CAFRE students inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show
June 5, 2024
College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) students were dazzled during their recent visit to the Chelsea Flower Show. From vibrant blooms to innovative and sustainable garden designs, this annual event inspires creativity and celebrates the wonders of Horticulture.
Fay Hunter (Ballyclare) and Jeffrey Morris (Kilkeel) were invited by LANDEX to the Royal Horticulture Society’s (RHS) Young Persons’ Breakfast. The students were honoured with a private tour of selected gardens and networked with the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA).
“The Chelsea Flower show offers inspiration for everyone,” commented Jeffrey. “The event allowed us to get up close with the showcase gardens, in addition to asking questions of the designers. Having competed in UK Skills Landscape Gardening competitions, it was lovely to be able to visit finished designs and appreciate the elements of their build.”
During the Show the students also met CAFRE Graduate, Aimee Copeland (Randalstown), who is part of the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme and who has recently been offered an Apprenticeship with RHS Kew Gardens.
“It was truly an unforgettable experience”, remarked Jeffrey. “Seeing the creativity and craftmanship on display from top Horticulturists around the world was both humbling and motivating. It reaffirmed my passion for plants and broadened my design knowledge.”
Throughout their visit, the students seized the opportunity to engage with industry professionals including the President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, David Richardson. David, who is from Armagh, encouraged Fay and Jeffrey to be ambitious and embrace the exciting opportunities that a career in Horticulture offers.
A number of the gardens at the show had CAFRE connections with graduates involved in their construction. Lawn and Border Landscapes, owned by Aaron Jamison, (Downpatrick), was the landscape contractor for The Boodles Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald. Anna McLoughlin (Ballymena) worked alongside Mark Gregory’s company Landfrom UK to build The Stroke Association Garden, designed by Miria Harris.
As the day came to a close, the students returned with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation of the beauty and complexity of the botanical world. With memories of breathtaking sustainable displays and insightful conversations, the students look forward to applying this to their studies and future endeavors within the Horticultural industry.
If you are inspired to follow a career in Horticulture, discover courses at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus, Antrim. Courses are offered full-time and part-time and offer a range of entry levels. Visit www.cafre.ac.uk for course information and see how your career could grow.
