More greenhouse enthusiasts to access exchange scheme

For 60 years, the Martin McLaren scholarship has seen a gardener from the US exchange places with one from the UK.

Until now, the greenhouse expert has been a university graduate looking to further their studies in another country.

The US graduate would spend ten months studying at Reading University, while the UK participant would undertake the first year of a masters degree at a US institution.

However, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – which helps administer the programme in Britain – recently revealed it is now accepting applications from diploma and HND students that should allow more greenhouse enthusiasts to access the scholarship.

Rather than having an academic focus, it will also change to a more practical one, with work experience being offered at a number of gardens in the US.

Applications for the 2010/11 intake should be in by October 31st.

Meanwhile, the recent Big Lunch event organised by the Eden Projects Tim Smit and Paul Twivy was heralded by the RHS as a success after two million people grew their own food and shared it with others.