Thinking about studying Horticulture? There’s such a breadth of jobs available as the industry is so incredibly diverse!
Horticulture is the art of cultivating plants to produce food and medicinal ingredients, or for ornamental purposes. Horticulturists are agriculturists who grow flowers, fruits and nuts, vegetables and herbs, as well as ornamental trees and lawns. Grow your knowledge of the scientific principles, maintenance and propagation techniques including vitally important sustainable horticulture practices. Plants, crops and green spaces sustain and enrich our lives by providing nutritious food, enhancing the beauty of our homes and communities and reducing our carbon footprint. Sustainable horticulture is a way of growing plants that's sensitive to the environment.
Our courses cover a wide range of Horticultural subjects and you can pursue careers in: Production, Horticulture Food Science & Genetic Engineering, Landscape Construction & Management, Amenity Horticulture, Fresh Food Produce, Nursery Stock Production, Gardening, Greenkeeping, Sports Turf and Garden Design.
Horticulture has been part of Hadlow for 50 years and as such we have built a reputation in the industry as one of the leading education providers. As a student you will benefit from the vast network of contacts we have of industry links which is comprised of former students and companies who take students on in work experience placements year after year. The horticultural team have an array of experience from head gardener to commercial production management.
"There are so many good memories, whether it be the informal yet engaging teaching style and absorbing lessons, the time spent with friends, to the light-hearted moments chatting with the staff. My time at Hadlow not only progressed me academically, but also grew me as a person as well."
"Floristry was a complete change of career for me. I was looking for a change from farming and after visiting the Hadlow stand at the Agricultural Expo at Detling showground, it seemed to me to be the obvious choice, due to both location and the availability of part-time floristry courses."
"There are many different exotics we get in – we’ve seen flamingos, snow leopards. We do get a varied amount of animals that come through."
"Always dream big to achieve, strive to be the best you can be."
"There is no better group of lecturers to have behind you to succeed than those at Hadlow.”
"I set up my own business, Wild Pickings, selling seasonal foraged wild foods. I focus on plant ID, gathering, teaching and also on cooking, preparing and eating wild food."
"I wanted to study fisheries management and when I started looking into land-based colleges for further education courses, Hadlow College was the most recommended to me. Learning specifically about a subject that I was really interested in was great, and I liked the mix of practical tasks as well as theory lessons."
"I chose to attend Hadlow college as it was local to me and with a young family, I wanted to feel settled and close - my youngest was 6 months old when I started. I also knew that for a rural college it would have the feel I wanted - with the floristry department set within Broadview gardens."
“I won The Wedding Industry Award for ‘Best Wedding Florist in the South East of England."
"There is a lot more to Horticulture than first meets the eye, especially in the production side of industry and being educated and experienced in that technology will help in securing that dream job."
"My career highlight was designing a show garden for Macmillan Cancer Support at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. We won a gold medal."
"It has been great to meet so many people from all over the world, all with the same love for horses."
"I was lucky to win a place in Pro Landscaper magazine’s 30 under 30 awards, which was a proud moment in my career thus far."
"My employer, a small salmon company in the northwest highlands of Scotland, was looking for someone with an academic background in aquaculture to innovate the company."
FOUNDATION DEGREE IN ZOO HUSBANDRY AND MANAGEMENT
Lucy Bennett cited the friendly and supportive staff as playing a key role in her choosing to study at Hadlow College, a decision that would lead to a complete career change for her.
Having previously worked in the NHS, Lucy is now part of the Animal Presentations Team at Chessington World of Adventures!
Lucy tells us about her time at Hadlow, which she describes the best two of her life so far.
"Hadlow offered me the opportunity to gain practical experience with companion, exotic and farm animals. It taught me the fundamentals of animal care and the confidence to excel."
“My advice to anyone thinking of studying at Hadlow College is to go for it! It played a huge part in where I am today and I will be forever thankful.”
"Studying the NCFE courses gave me the confidence I needed to set up my own floristry business."
"I love all things practical, getting stuck in and learning on the job."
"My lecturers were a massive support and friendly faces to go to if I needed help."