This is the busiest time of year for HDRA, the organic organisation, which promotes organic gardening,

farming and food. Not only are visitors starting to flock to our three wonderful display gardens in Warwickshire, Kent and Essex, but we are preparing for a hectic summer of shows that will kick off with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on May 24. This year, we will be trying to encouraging a whole new generation of vegetable growers by promoting our latest project, Organic Food for All. This project aims to train 100 mentors across the country, so they can help complete beginners to have a go at growing their own organic vegetables and fruit.

Organic food is becoming an increasingly topical issue. It would seem many of us can understand the need to protect our bodies from harmful chemicals. But HDRA is also committed to promoting the importance of keeping our environment organic. We depend on land for so many things: for growing food, supporting homes and other buildings, providing wildlife habitat, holding water until we need it, providing us with leisure space and so on. Caring about the environment is of paramount importance if we are still to have all these things in future.

There have been policy changes at government level in recent times, moving towards more sustainable living. A range of incentives have been introduced to put these into action, e.g. the landfill tax, climate change levy and Environmental Stewardship scheme.

Organic growing is about caring for the land we live on in a sustainable manner, ensuring that the land is capable of providing the needs of the generations to come. Organic methods are all about working alongside natural processes, enhancing rather than dominating or disrupting them. Farmers are users of large areas of land and many have already turned to organic growing methods.

There are other large land users who could benefit from using the same techniques. Country estates, private and public gardens and parks, open green space or municipal plantings could all be maintained according to organic principles. Hotels and conference centres could aim towards providing more natural surroundings, catering for those who wish to avoid contact with synthetic pesticides. Horticultural training or therapy schemes using organic methods could provide a more stable, balanced and species diverse environment for study.

At HDRA we are contacted by people in all walks of life, wanting information or advice on organic or sustainable food, farming, gardening and related issues. Increasingly we have been contacted by those working in professional landscaping and horticulture concerned about such issues as:

• meeting environmental obligations, especially in sensitive or delicate areas such as designated nitrate vulnerable zones or conservation areas
• harming wildlife and damaging ecosystems by use of inappropriate chemicals or practices
• polluting water courses, ponds and lakes
• personal health and safety with regard to chemical sprays
• maintaining ecological balance to combat disease and pest infestation
• species diversity especially in conservation areas.

HDRA is aware that organic methods can tackle these issues. In response to the increase in demand for information and support from landscapers, horticulturists, local authorities, ornamental nurseries, retailers and land managers of all sorts we have set about adapting organic methods as developed for farming to other land uses. As our knowledge and skill builds we want to share it with others. Accordingly we have designed a category of membership to assist. The Commercial and Professional Membership scheme offers the following:

• the opportunity to support research and development in areas of relevance
• the potential to assist in the knowledge gathering process
• advice by phone, or by email to facilitate contact where working hours can fluctuate
• a dedicated newsletter to flag up new developments and point to potentially useful information sources
• access to pertinent publications, such as manuals and fact sheets
• seminars, workshops and site visits appropriate to the membership
• the opportunity to let like-minded people and potential customers know about the member’s business or area of work
• the potential for knowledge exchange.

Development of the scheme is being guided by its membership. The idea is to support sustainable land use in as wide a context as possible.

For more information about the scheme visit HDRA’s website: www.hdra.org.uk. A downloadable application form is also available from the website. Membership costs just £55 per year. Alternatively contact helpline@hdra.org.uk or phone Sandra Bywater on 024 7630 8206.

By: Sandra Bywater, Research Officer, HDRA, the organic organisation

Gardening has never been more popular; RHS membership has grown from 185,000 to 360,000 members in 10 years. There are an estimated six million keen gardeners in the UK today and this number is increasing as more people tune in to TV gardening shows, visit garden centres and ultimately take up gardening as a hobby. Yet very few pursue horticulture as a career or take the necessary qualifications. Research commissioned by national environmental and green space agencies has highlighted that the professionals who plan, manage and maintain parks and green spaces are nearing retirement and there aren’t enough skilled young people to step into their shoes. This is just the tip of the iceberg though. Across the board the UK is facing a dire ‘green skills’ shortage: from higher education where applications to study Botany at university have fallen by 30% since 1996; to a lack of youngsters working their way up within production horticulture.

In April this year the findings of a report about the future of Britain’s botanic and heritage sector, was presented at a Green Skills seminar held in London. The report was initiated by English Heritage and jointly commissioned by the RHS, Lantra and The Royal Parks among others. The seminar brought together individuals and organisations spanning the entire ‘green sector’ to develop an agenda to tackle the skills gap.

Both the report and seminar highlighted several problem areas, but underpinning many of these appears to be a lack of understanding and clear information about what horticulture is, and what a career in horticulture could be.

For many people it simply means being a gardener, and probably an older male one at that! If young people are to be encouraged into the industry we must dispel this perceived image. Horticultural qualifications can lead to a range of promising and fulfilling careers – parks manager, nursery owner, environmental scientist, botanist or landscape designer, the list is endless.

Poor salary is often cited as the reason that careers in horticulture are declining in popularity. Greater professional recognition of skills, which are reflected in salary would help. At the same time though there is a need to focus on the other benefits of a horticultural career, such as the freedom to move within different sectors, travel and job satisfaction. Many career changers seeking a better quality of life choose horticulture as the antidote to the stresses of city life.

While the Chelsea Flower Show puts some of the best that horticulture can offer in the limelight, the RHS is working just as hard at the other end of the spectrum to encourage new generations to enjoy horticulture professionally and personally. As part of its charitable purpose, the Society aims to share practical knowledge and information with people whatever their age, level of knowledge and depth of interest. Getting people onto a horticulture learning path at an early age is essential if the green skills gap is going to be reversed. In the past five years, over 3000 schools have signed up to the RHS’ hugely popular schools membership scheme; which offers a termly newsletter, advice on school gardens and support and ideas for teaching about plants in the National Curriculum.

The RHS is also building a Bicentenary Glasshouse and Learning Centre at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. The world-class structure will have a purpose built classroom, ‘Growing Lab’ and outdoor teaching garden so that all visitors, from primary age upwards, can get hands-on experience of growing plants.

For school leavers and beyond, the RHS offers a range of horticultural qualifications from the (Level 2) Certificate of Horticulture, which is offered at around 160 colleges nationwide up to the Master of Horticulture (Mhort), a degree equivalent qualification for those looking for senior level employment within the industry.

All four RHS Gardens offer training for young students and career changers. The training programmes offer unrivalled opportunities to study in an environment where there is an extensive and varied collection of plants. Additionally, trainees learn from working horticultural staff who have vast expertise and knowledge.

Past RHS trainees include Chelsea medal winning garden designer and writer Dan Pearson, broadcaster and gardening columnist Anne Swithinbank and Chelsea medal winning garden designer and florist Stephen Woodham.

The green skills seminar held in April is just the beginning. The organisations and industries involved must now agree on and implement an action plan to address the skills crisis. With green space and vocational learning at the top of the Government’s agenda, the timing has never been better to get the message across that horticulture matters if we are to have the green spaces, parks and gardens that we aspire to.

For more information please visit the website at: www.rhs.org.uk

Food and animals from organic farms are grown and reared as naturally as possible. Organic crops are produced without the use of unnecessary artificial pesticides or weedkillers. Animal welfare is paramount: all organic animals are kept free-range, and the routine use of antibiotics and vaccines is not permitted. Even organic processed food is different as many of the food additives that may be harmful to health, such as artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated fat, are not allowed. Organic standards prohibit the use of genetically modified ingredients, in food as well as animal feed.

Organic is a term defined by European law: it is therefore illegal to claim that food is organic that hasn’t been independently assessed. A number of organisations in the UK are allowed to certify organic farms and food. The Soil Association (through its certification division SA Cert) licenses around 80% of all organic food sold but thirteen other organisations are also approved by the Government to carry out organic inspections – the next largest are Organic Farmers & Growers and The Organic Food Federation. Look for the symbol of one of these organisations when you buy organic food, or check for a code number, for example UK5 for the Soil Association and UK2 for Organic Farmers & Growers.

You may also occasionally see the symbols of European certification organisations, such as the French organisation AB (Agriculture Bioloque) or Demeter, based in Germany. Organic food that is imported from outside the EU must meet the same high standards as food produced in the EU. Checks can be carried out in a number of ways and may involve sending a Soil Association (SA Cert) inspector abroad.

All organic farms and food processing companies are inspected at least once a year to make sure that they are adhering to the law and spot checks are also carried out. These checks also apply to companies that sell organic food that is prepared out of sight of customers. As a reassurance to the public, a major infringement of organic standards can result in the suspension of a licence and withdrawal of products from the market.

To avoid any confusion with non-organic produce, a lot of organic food, particularly in supermarkets, is sold pre-packaged. Where produce is sold loose, proof of certification must be available, by law, to consumers. If the retailer cannot prove to your satisfaction that the food is genuinely organic, you should be able to ask who their supplier is and be able to contact them to find out about their certification.

There are currently no legal standards for non-food items such as organic beauty products or textiles. The Soil Association and some other organisations have developed guidelines and it is hoped that as these products become more popular, the legal position will be tightened. In the meantime, beware of mass produced brands that appear to make organic claims – and call the Soil Association, the company concerned or your local trading standards office if you want to check out their credentials.

To ensure that organic farmers and food companies meet these requirements – which are laid down in law – they are inspected at least once a year by an organisation such as the Soil Association.

To continue this work, we rely on donations and the support of our members. For more information about what we do, or to find out how you can help the Soil Association, please contact us at: Bristol House, 40-56 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6BY. Tel: 0117 314 5000, Email: info@soilassociation.org  or www.soilassociation.org.

A typical day would start by planning the daily work with the first gardener and dealing with any specific operational tasks or staff issues on site. I would then go to the main office to get mail and in tray then on to the garden office to deal with telephone messages, E. mails, process orders and etc. Back down to the garden to cascade on all relevant paper work and then get round to see the staff on site and ensure that everything is up to standard. Then probably on to Plant Sales to deal with any problems, confirm deliveries and etc. Later in the day, ideally I would aim to be hands on doing specific horticultural tasks on site. However, often this is constrained by meetings, paperwork and administrative demands, tours, visitor requests and a host of property linked issues which can arise at any time. The choice paper work such as garden planning, plant records and selection of plants from catalogues etc. is generally done out of hours when I can get peace to focus.

How does your job vary with the seasons? My post is demanding all year. Much of the planning and ordering is done in winter to be ready for spring. This is the busiest time when we have to have the garden up to a high standard but also programme in all the planting. The gardens team are busy all year, even in winter, because this is the only time when major new developments and changes can be implemented. In summer the public relations aspect is a priority. I have garden introductions and tours on a regular basis, while the garden team tend to have more daily interaction with the casual visitor. During the season I deal with a range of specialist requests from plant names and sources to information and even interviews on the gardens from magazines and other media.

For you, what's the best aspect of your job? Seeing long term plans for the garden and grounds implemented. For example, the Upper Pool Garden herbaceous border has just been replanted to a new design and this has taken at least

two years to set up including the preparation, formal plan and sourcing of plants. I am lucky to have such a good horticultural team who can turn my plans and designs into reality on the ground.

And the worst aspect of the job? As a charity, money is very tight and budgetary constraints can impact on front line delivery which is compounded by an increase in administration workload.

What sort of background do you come from? A time served horticultural background

What training and qualifications did you need? Seven years of practical horticultural training including five years in structured courses at diploma level.

Was it easy to achieve these qualifications? It was difficult to gain entry to these specialised courses and extremely hard work both physically and mentally to achieve the qualifications.

What is the best advice you could give to someone hoping to start in a similar job? Get a good grounding in practical horticulture in one or more good horticultural establishments while working towards the academic qualifications which are becoming an essential requirement of garden management posts.

For more information about the work of the National Trust for Scotland or for general information about Crathes please visit: www.nts.org.uk

Why did you convert to organic methods? As a demonstration garden we wanted to promote organic, wildlife friendly gardening in a practical way and encourage people to have a go and growing their fruit and vegetables.

Was conversion difficult with regard to the measures that you had to take and the costs involved? Conversion required good planning and vigilance with regard to pest and disease control, using methods such as netting to combat pest attack instead of chemical pesticides. Initially we received free seeds and netting from Sutton Seeds in Paignton, which helped reduce the cost of gardening organically. To expand our range of organic produce we now source our seeds from Tamar Organic Seeds, who offer us a 50% discount in return for publicity.

We also make our own compost and take leaf mould from the park to reduce costs.

Were you able to secure funding to aid the conversion? Green Fingers was the Trust’s first funded project to develop the organic garden. In 2001 we received £19,050 from the government’s Environmental Action Fund and recruited a Sustainable Horticulture Officer to promote organic gardening and composting in Torbay.

Following on from this, the Trust was awarded a £48,000 grant from the SEED programme to run the Cockington Organic Kitchen Gardens Project in October 2002. This grant came through the New Opportunities Fund and it helped us employ an Organic Garden Manager to carry out a wide range of improvements including better interpretation, workshops, events, volunteer days and a Compost Doctor. This funding also helped create a Community Garden to the rear of the Organic Garden for local community groups and schools. Each group adopted a plot to cultivate and grow their own fruit and vegetables along organic lines (not fully organic)

This project came to an end in late 2004 and the garden is now maintained by John Austin, the Organic Gardener and a team of dedicated volunteers. Recently the Trust has teamed up with Four Seasons Horticultural Training, who provides training for people with disabilities and helps maintain the community plots. They have funded seeds for this year’s planting in the organic garden. All funding was not specifically to convert the garden, but to develop the garden and provide educational courses and events.

Have you had any particularly difficult problems, pests or diseases to overcome? We have an ongoing problem with potato blight that restricts the amount of potatoes produced throughout the season and have yet been unable to combat organically. Aphids also cause problems and are sprayed with a water jet. In the past month we have begun experimenting with copper tape to protect some of the more fragile plants from slugs and snails. The copper gives off a small electrical charge, giving the pests a shock when they cross it. Are you ever tempted to pick up the chemical spray? No. John has never used chemicals in his gardening.

Would you say it has been beneficial to be recognised as organic? Very much so. The Organic Garden at Cockington is fairly unique, being one of the only demonstration organic gardens in South Devon. Furthermore, the organic garden forms an important part of the Trust’s ethos to protect and conserve Torbay’s coast, countryside, heritage and wildlife through sustainable management. The Trust is also currently building an organic demonstration farm at Occombe, Paignton which will expand on our work in the organic garden. And Soil Association certification is imminent as we have just completed the two year conversion period.

What advice would you offer to another site thinking about converting? To find out what is required to be classified as organic contact the Soil Association who will provide the necessary guidelines. Become a member of HDRA (Henry Doubleday Research Association) as they offer excellent support for both novice and experienced organic gardeners and their website is full of up-to-date information and fact sheets. Be organised and plan ahead.

Like to know more, want to help us? If you are green fingered and would like to learn more about organic gardening, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust is running a volunteer day on Saturday 28 May from 10am – 4pm. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Please book a place in advance.

4 June Wildflower Identification 2 days in Ayr run by BTCV Scotland. Details and bookings: 01786 479697, scotland-training@btcv.org.uk

11 June Wildflower Identification (Entry level) by BTCV Derbyshire contact them on: 01332 348591

13 June Grassland management for nature conservation, Week long (5 days) course at Losehill Hall. To book call Losehill on 01433 620373 or email: training.losehill@peakdistrict.gov.uk

14 June Basic wildflower ID by Shared Earth Trust at Denmark Farm. Details from: 01970 493358, set@denmark-farm.freeserve.co.uk

18 June Wildflower Identification, 2 days at Oatridge College run by BTCV Scotland. Contact as above

19 June Art of nature photography – Spring by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust at Gibraltar Point NNR. For details: 01754 762677 , gibpoint@lincstrust.co.uk.

21 & 22 June Wildflower ID 2 one-day courses at Stave Hill Ecology Park, Surrey Quays run by BTCV. Tel: 020 78434286

22 June Creating wildlife rich grasslands and 23 June Recording changes in grasslands Both by Shared Earth Trust. Details as before.

23 June Collecting and propagating woodland wild flowers Flora locale in Berkshire. Contact: 01488 680 458, info@floralocale.org

24 June Introduction to Herbalism Low Impact Living Initiative 3 day course in Winslow, Bucks. For details or to book: 01296 714184 or email lili@lowimpact.org

Organic Gardening Weekend, 3 days at the Centre for Alternative Energy in Machynlleth, Powys. For more details please call: 01654 705981 or email courses@cat.org.uk

25 June Grass & Rush Ecology & Identification and 29 June Bumblebee Identification - field & workshop both by Essex Wildlife Trust at Abbotts Hall Farm. To Book: 01621 862960.

5 July Introduction to creating flower-rich grasslands, Flora locale in Bath. Booking as before.

Identifying Grasses, Sedges & Rushes, 3 days by Shared Earth Trust. Details as above.

7 July Bringing back wild flowers to agricultural grasslands, Flora locale in Yorkshire. Booking as before.

26 July Collecting and propagating grassland wildflower seed, Flora locale, in Berkshire. Booking as before.

5 August Introduction to Beekeeping Low Impact Living Initiative,3 days. Booking as above.

21 August Plant identification - where to begin? Gibraltar Point NNR. Information as previous

2 September CAT Members Conference, 3 days at CAT. Contact as above.

14 September Collecting and propagating seed from native trees and shrubs, Flora locale in Surrey. Booking as before.

17 September Creative Willow, 2 days at and by Green Wood Centre in Coalbrookdale. For information contact the Centre: 01952 432769, courses@greenwoodcentre.org.uk, www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk

21 September Collecting and propagating seed from native trees and shrubs, Flora locale in Perth. Booking as before. Gardening for wildlife, by Shared Earth Trust. Details as above.

12 November Hazel Hurdles, 2 days at & by Green Wood Centre. Contact the Centre as above.

15 November Working with Waste at and by The Bishops Wood Centre, Worcester 01299 250513, courses@bishopswoodcentre.org.uk

21 November Green Sanitation & Organic Waste Management, Week long at CAT. Contact as above.

Next week’s Chelsea Flower Show will be showcasing the work of Bridgwater College Horticulture student, Freya Lawson, who has been successful in getting her ‘Crystal Cobweb’ garden design accepted by the selection committee.

Horticulture tutor, Michelle Martin, said: "Freya achieved a Distinction on her Certificate of Higher Education in Landscape and Garden Design while with us in Cannington and is now studying for an RHS Certificate in Horticulture Level 2 at our Bristol Centre for Land-based Studies (situated on The Blaise Castle Estate).

Cannington has been successful in submitting student garden designs to the Chelsea Flower Show for the last 6 years, during which time we have had 3 student designs accepted and achieved a Silver-gilt award in 2001 with the Tiffany Blue entry and a Silver award for the Glass Menagerie entry in 2002. We hope Freya’s Crystal Cobweb entry brings her even greater success and notoriety."

Michelle says of Freya’s design: "The Crystal Cobweb garden demonstrates a heightened sense of spatial awareness which is unified through the use of materials and colours. Freya has carefully incorporated the dew drop and cobweb theme throughout her design. Plants have been selected for their colour, shape and ability to hold water-droplets in interesting formations within their foliage."

Freya said: "Of course I’m delighted to have had the design accepted, it’ll be great for my CV and we’ll have to wait and see what the judges think. There’s still a tremendous amount of work to do in getting the materials and plants to Chelsea and even more concentrated effort needed to build it in time for the opening of the Show. In reality, it wouldn’t be possible without the team of people who have supported me so far and who will help bring everything to fruition.

The Team: The Garden is being built by me, my twin brother Joe (a former Cannington Arboriculture student), Michelle Martin (Horticulture tutor), Huw Parry (Section Leader for Horticulture), Steve Hazel (Arboriculture tutor), John Addison (Horticulture tutor) and current Cannington Horticulture students.

Once the Chelsea Show is over there’s not much time to relax, we have to dismantle the garden and erect it again at one or two other events later in the summer.

I just want to continue learning …I don’t think it ever stops in the field of design and plant knowledge as it is always evolving.

If I am lucky I would like to run my own garden/landscape design business but I would also be very happy running a nursery or being a head gardener somewhere beautiful. As long as it’s in a garden landscape somewhere I’ll be happy wherever I land.

Studying at Cannington has totally changed my life... it was so interesting and challenging and John Addison and Michelle Martin were inspirational. They helped me to fall in love with plants and design."

Tutor Michelle Martin (standing) with successful Chelsea Flower Show, Horticulture student, Freya Lawson (with her designs).