• A practical-based qualification to develop the essential skills needed to work in horticulture or to further develop your interest. This certificate is divided into eight topics, each made up of elements covering a specific aspect of practical horticulture. These are:
• Plant identification 
• Plant establishment 
• Plant propagation 
• Plant health
• Plant care
• Plant pruning
• Garden features
• Grassed areas
• In addition to these, there are also topics which span the entire qualification. These include health and safety, sustainability, best practice, and equality and diversity.

• The practical certificate will be covered in one year of teaching at Hever Castle and gardens and starts from September 2026.
• The practical certificate is assessed by written and practical examinations. The written examination will be offered in an online format at specific times during the academic year.
• The practical examinations take the form of demonstrations of practical skills assessed by an external examiner, observing students in small groups. These take place twice a year. Unsuccessful assessments can be repeated but will incur additional costs.
• The course follows the academic timetable, comprising three separate terms with half term breaks within each.

Tuition Fee: £1350 (includes initial assessment costs but NOT re-takes which are an additional £20-£30 per failed task, subject to change) and an annual membership for Hever Castle & Gardens for the duration of the course.

Please book online. If you have any questions please email [email protected]. 

A cancellation fee of £200 will apply if you withdraw two weeks before the start of the course. After this time if you withdraw from the course there is no reimbursement of fees after the start of the course.

Our four tutors have taught horticulture, including the RHS courses, for many years and have worked in various sectors of the horticultural industry. They are all passionate about plants and love to share their enthusiasm with others. They are thrilled to be offering horticulture courses in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Hever Castle with its splendid plant collection.

• RHS Level theory-based qualification:
• RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
• RHS Level 2 practical-based qualification:
• RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture 
• Those who successfully complete all the necessary units for the two level theory-based qualification and the practical-based qualification will gain the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.
• The RHS Qualification Level 2 in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture is well recognised within the industry. Students who achieve it are well placed to progress onto further courses, or into employment. The course is ideal for the dedicated amateur gardener who wishes to extend his or her knowledge and achieve a nationally recognised qualification. It is ideal for beginners, or for those with some experience. 
• Achievement on this course is assessed with nationally set written examinations and assessments. We recommend that students take the examinations. 
• There are no prerequisites for entry to the qualification other than a love of horticulture and a dedication to sit the examinations.