Although I see myself as an experienced gardener with over 20 years’ experience of working my own gardens, as well as 5 years’ volunteering in allotments/community gardens, it was not until recently that I decided to study a formal horticulture qualification so in the summer of 2023 I commenced with the Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture through City and Guilds. I completed this qualification in December 2023. I have now progressed on to the Level 2 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Certificate in Theory Principles of Plant Growth and Development. In September 2024, when I have completed my Level 2 RHS Certificate in Theory Principles of Plant Growth and Development, I intend to start the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture. Looking further ahead I would like to complete the Level 3 RHS Horticulture qualification but this is a long way off!