Gardening Courses
Blackford Centre for Gardening



Accredited Diploma in Horticulture
Case studies - Diploma in Horticulture
Want to know what current students say about the course?
Three months into the course, we ask our learners about their experience - to give us an honest 'warts and all' opinion.
Click 'Read more' on any comment to see what they said. Due to a recent computer glitch we lost most of our late 2016 and early 2017 ratings (grr). But over time you will see more of our current learners' views.

I am very interested in Horticulture did complete a 2 year horticulture certificate in gardening & horticulture 2 years ago.
yes just to gain info on the specific course
Very pleased.
No
I am involved as a fellow grower on a bedding flower seedling distribution company along w my partner.
It will be the ultimate decision.
I am pleased and satisfied.
Obtained 'B' symbol in first assignment Lawns & Grasslands Part 1 & 2.
I have been working in teaching and Nutrition-orientated jobs for the past 15 years, and have never found it truly fulfilling. Last year I went to for some aptitude tests, and the results pointed towards Horticulture, something I have always had a passion for but have never pursued. After doing my research on the internet, I found this course best suited my needs as I needed to study part-time... South African on-line courses in Horticulture were all for a degree, and had a limited time-frame.
Yes. I spoke to the Blackford Centre representative in South Africa.
The course was well structured, easy to down-load and user-friendly.
I researched other South African and Australian courses, but they didn't suit my needs as well as this course.
I would like to start my own business in some field of Horticulture. My dream is to grow flowers for the commercial market, or salad and herbs for the local market.
Extra research is needed when studying this course from South Africa as plant-types, pesticides etc. in the course material is specific the the UK. This does, however, force you to immediately start using the internet for research, and ensured that you are not bound to the course material for your studies.
I had a slow start, and getting into the habit of putting time aside for studying is not as easy as I remember it being when I was younger! I am enjoying it very much though.
I have started a local gardening business in Downham Market area and I am also interested in furthering my personal knowledge in Horticulture.
Yes - I made enquiries regarding the course and requested a prospectus.
Very good - as described.
No.
Expand the gardening business to include growing my own plants etc for sale to clients, and to introduce a Gardening Helpline service.
Do it - even if you don't want to undertake the RHS exam the course will still give you an excellent base knowledge of horticulture to support your hobby or business.
No.
Good - fitting in and around the expanding business, and also I am adding to my knowledge with every module.
To gain formal knowledge and understanding in matters related to horticulture.
Just viewed the website.
Good.
Viewed other websites for information. The Blackford Centre appeared to best offer what I required.
Develop my gardening business.
I think it is a good course, if you are self motivated. It allows you to study at your own pace.
The information is understandable.
Personal tutor is very good, responding to an e-mail with very useful information.
I have started reading through the learning material, and related books. I have also started my first assignment. I plan to increase my studying through the Autumn and Winter.
So I can sit the RHS Certificate in Horticulture exam and because an online course is more flexible and suits my requirements.
No
Very professional and thorough with lots of extra useful information.
I have started up my own gardening business and currently have 3 garden maintenance clients. Ultimately I want to move into garden design and plant advice and care.
Go for it but be prepared to put the hours of study in = it takes longer than you think to research the topics thoroughly if you want to get good marks and learn.
Well. I am half way through and thoroughly enjoying it.