April marks Lawn and Garden Month, a time to celebrate the beauty and importance of green spaces, from home gardens and public parks to pristine sports grounds and landscaped estates.
These green areas aren’t just visually appealing; they play a vital role in our everyday wellbeing. Whether it’s a peaceful place to relax, a haven for wildlife, or a carefully maintained space for sport and recreation, gardens contribute to our mental health, encourage physical activity, and strengthen our connection to the natural world.
They also support crucial environmental goals, something we’re passionate about at Hadlow College. From improving air quality and biodiversity to cooling urban spaces and managing surface water, green areas are essential to a more sustainable future.
If you’re interested in lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces, then we offer a number of courses for you here at Hadlow College, Kent’s only rural and land-based college.
Studying a Horticulture or Garden Design course will see you benefitting from first class facilities such as the Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College - the UK’s first Centre of Excellence in glasshouse growing and a ‘robotic orchard and vineyard’ which demonstrates the latest technology including automated AI management systems, a state-of-the-art irrigation, fertigation and frost protection system and automated fruit picking.
Hadlow College is also part of North Kent College, one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers, and a range of apprenticeships are offered at our leafy campus including Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping Apprenticeship, Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Apprenticeship, Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship and Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician.
Last month one of our students became the first person in England to complete a revised apprenticeship standard in golf greenkeeping, and as part of National Apprenticeship Week in February many of our apprentices shared how the experience has opened doors to exciting careers in the land-based industries.
To find out more, visit the Horticulture and Garden Design or Apprenticeship sections of the Hadlow College website.