Reaseheath has a national reputation for producing high quality horticulture professionals that work across all sectors of the industry. Our garden courses offer professional training for school leavers and career changers, as well as those already working in the industry, who wish to develop their career.

If you prefer to work outdoors and with plants or hard landscaping then horticulture is for you. Horticulture offers highly rewarding, diverse careers, split into two main areas:

Amenity Horticulture - covering the design, construction and care of public open spaces and private gardens.
Production Horticulture - covering the growing and selling of garden plants and food crops for profit.
Reaseheath offers an extensive range of facilities including formal gardens and grounds, a plant nursery and glasshouses, a demonstration fruit and vegetable garden, a commercial golf course and extensive sports facilities. Our 12 hectares of landscape grounds are set around an original 17th century manor house, the perfect setting for studying historic gardens. Our formal areas have specialist plant collections including the national collection of Enkianthus and a range of contrasting garden styles. Many spectacular historic gardens are within easy reach of our location in the heart of Cheshire and we have developed strong links with National Trust properties within the region and beyond.

Much of the teaching takes place in our dedicated Design Studio which is equipped with the most up-to-date CAD software including VectorWorks 2010 and AutoCAD MAP 3D. Horticultural students carry out practical exercises on our grounds, nursery and golf course and assist with the building of award winning show gardens at the RHS Show Tatton Park.

We have been regular finalists in the WorldSkills UK Landscape competition. Our impressive total of coveted medals, not to mention growing media coverage by television, radio and specialist press, is testament to the expertise, dedication and sheer hard work that our staff and students put into the design and build of their show gardens.

Many of our Garden and Landscape Design students have shared in this success, then moved on to run their own garden design businesses. Students have the opportunity to go on study tours and in the past have visited the USA, Italy, Holland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Courses Available

Further Education courses:

• Foundation Horticulture Level 1
• Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture
• Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Landscape Design and Construction
• Level 3 Diploma in Sports Turf Construction and Maintenance (combines a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence and Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture)
• Apprenticeships in Horticulture

Higher Education courses:

• BSc / BSc (Hons) Landscape Design and Management (1 year top up)
• Foundation Degree Garden and Landscape Design
• Foundation Degree Horticulture Business and Innovation
• University College Diploma Garden Design
• University College Diploma Landscape Design Technology
• NVQ Level 4 Amenity Horticulture Management

Students can also work towards a range of additional qualifications alongside the above courses to support their interests and career  ideas, for example:

• Spraying certificates PA1, PA2 and PA6
• NPTC practical skills tests
• Tractor Operations and Brushcutters
• Bespoke courses for Industry