 | Royal
Horticultural Society
Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture |  |
The
RHS Level 2 Certificate is part of a progressive programme of horticultural examinations
awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society. Successful candidates can then proceed
to the RHS Advanced Certificate (Level 3). This is a revised
syllabus replacing the old RHS General Syllabus. There are some changes which
are highlighted below:
Examinations
can be sat either in February or July.
The
examination now consists of two two-hour papers instead of one three-hour paper.
Each part of the exam can be taken separately (e.g. Part 1 in February and Part
2 in July).
The
syllabus now includes an element of garden design.
Printable version of 
**
Includes
Information on
Next Start Date, Pricing
& Course Venue
**
WHO
IS ELIGIBLE?
Anyone
over 16 years of age who has an interest in gardening; whether it is with a view
to working as a professional horticulturist or just to expand their knowledge.
PRESENTATION
All
lecturers use digital projectors to display notes and slide shows. Visual aids
help increase the enjoyment of learning.
SYLLABUS
Part
1: Horticulture I Planning,
Principles and Production
The Plant Kingdom:
Naming of plants.
Identification and function of plant structures.
Plant physiology.
Plant reproductive processes.
Plant growth and development.
Plant Propagation:
Propagation by seed.
Conditions for successful propagation in a garden situation.
Factors influencing successful propagation by cuttings.
Production of plants by vegetative techniques.
Budding and grafting, definition of terms and reasons for using these methods.
Outdoor Food Production (Fruit & Vegetables):
Site selection.
Cultural operations to produce out door food in a garden situation.
Production methods for a range of vegetable crops.
Production methods for a range of fruit crops.
Garden Planning:
Basic surveying techniques.
Site appraisal and data collection for planning purposes.
Basic principles and elements of design used in garden planning.
Characteristics of garden styles.
Use of hard and soft landscaping materials.
Part
2:
Horticulture II Ornamental
Principles & Maintenance
The Root Environment & Plant Nutrition:
Soil profiles.
Physical properties of soil.
Organic matter and soil organisms.
Soil water.
Soil pH.
Plant nutrition.
Soil cultivations.
Protected Cultivation (Interior Plants & Glasshouse Crops):
Elements of the environment under protection.
Structural and cladding materials.
Controlling the environment under protection.
Containers used in protected environment.
Plants in the protected environment (uses, establishment and maintenance).
Care of plants in an interior situation.
Horticultural Plant Selection, Establishment & Maintenance:
Selection and establishment of a range of plants.
Establishment and maintenance of lawns and wildflower grassland.
Plants for seasonal display (bedding).
Maintenance of trees, shrubs, climbers, hedges, roses and ground cover.
Maintenance of annual borders and Herbaceous Perennial borders.
Horticultural Plant Health Problems:
Importance of safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable practices.
Weed control.
Plant pests, identification, damage caused and methods to limit the effects.
Plant diseases, identification, damage caused and of control.
Plant disorders and methods of avoidance.
Methods of crop and plant protection.
The
course is not taught in two halves. Elements from each part are taught together.
We see this as being especially beneficial when it comes to learning plant names
and their care. Although the different parts are examined separately, each subject
has relevance to others and only by studying them all can a full understanding
and appreciation of plants and their growth be achieved. This knowledge can then
be applied to practical situations. Understanding of basic horticultural and scientific
principles and applying these principles to everyday gardening and horticultural
practices is the aim of the course.
Above
is a summary of the syllabus and a full copy is included with the first Study
Pack at the start of the course.
COURSE
DURATION
The
course duration is 120 hours of lecture time and class work is complemented by
a number of visits to the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin.
COST
OF COURSE
The
fee covers tuition, National Botanic Garden visits, and comprehensive course notes.
No books are required, but a recommended reading list is included with the notes.
Current
prices are to be found in the downloadable
document.
BOOKING
PLACES ON COURSE
A
deposit of €300 is required to be returned with the completed 
.
The balance of course fees is payable prior to the starting date. Dublin School
of Horticulture will acknowledge the receipt of your payments. This course may
be paid for by post using our printable Credit
Card Payment Form, or by postal order.
FEES
& REFUNDS
To read the Dublin School of Horticulture Fees & Refunds Policy please Click
Here.
EXAM
APPLICATION FORM (RHS Level 2 Cert.)
To download
the RHS Level 2 exam application form for February 2010 Click
Here.
To download
the RHS Level 2 exam External Candidate application form for February
2010 Click Here.
To download
the RHS Level 2 exam application form for June 2010 Click
Here.
To download
the RHS Level 2 exam External Candidate application form for June 2010
Click Here.
