RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture

Updated 15th January 2026

The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture* at Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a 10-day course that will give you the fundamental practical skills of a horticulturist.

The course is offered in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and supported by the Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The course is coordinated by Lisa Swift, who also teaches alongside lead tutor Billy Kenny. Tutors Billy and Lisa bring a wealth of horticultural knowledge and expertise to this project, as well as providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Glasgow Botanic Gardens provides an inspiring venue for learning, through its plant collections and outdoor spaces.

The course fees are £550, including £50 non-refundable deposit. The course takes place at weekends, the full list of dates are at the end of this page.

Please fill in an application form in the drop down below if you would like to join the course.

You can access module information in the handbook below.

CPH Handbook Glasgow 2022

*Please note this is not an RHS course.

CPH01   Looking at Plants – Saturday, 21st March

CPH02   Soil Care – Saturday, 28th March

CPH03   Feeding & Watering – Saturday, 11th April

CPH04   Seed Propagation – Saturday, 18th April

CPH05   Vegetative Propagation – Saturday, 25th April

CPH06   Growing Media & Potting – Saturday, 9th May

CPH07   Planting – Saturday, 16th May

CPH08   Pruning & Training – Sunday, 17th May

Revision Day – Saturday, 30th May

Assessment – Saturday, 6th June

CPH01   Looking at Plants – Saturday, 15th August

CPH02   Soil Care – Saturday, 22nd August

CPH03   Feeding & Watering – Saturday, 29th August

CPH04   Seed Propagation – Saturday, 5th September

CPH05   Vegetative Propagation – Saturday, 12th September

CPH06   Growing Media & Potting – Saturday, 19th September

CPH07   Planting – Saturday, 3rd October

CPH08   Pruning & Training – Saturday, 17th October

Revision Day – Saturday, 24th October

Assessment – Saturday, 31st October