground-breaking designs and designers that shaped the evolution of the garden. It examines the social, political and geographical influences to why such important gardens from countries all around the world appear as they do.
Wednesday 20th June 2018, 9.30am to 12.30pm OR Friday 22nd June, 9.30am to 12.30pm Cost: £50 (Includes 10% Coolings Family Discount)
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essential at the start of the Discount course and advice will be given as to appropriate choices. Site visits are made with the group not only to the project sites but to inspiring gardens and landscapes mentioned in the historical lectures on garden design. Students are given a whole term to complete each project but this includes design work to be done outside the class as well. Guidance will be given and plenty of time is given to account for students balancing the course with work and family life.
Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees
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There are some courses which Coolings are unable to deliver as we don’t have the facilities but to help you get the very best experience we’ve teamed up with East Malling research to deliver the following courses at their site in East Malling.
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This course covers similar content to the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in garden design, but takes a more 'hands on' approach to equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become garden designers. The course keeps a balance of creative design work within the group and lectures on planting, design and hard landscaping. Students get a chance to apply the information they learn to a variety of real residential site designs. Each term approaches a site with a different challenge and private tutorial sessions are given to help the students development as the course progresses. Applicants are advised to have their own drawing board and some drawing materials. These are not
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Short Courses at East Malling Research Institute LE
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Starts Monday 17th September 2018, 1pm – 4pm Cost: £699 per year (includes 10% Coolings Family discount)
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Course Length: 2 Years | Tutor: Alex Lindsay BA Hons, GD DIP
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Diploma in Garden Design
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To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
For full details of these courses please visit www.coolings.co.uk/education 9
Free Talks at Coolings 2018 RSPB Saturday 21st April 2018 at 10 am. Cost: FREE We welcome a member of the RSPB who will discuss general wildlife and birdwatching and how to attract wildlife to your garden. Advice will be given on feeding and habitat.
Astronomy: Space is BIG Saturday 28th April 2018
at 10am (1hr approx) Cost: FREE Speaker: Hugh Alford, Orpington Astronomy Society This fascinating talk covers the vastness of space; essentially a journey from the Earth out to the edges of the known Universe. Challenge your mind to grasp the scales involved! There will be no maths or equations but some very big numbers! Assisted by many PowerPoint images the talk is suitable for ages 16 plus. We hope that in the weeks after this talk Coolings are able to host some ‘Solar Watches’ from Arthurs Garden.
To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/education
Bonsai: Myths, Legends and Truths Saturday 5th May 2018 at 10 am. Lasts approx. 2 hours
Cost: FREE Speaker: Serge Tasic Bonsai is a well-known and appreciated technique of growing trees in pots. However, the perception of Bonsai growing is that it is hard to have a beautiful and healthy bonsai which is both long lived and does not cost a fortune. In this talk, Serge Tasic will look into the history and development of Bonsai as well as break some myths which relate to this hobby. They will demonstrate some basic techniques of growing Bonsai, keeping it healthy and ensuring that it develops into a good looking and valuable specimen. They will try to answer any questions you have and explain why they have such a passion for this wonderful hobby. Unable to attend? You can get great advice from Serge at our onsite concession Red Sun Bonsai.
Orchid Day Saturday 19th May 2018
Cost: FREE Speaker: Dr Manos Kanellos Dr Manos Kanellos will be here again to repeat his superbly successful workshop and answer your questions. Schedule: • 11am - 11.40am Orchid care for beginners and repotting demonstration • 11.40am - 2.30pm Orchid Clinic except for lunch 1pm – 1.30pm • 2.30pm - 3.10pm Repeat talk as 11am. 7