Carl Dacus, co-founder of the Dublin School of Horticulture, had the idea that people would like to know more about horticulture. Carl had been working in horticulture for many years and had met many in the business who did not have a formal qualification and wanted one. Other who just wanted to learn about horticulture and improve their plant knowledge. In most cases they were not in a position to give up work and enter full time education. The feedback we were getting was that it was a pity that there wasn’t another option and that somebody should provide a part-time day course or night classes. Then it was suggested that it should be us and we thought: “why not?”
So, in September 1999 Dublin School of Horticulture started not one but two night classes preparing students to sit the Royal Horticultural Society General Examination in Horticulture. (Now changed to Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 in the Principles of Horticulture and Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 in Practical Horticulture.)
Our Philosophy
We believe that learning and teaching should be enjoyable and our aim is to present the subjects in an easily assimilated manner. To this end we use PowerPoint, comprehensive and well-illustrated notes in conjunction with visits to the National Botanic Gardens.
Our tutors are passionate about all aspects of horticulture. Our aim is to pass on this enthusiasm and knowledge, encouraging our students to develop a passion and love of all things horticultural.
The Reward
When people enrol with the Dublin School of Horticulture they do so for various reasons. Whatever an individual’s ultimate goal is, we believe that the best thing that someone can say at the end of one of our courses is “I have learned and I enjoyed it”.
First Steps
Often people are afraid to start a course especially if it is an area in which they have no prior experience. There have been so many times when people said to us that they were afraid to start a course in case they were the only ones that didn’t know anything. Well, the point of doing a course is that you can learn something about a new subject. You will never everything. Nobody does, and we all have to start somewhere. We at Dublin School of Horticulture know this. We remember our own first days in college and we always consider this when we teach.
Down The Road
Many who have attended our courses have been inspired to take up a new career in some area of horticulture. Others who have not chosen to work full-time in horticulture use their newly found knowledge to develop gardening as a hobby.
All of our past students enjoy a newfound appreciation for plants and nature and derive more pleasure from their gardening activities as they put their knowledge into practice, growing better plants and creating better gardens.
So whatever your aims or ambitions we are sure we can help you learn, enjoy and grow in the love of gardening.
