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Charlotte, Gardening Level 1

Meet Charlotte, Gardening Level 1 Student. After a great experience with Horticulture, Charlotte came to Merrist Wood college to take her skills to the next level.

 

Can you tell us about yourself, and how did you end up at Merrist Wood College?

I was really fascinated by Horticulture when I did it at school. I helped take care of plants in a polytunnel and I was involved with The Garden in Bloom Awards. We got a first prize! And after that, I felt inspired to come to Merrist Wood to carry on doing what I enjoy.

My first few days here were amazing, I really loved the support I got, and the landscape is lovely.

What is it like to study Horticulture and Landscaping at Merrist Wood?

My favourite thing about my course is the practicals, we’ve been working on a project for a few weeks now. We’ve been doing someone’s garden up for work experience. Taking down the thorns and make it a little bit nicer – with a barbeque area. It will look amazing when it’s finished. I can’t wait to see the finished project.

In practicals, I’ve also learnt a lot about what tools to use and how. We keep the tools neat and tidy and we learn how to clean them. I’ve also done some seed-planting, sweeping leaves and trimming.

All my teachers have been amazing. They explain things really clearly, like the homework set and paperwork that needs to get done.

The buildings around here are great and show off the history of Merrist Wood. It’s great walking into the Merrist Wood house, with how big and tall it is.

How is the course helping you with future job opportunities and what are your ambitions for the future?

As well as work experience, I have been starting to get involved in student rep where we get to give ideas with what we would like to do with Merrist Wood.

The course has impacted me on where I’m going in my life and what I’m choosing to do.

I think this course is very interesting and everyone else in my group is great too.

When my course ends next year, I’m hoping to do a Level 2 Horticulture course, so I will be staying on.

After that I will be starting on the next chapter, when I was younger I was always interested in doing RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and Wisley. The gardens there are amazing.

Do you have any advice for students that are applying to study Horticulture?

It is amazing when you get here. Don’t feel afraid of anything, it’s just breath-taking. I have been supported all the way and all the teachers are so friendly.