I did it ...

Finally, after 3 years of study, I got the news last autumn that I'd passed my MHort with the RHS. I was so relieved as, although I began it with great ambitions of excellence, it tested my horticultural research and academic writing skills to the limit and, at the end, I was very grateful to have passed with a Merit. At times during the 3 years, particularly in the final year when we concentrated on our dissertations, I questioned the value of doing it and my ability to finish the course. I did finish though, which was an achievement in itself, and am now, although initially disappointed in my dissertation, actually pretty proud of myself (and I don't say that very often!). The graduation day has now been confirmed and will be held in the Lindley Hall in London. This will be the first opportunity to meet my course colleagues as, due to Covid, the entire course was run online with none of the usual opportunities to meet. I'm not sure that I will be a better gardener as a result of the MHort but I am certainly a better informed one and much more environmentally aware and biodiversity vigilant. The challenge now is to use the qualification and that will, hopefully, begin by my running a workshop on pruning and wildlife friendly garden maintenance, on the 17th Feb. Places will be a bit limited as I'm running it from home to ensure 'hands-on' pruning opportunities but I'd love to see you there, details on the website.

Happy snowdrop and winter aconite time - enjoy!