06 April 2009

Last week, Horticulture students from The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) visited the Botanic Gardens in Belfast. Hosted by Colin Agnew, the students were given a guided tour of the palm house and tropical ravine.

“Its amazing the range of plants that I have seen here today” said Brid Murphy from Killybegs, Co. Donegal. Currently a self employed landscaper in Co. Donegal, Brid is studying part time at Greenmount Campus, Antrim and attends 1 day per week. “The course has been fantastic; I am even enjoying the course work! This term we are learning plant names and plant maintenance, next term I will be doing garden design which I am really looking forward to”

On the visit the students had an opportunity to discuss the plant management requirements and get an insight from Colin on how the displays are produced in the nursery.

Emer Campbell who works at Ashtree Garden Centre, Donegal Town was delighted at the opportunity to see the displays. “The tour has been interesting and I have seen plants here that grow in much warmer places than Ireland. This has certainly helped my plant knowledge, and I will be able to advise more customers in the garden centre as we get busy with spring planting”

The visit part of the National Diploma and Award in Horticulture, gave full-time and part-time students the opportunity to visit gardens and learn about their management.

For further details of Horticulture courses, full and part-time contact the College on 0800 028 4291.

Why not come along to our Open Evening at Greenmount Campus on Wednesday 29 April 2009 at 7 pm where our teaching, practical and accommodation facilities will be on show. You will also have the opportunity to speak to our staff on an individual basis to discuss your own career choices.

Emer Campbell, Donegal town, Colin Agnew Belfast City Council and Brid Murphy Killybegs admire a bright blue Cineraria.