Campus Notes

Horticultural students from Writtle College have produced a practical guide book aimed at supporting landscapers working with topsoil. The booklet, which has been commissioned by TOPSOIL, a division of British Sugar, offers useful images and a step-by-step guide to preparing and laying soil.

The booklet is the first in a series of practical guides designed to help professionals get the best from their topsoil. It covers important factors including receiving, storing and using topsoil to ensure complete success in landscaping projects.

Read more: Writtle Students produce Landscapers Guide

Students on Writtle College's horticultural module, 'Gardens and Plants through Time' have been enjoying the benefits of their labours with a stunning display of Cowslips at the college’s wildflower meadow.

The meadow was first sown in the autumn of 2006 by Andy Boorman, Senior Lecturer in the School of Horticulture, at the Essex college. Andy was assisted by first year degree students studying the college’s module ‘Plants and Gardens through Time’, who will have watched the meadow develop into not only a visual treat but also a great food source for a wide variety of butterflies and bees...

Read more: Wildflower meadow testament to Writtle's 'Gardens and Plants through Time'

Justine Jobson, a 30 year-old student at Hadlow College, has won a prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) competition with her 'close-knit community' themed garden design.

The RHS brief challenged entrants to design a 'Winter Garden' and Justine's imaginative winning design, entitled 'Meeting the Neighbours', for a front garden to bring communities together, proved a winner.

Read more: Hadlow student wins RHS Garden Competition