Muddy doesn’t need to tell you that getting down and dirty in the garden is therapeutic, you already know this, but have you ever considered taking things to the next level? Whether you want to turn your love of sunflowers into a side hustle, see if your hobby could grow into something more or go the whole hog and launch a botany business than One Garden Brighton in Stanmer Park is the place to make all of this, and more, shoot into action.

This, quite frankly, stunning location on the edge of Brighton has education at the roots of everything it does, including the cafe’s pastries which are made each morning by apprentices. Horticulture courses are taught in the beautiful walled garden that has been specially designed to be a teaching and workshop space.

The eduction programme is the responsibility of Plumpton College – you may well have tried their delicious wine and for even more kudos, Camilla, Queen Consort, is a patron of the college’s Charitable Foundation. Hardly surprising then that One Garden Brighton is fit for royalty! But everyone is welcome here, all ages, backgrounds and interests can connect over their passion for plants – something the tutors are keen to foster. It’s also a clever move when you consider the huge skills gap in horticulture – 70% of businesses struggle to find the right staff despite it being a multi billion pound industry.

So what are you waiting for? Be part of the solution with the help of One Garden Brighton who have created a handy guide for those who are interested in plants, but don’t know where to start…

1. Plant the seed with a one-day workshops

Time not on your side? Muddy gets it and so does One Green Brighton which is why they’ve curated a series of one-day short courses. Perfect for introducing you to a range of skills or awakening your inner horticulturalist, they’re led by industry expert tutors from Plumpton College. They’re also at a reasonable price point, with the majority under £75 for a day that could well change your career. This summer the one-day workshops on offer include an introduction into soil health, looking at the formation processes, soil development and structure. As well as an introduction to floristy covering how to make a hand-tied bouquet, a table posy arrangement, and tips for choosing the right flowers. 

2. Let your ambition grow with a longer course

If you already have a base level of knowledge or have whet, no, watered your appetite for things, then you can graduate to a longer course. Courses at One Garden Brighton are accredited by the RHS and you can choose to do these part time over a few months or intensely in the space of weeks. From principles of horticulture to practical horticulture and even dog grooming – you can accelerate in the way you see fit an to match your gardening passions.

3. Branch out with an apprenticeship

Don’t be put off with the (wrong) assumption that age or prior qualifications are required. The award-winning apprenticeships at Plumpton College are for everyone! ⁠You’ll have the chance to earn as you learn, making it a great option for parents, mature students and well, anyone. You’ll spend one day a week in the classroom and the rest of the time gaining hands-on experience. One Garden Brighton acts as an employer for apprentices and there are multiple options, including at the bakery, butchery and in the gardens. 

4. Don’t moss around, find the right subject area for you 

Love plants? Then the choice is endless. Botany is all about knowing your plants and that’s right, without an app! Covering soil science, plant propagation, waterways and beehives, the botany programme at One Garden Brighton introduces you to the networks that make up our ecosystem. Or why don’t you get your colouring pencils out and draw your dream garden? On the garden design courses, you learn to plan gardening projects as well as scale drawings and graphics. And so much more – you can see the full list of courses here.

5. Herb your enthusiasm and hear from One Garden Brighton horticulture students 

⁠Last year, Hayley completed her RHS Level 2 in Practical Horticulture. Her career in horticulture began with a natural progression from caring for her own garden during lockdown. After her partner bought her a Level 1 course she decided to go on to complete the Level 2 qualification and the rest is history!. She says, “You will never know everything so there is constant learning which is actually amazing. There is always progression. It helps me clear my mind and be at one with nature – away from technology and doing something practical. I’m currently building my business as a British flower grower – doing the course enabled me to have the knowledge of how to do tasks efficiently and to the correct procedure.”⁠

Elliot’s passion for horticulture came from his mum, a keen gardener herself. When Elliot got his own garden, he felt inspired wanted to find out more about how to care for it. One thing lead to another and he’s now completing his Level 3 apprenticeship at One Garden Brighton. He says, “It’s very varied, no two days are the same. You’re always doing different tasks and it gets you out in the sun. The people are lovely-the public who come into the garden are always really appreciative of the work we do. They always interact with us which is really nice, you don’t get that in other jobs.”