05 March 2010

CAFRE horticulture students were inspired to go for gold when they met Jekka McVicar at Greenmount recently. The students were encouraged in their horticultural studies by Jekka who runs an award winning nursery, authored four books and has been awarded over 60 RHS Gold medals.

Jekka started growing herbs over 20 years ago when she found that there was gap in the market and currently her nursery stocks over 600 varieties. She was in Northern Ireland to deliver the Horticulture Lecture of the year. All the students who have an interest either in growing or show gardens were able to learn from her vast experience.

Meeting industry experts is an integral part of all the horticulture courses at Greenmount, allowing students to make contacts in the industry and to be inspired to develop their own business ideas. View further information on the horticulture courses or email enquires@dardni.gov.uk.   

Horticulture Foundation Degree students  Joe Higgins , Emer Campbell, Laura –Lee Johnston, Stephanie Graham and  Steven Annett with award winning organic herb grower Jekka McVicar during her recent visit to Greenmount Campus CAFRE and member of staff Rodney Monteith.