By Patrick Regnault
19-year-old Pearl Bridge is the 2025 recipient of the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) Student of the Year Award sponsored by the AIH Fellows. Pearl is from the Northern Rivers of NSW and was nominated for this award by her Certificate III in Horticulture teacher, Hugh Monk from TAFE Wollongbar.… Continue reading
Read More
Frazer Thorp (Plants for Space) engaging with Growing Beyond Earth students at an immersion experience at La Trobe University
By Sally Fierenzi and Megan Hirst
Horticulture is the art and science of cultivating plants, encompassing everything from growing food crops and conserving rare species, to producing ornamental plants for amenity usage. There are various techniques and practices to grow and maintain plants, including soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilisation, and pest control.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
Travelling broadens the mind, education brings clarity, and curiosity is the energy that draws it together. Visiting gardens and meeting with the people who care for them is an exciting way to learn and share. It allows a connection that frees people to discover each other’s experiences and knowledge.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Jacco Strating*
RAI Amsterdam’s GreenTech shines a spotlight on the transitions happening in the world today. Numerous challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, and the need for more sustainable practices, are greatly affecting the current food production systems. In a series of articles, RAI delves into the challenges and opportunities of these transitions in the horticulture industry.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Lisa Wightwick
Returning to a learning environment as an adult is an odd feeling. Personally, it’s provided me with a sense of liberty and satisfaction that I definitely lacked in my school years. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed my time at school but maybe with the exception of physical education!… Continue reading
Read More
Conservation and ecosystem management students share many common units with horticulture students (Image: Dan Austin)
By Dan Austin
It might come as a surprise if you’ve been out of the education system for some time but gaining a formal qualification in horticulture is easier than it’s ever been.
While no mandatory training is required to work as a horticulturist, formal qualifications make you all the more appealing to employers.… Continue reading
Read More
Support younger industry members by nominating them for exchange programs or as support teams at conferences (Image: Karen Smith)
By Patrick Regnault
There is a demand and a necessity to upskill your employees – it helps retain them and offers them a path forward in their career and in the industry. The benefits are many and well understood. Unless the employer is short-sighted, employers and managers should encourage and organise training programs for their employees.… Continue reading
Read More
Achievable Gardens People’s Choice Award ‘Balance by Nature’ by Gina Robertson, Melbourne Polytechnic at Melbourne international Flower & Garden Show 2022 (Image: Karen Smith)
By Madeleine Stedman and Jodie Dean
The opportunities and benefits of a trade career have never been greater for young people finishing school and entering the workforce. In the past, the university sector has been touted as the best pathway to a successful career.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
Over the last few decades, Horticulture education has seen many changes. Australia, like many other countries, mainly in the English-speaking world, seems to be heading towards distance learning to the detriment of practical based learning.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are not reaching levels of completion, and the profession is ageing.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
As someone originally trained as a ‘generalist’ it is easy to find the specificity of today’s training landscape somewhat challenging to navigate. I certainly don’t envy young people now trying to start their journey and find their way in the working world.… Continue reading
Read More
