Beardshaw scholarship applications due in

Brits hoping to become the next Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scholar (CBMS) should ensure they get their applications in before the October deadline, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has stated.

According to the organisation, there is no need for any formal experience or training in the garden design world.

The current scholar was given the post, which is valued at £25,000, due to her interest in growing, dedication to working in the garden design sector and a willingness to learn.

Founded in 2007 to help boost the skills base in the horticultural industry, the programme is the brainchild of Chris Beardshaw and is sponsored by Bradstone.

The winner gets a year’s worth of part-time mentoring and teaching from the Bradstone, Chris Beardshaw and Three Counties teams.

Applicants are whittled down to a shortlist and asked to work together on a show garden for the Malvern Spring Gardening Show, with the winner picked after the event.

The CBMS culminates in the scholar designing their own garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Unsuccessful applicants can still expand their horticultural knowledge by taking part in the RHS’ new qualifications, which were announced recently.