I’m not going to lie, as a man, I’m faced with all sorts of trials and tribulations as the years tick on. When did I start sighing whenever I sat down in a comfy chair? When did I realise that skinny jeans really don’t make you ‘down with the kids’, they just crush a gardener’s most prized fruit and veg. And no, Ade, ‘twerking’ isn’t something you do on Twitter.
As our tastes mature, we crave more worthy pleasures. A good cheese. A comfy jumper. The unimaginable excitement from turning the fresh pages of a new Gardeners World magazine so we can read what the God amongst mortals, Monty Don, has to say about hedges.
But I’m proud to be at this stage in my life. I don’t think I’m losing touch with my youth, rather I’m breaking free from its constraints, embarking on a new chapter and realising what makes me happy.
“So what’s with the rant, my soapbox allotmenteer?’’ I hear you ask. Well I shall tell you keen reader.
As from September this year, I’m going back to school. That’s right, I’m going to dig out my old school bag, polish my best trowel and head off to gardening college for a year.
Like most self-taught gardeners, I’m a sponge, absorbing every new discovery and nugget of information that I can, whether from a book or a passing allotmenteer. But I started thinking a few months back, I want to learn more. Not so I can win the local pub quiz or pit my Jedi gardening skills against Monty Obi-Wan as we lock hoes in a battle of ultimate allotment supremacy while Nigel looks on nonchalantly, chewing his favourite tennis ball. No, gardening is a passion and I want to learn more of this exciting world and unlock more of its secrets.
So I’ve signed myself up to two RHS courses, the first starts in September and runs until next June. And the second starts in February next year, also running until June. Right now I’m choosing my school uniform, a smart pair of wellies, I might even get a sensible haircut.
I just hope the older kids won’t pick on me.
AGENTS OF FIELD 
Absolutely fantastic! I’ve been looking at RHS courses but don’t have the time right now.
Looking forward to hearing how you get on!
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I’ve wanted to do it for ages, so fingers crossed. I’ll let you know how it goes, should be fun
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I’m sure it will be!
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Ooh, are you doing the level 2 diploma? I’m saving up to go back to college to do it. Good luck!
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Thanks! Looking forward to it. I’ll let you know how it goes. Hopefully you’ll be doing it soon also. At least then I’ve got a college buddy.
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I’d love to do the qualifications but to be honest though I’ve looked several times I find it a bit complicated to understand the best route.
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I thought the same at first, but I went to an Open Day at Capel Manor over at Enfield and met some lovely people who explained what I needed to know in a language I understood. Once they knew about me and what I was hoping to achieve they pointed me in the right direction. They also respond to emails, so it might be an idea to contact them. But if you need any help let me know.
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Thank you, that’s a good idea. Are you doing the RHS course or the C&G?
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I was initially thinking I would do the C&G but once I went to Capel Manor and got talking to a few people, the RHS courses were definitely more suited to me.
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That’s Great news, I’m going back to school too, at 35 I finally decided I wanted a Degree, so I’m studying Natural Sciences with the OU and I’m also doing a short course in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. It’s far better at this age I think, less distraction and more focus!!
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Big congrats Matt! I’m liking the sound of those courses you’re going for. I agree, being older does give you that focus. Only thing – when you get homework, don’t ask me for help, I was never great at that!
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