NEWS IN DETAIL...
Horticulturists get investigative . . .
Students from Duchy College Rosewarne have been getting to grips with environmental issues and research recently as they move towards completing their horticulture projects as the end of their course draws closer.
The Horticulture Diploma Level 3 students have spent the last few months working on their own investigative projects where they have been tackling a diverse number of fascinating topics. Projects include green roofs and biodiversity, growing vegetables in the urban environment, a study into market gardening, the effectiveness of Armillatox on honey fungus and the ‘Plant Hunters’ - Douglas and Hooker.
James Slaughter, from St Austell, is looking into the micro propagation of Schefflera taiwanensis. He said: “I decided on this topic because although I have done a lot of propagation I hadn’t done much work in micro propagation. I’m really enjoying it, I like learning about how things grow and what conditions plants need to germinate. The findings have been really interesting and I’m learning lots, the science side of things is very fascinating. This year the course has been more in-depth and I really feel like my knowledge is expanding.”
Sam Moulton, from Truro, is also working in the micro propagation laboratory where he is looking into the effect of Amillatox on honey fungus: “I’m enjoying doing this project; working in the micro lab is really interesting. I love the course, I want to move in to arboriculture when I finish and this course has been a great foundation for that.”
James and Sam have been working closely with Ros Smith, Duchy College’s Horticultural Researcher, who has been introducing them to micro propagation techniques. Some of the other students have been hard at work outside enjoying some more hands-on tasks for their projects.
John White, from Hayle, has created a roof garden. He said: “I’ve enjoyed it; I’m originally from London so roof gardens are very common, I hadn’t created one before so was keen to design my own - it was a great experience.”
The students have been working on their projects once a week since last term and will soon have to report back to their peers on their findings.
Andrew Counsell, Head of Duchy College, said: “We are building a great reputation for our horticulture provision, our courses are taught by expert staff and our facilities include a micro-propagation laboratory, poly tunnels, garden design studio and a working nursery.”
To find out more about the horticulture courses available at Duchy College Rosewarne, please call 0845 605 0455 or visit the website www.duchy.ac.uk.
