Get applications in for mentoring scholarship, growers urged

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts who are considering applying to become the next Chris Beardshaw Mentoring Scholar (CBMS) have been reminded to do so before the October deadline.

The opportunity is thought to be worth in the region of £25,000 and is open to anyone with an interest in growing, dedication to working in the garden design sector and a willingness to learn.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the current scholar had no formal design training and was accepted due to the fact that she possessed the above skills.

Sponsored by Bradstone, the CBMS was launched in 2007 to help boost skills in the horticultural sector.

Shortlisted applicants build a show garden at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show and a winner is chosen from the group to go on and complete a year’s scholarship.

They are given a free part-time programme of mentoring and teaching from the Bradstone, Chris Beardshaw and Three Counties teams, which culminates in the creation of their own show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

In other news, the RHS has revealed that new European regulations could make it easier for garden and greenhouse fans to get their hands on heirloom varieties.