Q. What qualifications route did you take to realise your career?
BSc. Hons Horticulture – University of Bath 1978

Q. Please explain in detail what students will learn during your course?
The importance of the lawn to the overall structure and appearance of the garden. Starting a new lawn from seed and turf: how to go about it and the merits of both methods. How to shape the lawn for ease of maintenance and for maximum effect. Lawn care regimes including weed control, moss control, feeding, aeration and scarification. Mowing: which mower to choose and what to consider when buying a mower. Creative mowing and effects that can be created with grass of different lengths. Adding flower bulbs to grassed areas and trees in association with lawns.

Q. What’s the first thing you teach your students?
The impact a good lawn has on the overall appearance of the garden and how that can be enhanced.

Q. What qualities do you need to succeed in your industry?
A passion for plants and an understanding of the pleasure and benefits ornamental plants offer to our wellbeing. An understanding of how important gardens are in terms of the environment and how rewarding gardening is as a pastime.  

Q. What are the benefits of studying your subject?
This course enables you to ensure that your lawn or your client’s lawns enhance the gardens of which they are such a key part.

Q. Please explain why you love your subject?
I have always been passionate about plants and gardens. I have an eye for colour and form and enjoy the creative aspect of gardening. I get great satisfaction from helping other gardeners to realise the potential of their gardens.

Q. What skills do students have by the end of the course?
A knowledge of what is required to create and maintain a good looking lawn. How to control moss, weeds and how and when to feed and mow. Most importantly the undersanding of a lawn as a plantation of grass plants and how to consider it alongside the rest of the planting in a garden.

Q. What do students normally do once they’ve finished their course?
Hopefully look at their own gardens or their clients’ gardens with different and more informed views. Then hopefully they read around the subject with understanding and further develop their knowledge. If they use my books on the subject they will tie in perfectly with the course.

Q. What’s the best way to go about getting a job in your industry?
It all depends on aspect of industry. Generally some practical experience and then a relevant college course or RHS certificate.

Q. Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
Really isn’t one. Very varied.

Q. What advice do you have for people interested in studying a course like yours?
This course will teach you everything you need to know to have a beautiful lawn. Do the course in association with the book and complete the assignments and you will have a comprehensive knowledge of lawn care.