PLANTSMANSHIP: ADDING AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO HORTICULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

For many years, individual horticulturists with a good knowledge of the origins, cultivation, and use of garden plants have been referred to as Plantsmen. In 1995, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in conjunction with the Scottish Agriculture College (SAC) gained approval to offer the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Horticulture with Plantsmanship. The origins of the course will be described and the opportunities for student learning highlighted. Plantsmanship training is now recognised as a valuable discipline within horticulture and attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds. The HND Plantsmanship course is accepted as an integral part of the Scottish horticultural scene and allows students, through their study of plants, to progress to degree and post graduate level courses in horticulture and related specialisms.