RHS Level 2

[OddityOddityOdd]

I'm thinking of doing this purely for interest, I've no intention of using it for work but it's quite pricey. If anyone has done this course, can you share what you learn, how you found distance learning and was it worth it? Really I'm just looking for the kind of feedback I won't find on the providers' sites. Did you enjoy it or was it a slog for little return?

Can't tell you about distance learning as I went to college about an hour away.
You might look at WFGA, some of their day courses are open to non-members. Membership is about £30 I think. Depends where in the country you are, how many courses you can get to. Have met people on those days, who were there for interest not professional reasons.

Thank you, I'll take a look at those courses.

I did Level 2 via distance learning with the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh (RBGE). Found the while thing really interesting and RBGE couldn't have been more helpful, with ongoing access to their tutors for help as required. They also provide an online forum where students can discuss things and help each other out. I did it over 2 years and reckoned on about 12-14 hours study per week, though different people will go at different rates depending on their own circumstances.

Bit late to this, but I'm doing the same thing for differen reasons. I'm studying the RHS Level 2 Certificate at Capel Manor College with a view to career-changing. I've written a blog post with some feedback - overall I'd recommend it so far, although there's a lot of home study required alongside the classroom time. crescentesempervivum.blogspot.com/

I'm doing RHS Level 2 currently, the principles of plant growth and development - hoping to enrol in the practical course next, which you have to do to obtain the full Level 2 qualification. I am absolutely loving it! It is very hard work, a day a week in the classroom and then I usually spend at least another 2 days (sometimes 3) doing homework and reading, I've found that necessary to keep up with it as it's a huge amount of information and a very steep learning curve - but it is worth it, it's so interesting. You learn about plant classification, internal and external plant structures, weeds, soil, nutrition, growing media, health and safety, garden health plans, garden design plans, plant identification, sustainability, best practise, environmental stuff, right plant right place - I mean what I've just written skims the surface of what you learn, it's incredibly detailed. I've been doing it for 3.5 months and have already filled up a big lever arch file with work and notes, now onto my second folder. Also have met some lovely people, like minded, love plants and want to learn. Definitely do it if you can, it is a real eye opener. I will never garden in the same way again now that I know what I know, and I'm only half way through. I actually wish everybody would do it, there is so much we can do to help the environment and so many mistakes we are all making in our gardens that cause damage.