Kelly Daok – Alumni
Kelly Doak, from Newtownabbey, graduated from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus in June 2020.
What course did you study at CAFRE and how has it influenced your career?
I studied the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture. It was through CAFRE that I then got an industry job straight out of college. While my personal employment goals remained fairly constant throughout the course, CAFRE provided stability and inspired the confidence in me to chase the job I wanted.
Why did you decide to study at CAFRE?
Prior to studying at CAFRE I had completed an arts degree and felt somewhat directionless. During that time I developed an interest in botanical gardens and glasshouse plants, but I had little experience working in this area besides having a small ‘tender plant’ collection at home. I wanted to do something practical, something that I felt really mattered. So I took a chance and dived into the world of horticulture.
What was your first job in horticulture?
I worked as a gardener at Belfast Botanic Garden, which came about from a conversation I had at a Greenmount Open Day. I was considering studying horticulture and the CAFRE tutor suggested I try to gain more experience before coming on the course to be sure it was really what I wanted. I checked out Belfast Botanic Gardens and they were hiring for seasonal summer workers. So everything lined up at the time and the experience that followed then spurred me on to start the full time Level 3 two year programme at Greenmount the following autumn.
What is your current job and responsibilities?
I am part of the BOT (Botanic) Crew in the Tropical Ravine at Belfast Botanic Gardens. My role is to assist in the daily maintenance of the plants and building, assist the horticulturist in the ravine, interact with the public and lead tour groups when needed .
Do you have a typical working day?
Yes, there is a daily routine we all follow. Mondays we largely work with the plants as we are closed to the public through the morning to carry out weekly maintenance for the plants some of which are directly planted in the ravine while others are kept in large pots. We carefully water these plants and regularly damp down the walls, paths & plants to keep the humidity high which is important to the unique environment we are creating within the ravine. Some of the plants we have are really exotic like Nepenthes maxima the Asian pitcher plantand Tetrastigma voinierianum the chestnut vine. We also undertake routine maintenance and testing for the building such as fire alarm tests and running taps for legionella before opening to the public for the afternoon.
What is the best thing about your job?
My colleagues; they are so passionate about plants; it just helps stoke the fire in me. I want to retain my passion for plants and curiosity throughout my life. The wrong job will take that from you.
What is the greatest challenge of your job?
Having all the answers; it’s impossible! Someone will always ask a question; about the building, its history or the plants, and I may sometimes not have the answer. But it’s early days in this role and there is always more to learn.
What is your fondest memory of your time at CAFRE?
Funnily enough, one of my least favourite areas of study ended up helping me unexpectedly. We studied hard landscaping in second year and I felt completely out of my depth. Some of it stuck though, because at the Irish Young Horticulturalist of the year competition (run by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture), as the quizmaster called out the terms, ‘herringbone’ and ‘basket-weave’ I slammed my hand on the buzzer, interrupting him to exclaim with furious excitement, ‘BRICK LAYING PATTERNS!’ An absurd moment that still makes me laugh.
Have you undertaken further training since leaving CAFRE?
Not yet, but I have no doubt I’ll take up further training or study in the future. Kew Gardens and Cambridge Botanic Gardens have training programs that focus on botanic gardens that I would be keen to undertake. I’ll stick to my casual pace of learning for now. Just for fun.
Do you keep in touch with fellow students who were in your class?
Yes, and it’s a real shame the pandemic has kept us apart.
How do you like to relax outside work?
I try to put those art school skills to use, and maintain a fine collection of cacti and tender plants. Not that it’s always relaxing. I’m thinking now of growing mushrooms… Mycology is gaining traction with me.
What advice would you give a new graduate?
Do whatever you can to feed your curiosity and interest in the avenues of horticulture that matter to you most! Don’t become complacent!