The New Growth Project is going to provide free horticultural training to unemployed people. The first course will commence in March and will run for 12 weeks in their garden near Kilmovee, Co. Mayo. The course 3 be run two days will each week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm and will cover a range of topics including propagation, food growing and caring for ornamental plants. Participants on the course will have the opportunity to prepare for a unit of the Royal Horticultural Society Certificate In The Principles of Horticulture, and the course content will be based on the RHS Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture.
Ciaran Burke has been training people in Horticulture for nearly fifteen years. In 2006 The Garden School was founded in Kimovee, Co. Mayo: and through their home study courses and part time classes in Galway they have helped many people achieve an internationally recognaised qualification in horticulture through the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications.
At The Garden School there is a belief that horticulture and gardening has enormous benefits to the individual and great potential as an industry in Ireland. In response to the economic climate and in an effort to do something positive for people The New Growth Project has been started. No experience or horticultural knowledge is required, anyone over 18 and has the time to spare is eligible. There are 6 places available on the course.
It is hoped that revenue from other courses, plant sales and products such as T-Shirts designed by The Garden School will contribute revenue to The New Growth Project so that the next courses will be able to accommodate more people and that even more courses can be run. Thinking in the longer term, it is hoped that the model of practical education could be brought further a field beyond the county boundaries to other venues throughout the country.
Further information about The New Growth Project, application process and ways to support this voluntary initiative are available on www.thegardenschool.ie Ciaran Burke is a qualified horticulturist (National Botanic Gardens) and has over twenty years experience in horticulture including teaching Royal Horticultural Society courses, designing gardens and growing plants. Ciaran writes for a number of publications including The Irish Garden and UR Dream Home. The New Growth Project is a training course offered and run by The Garden School on a voluntary basis, no course fees are charged, no profits are made.
Source: HortiTrends News Room
