One Year Course in Gardening
Two Year Course in Gardening This course in gardening, is designed to give students a basic introduction to principles of gardening and garden design with particular emphasis on traditional gardening methods used in heritage gardens.
The course will also include visitor management and communication skills. This Post Leaving Certificate course is certified by the FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council). This course is a joint venture between Grennan College and Kilkenny County Council. The course is split into two distinct elements with a part of each week being spent in the classroom on theory, research and design and the remaining time spent in Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge where practical subjects will be taught.
The areas of study covered on this course are garden design, plant and soil science, plant identification and their uses, garden construction and maintenance, fruit and vegetable gardening, herb gardening, arboriculture, communications and health and safety.
Students will be involved with all aspects of garden design, construction and maintenance at Woodstock. This course will be further complemented by field trips to historic gardens and properties in the area.
Grennan College
GRENNAN COLLEGE, Thomastown, is a medium sized college whose students have achieved high standards over the years. The college provides a personalised education with a high motivation factor with the aim of achieving each students potential. In addition to this gardening course, the college also offers third level courses that are both nationally and internationally recognised in equestrian studies, craft studies, receptionist and tourism studies.
This one year course in gardening is a joint venture between Grennan College, Thomastown and Kilkenny County Council. An important element of the course will be practical work, based in Woodstock Gardens, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. Woodstock Gardens are located high on the banks of the River Nore overlooking the picturesque village of Inistioge. The house and gardens date from the 1740’s but the main gardens were developed later during the Victorian era. The formal gardens and arboretum were once said to be the finest gardens in Ireland but fell into decline in the early 1900s after the Tighe family left Woodstock during the civil unrest. After many years of neglect, the gardens have recently been reopened and a major programme of restoration is being undertaken by Kilkenny County Council with assistance from the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme.
Entry Requirements
• A pass leaving certificate or equivalent. If persons are over 23 years of age, a leaving certificate is not required.
• Interview.
• A confidential report from your school principal or two
references should accompany the application form.
Material Cost
A small charge is payable to cover material costs.
Grants
There is a P.L.C. grant for this course subject to qualification.
Application should be made through your local V.E.C.
Accommodation
A list of suggested suitable accommodation will be provided.
Travel
There is a train and bus service to Thomastown daily.
Contact
Tel: 0567724112. Fax: 056 24091
