Pruning College Certificate

This course is for adult learners who would like to learn more about horticulture. You may have a garden and need advice on how to look after it; you may be looking for a change of direction professionally; or you may just want to try something new and meet new people.

There are no entry requirements. Candidates should be keen to learn about gardening and be able to work outdoors in any weather.

This two-day course covers:

Day 1 AM

Orientation guided walk and talk on the College’s extensive landscaped gardens

Theory – Pruning Techniques:

• 5 Ds
• Formative
• Maintenance
• Restorative
• Specialist eg. fruit

Day 1 PM

Pruning – Demonstration and Practical (Fruit trees)

Plant Identification – Quiz (learn ten plants’ names)

Recap

Day 2 AM

Theory – Pruning Timings:

• Deciduous
• Evergreen
• Ripewood
• Roses

Rose pruning practice

Day 2 PM

Pruning plants that flower early season

Perennials maintenance practical

There is a mixture of practical and theory classes delivered on-site.

Students are required to bring overalls, work boots and gloves to wear during practical sessions.

Also, a notebook and pens are required to take notes in class.

Assessment will be ongoing throughout the two days.

• Become a volunteer at a managed garden
• Seek employment or an apprenticeship in the horticultural sector
• Enrol on a Level 2 course (Derby College Group offers the Level 2 RHS Practical Certificate in Garden Planning and Theory and a full-time Level 2 Diploma)

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk