CAFRE students inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show

College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) students were dazzled during their recent visit to the Chelsea Flower Show.

CAFRE horticulture lecturers Caithriona McCrudden and Lori Hartman with CAFRE students Jeffrey Morris and Fay Hunter met past Greenmount Level 3 horticulture student Aimee Copeland during their visit to the Chelsea Flower Show.

From vibrant blooms to innovative and sustainable garden designs, this annual event inspires creativity and celebrates the wonders of horticulture. 

Fay Hunter (Ballyclare) and Jeffrey Morris (Kilkeel) were invited by LANDEX to the Royal Horticulture Society’s (RHS) Young Persons’ Breakfast. The students were honoured with a private tour of selected gardens and networked with the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA).

Jeffrey said: “The Chelsea Flower show offers inspiration for everyone. The event allowed us to get up close with the showcase gardens, in addition to asking questions of the designers.

“Having competed in UK Skills Landscape Gardening competitions, it was lovely to be able to visit finished designs and appreciate the elements of their build.”

During the Show the students also met CAFRE Graduate, Aimee Copeland (Randalstown), who is part of the Historic and Botanic Garden Training Programme and who has recently been offered an Apprenticeship with RHS Kew Gardens.

Jeffrey said: “It was truly an unforgettable experience. Seeing the creativity and craftmanship on display from top Horticulturists around the world was both humbling and motivating. It reaffirmed my passion for plants and broadened my design knowledge.”

Throughout their visit, the students seized the opportunity to engage with industry professionals including the President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, David Richardson. David, who is from Armagh, encouraged Fay and Jeffrey to be ambitious and embrace the exciting opportunities that a career in horticulture offers.

A number of the gardens at the show had CAFRE connections with graduates involved in their construction.

Lawn and Border Landscapes, owned by Aaron Jamison, (Downpatrick), was the landscape contractor for The Boodles Garden, designed by Catherine MacDonald. 

Anna McLoughlin (Ballymena) worked alongside Mark Gregory’s company Landfrom UK to build The Stroke Association Garden, designed by Miria Harris.

As the day came to a close, the students returned with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation of the beauty and complexity of the botanical world. With memories of breathtaking sustainable displays and insightful conversations, the students look forward to applying this to their studies and future endeavours within the horticultural industry.

If you are inspired to follow a career in horticulture, discover courses at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus, Antrim. Courses are offered full-time and part-time and offer a range of entry levels. Visit the CAFRE website for course information and see how your career could grow.

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