Samuel Moore tells us what first interested him in Horticulture, and how he pursued his passion for plants by studying Horticulture at Writtle College. During his time at the College, Samuel, along with his classmates, has achieved many prestigious awards including 'Best in Show' at the Ideal Home Show earlier this year. But you'll see from Samuel's blog below, their success didn't end there!
The only way in which my
horticultural education experience can be best be described is 'magical'.
I first became interested in
learning about plants and gardens when I was around about 15; this cumulated in
myself studying an ICS Diploma in Garden Planning and Development and this
allowed me to progress into studying at Writtle College.
I was offered a place on the
Level 1 in Horticulture, but just a few days into the course the experienced
and supportive staff at Writtle felt that I was capable to undertake my studies
at level 2. I learnt many practical
skills and the theory behind their practise which enabled me to progress on to
the level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture.
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| Samuel (right) and classmates at the Ideal Home Show |
My time at Writtle College has
enabled me to take advantage of a some fantastic experiences that all of the
horticultural departments have made possible.
From designing and building a show garden at the prestigious Ideal Home
Exhibition, to representing Writtle at the National Final IOH 'Young Horticulturalist of
the Year'.
Entering ‘Young
Horticulturalist of The Year’ has left me feeling proud of my efforts and it
has capped off a great academic year after achieving Gold, ‘Best in Show’ and
‘People’s Choice Award’ with the rest of my classmates for our show garden
‘Beyond the Wood’ at the Ideal Home Show.
I entered the IOH competition
last minute and I would never had imagined reaching the final. The heat at
Writtle was tense with two tie-breaks needed to separate a winner… something
that was unheard of!
The regional final was nerve racking
but good experience. The competition included plant and 'pest and disease'
identification and buzzer rounds, along with directed questions. I managed to
win the regional final which I never would of expected!
The national final was exactly the
same format as the regional final, and it was held at Barrington Court in
Somerset. Again, I was nervous and the competition was of a very high calibre.
The other competitors were very knowledgeable and my nerves left me too slow on the
buzzer, which proved to me finishing 7th in the competition.
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| Ben Wincott (right) and students |
I would recommend studying
horticulture at Writtle College to anyone, as every aspect of the course is
amazing. The opportunities and knowledge I have had access to has given me the
confidence to continue my studies at Writtle on the Bsc (Hons) in Landscape and
Garden Design.
Without Writtle, I wouldn’t have
experienced the wonderful world of horticulture and the range of opportunities
that are available through it. I particularly feel that the lecturers are of a
high quality and that they put their students first, particularly Ben Wincott
who absolutely inspires me with his knowledge and his attitude towards
education, horticulture and his students.
Written by Samuel Moore
