JB,
15th July 2008
"I
have no hesitation in recommending attendance at any of the Dublin School of Horticulture
courses. As a former student I gained a great depth of knowledge due to the extensive
course materials, lectures and class participation. The practical nature of horticulture
is brought alive in the classroom environment, enabling the student to understand
the principles and their applications"
LB,
23rd
April 2008
"Two
years ago I decided to advance my limited knowledge of horticulture hoping that
it would enhance my enjoyment of gardening. I came across a DSH booth at the Rare
and Exotic Plants exhibition and having examined their brochures decided to undertake
the Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture. This entailed two nights of attendance
at classes for a period of about 9 months along with quite a few Saturdays spent
strolling around “the Bots” with cold feet (literally). From somewhere
in the depths of my early scientific training I managed to unearth the basics
of botany, reprogram lots of new information and retain the knowledge before the
challenge of sitting “the exam”. I enjoyed finding out why my Hydrangea
anomala subsp. petiolaris had punched out ticket holes in the leaves though
the family thought I was acting strangely when I sought out the adult vine weevils
at night time with a lantern.
I
then decided to do the Practical Horticulture Module, level 3 of the RHS diploma
the following year. The part that appealed to me most was the identification of
the plant names so that I could not just mumble that the “shrub on the left
with the white flower was blooming …” but indicate to a fellow plant
lover that the Exchorda x macrantha “ The Bride” was thriving…
It does at times seem pretentious to use the proper names but it certainly makes
communication easier.
The
teaching at all courses was excellent as were the notes and CDs. Each teacher
had their own particular interests, always imparted with a sense of enthusiasm.
Sharing a common interest with the other “students” made the learning
far more fun and I have enjoyed the companionship of a shared interest. In fact
we continue to meet to visit gardens and have a good chat (mostly about plants).
I would highly recommend the DSH to anyone who wishes to extend their knowledge
and enjoyment of plants."
VH,
3rd April 2008
"I
have really enjoyed the courses I attended at The Dublin School of Horticulture.
I found yourself, Mary and Pat to be a great combination in teaching both the
practical and theory sides of gardening. The knowledge and experience you all
shared with us during the courses made the classes a great learning experience
and above all fun. I met lots of new 'gardening' friends, learnt at lot, and found
you all to be friendly, helpful and encouraging.
I've
also learnt that the old adage 'the more you learn the less you know' definitely
applies to gardening, so I look forward to learning more with you all soon."
