Ever wondered if you could turn your love for plants, nature and growing your own edibles into a paid job? With the RHS it’s possible!
RHS EDUCATION:
Liz Mooney had been working on her allotments for years as a hobby, but never realised it could be a career. After university, she began volunteering at a nearby National Trust Property and then discovered the academic side to horticulture, feeling the fit was perfect.
“The fact that horticulture directly ties into two other big issues I feel passionately about – improving health and wellbeing and caring for the environment - makes horticulture an ideal career,” says Liz.
She went on to apply for and secure a two-year, paid work-place training position at RHS Garden Wisley, and after achieving her Level 3 & Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice, Liz is now working in the Edibles team, a hands-on daily connection to what she loves.
Power of passion
For Gem Morson, horticulture has always been one of her biggest loves, and in 2019 she began studying for an RHS Level 2 qualification after getting an allotment a few months earlier.
“Being able to grow my own organic food is a marvel,” says Gem. “I don’t use any pesticides, so that makes me tremendously happy. It’s also my therapy whenever I’m feeling down or stressed. Being able to work on my allotment is so calming and therapeutic.” A recipe developer by trade, Gem primarily focused on seasonal ingredients. In 2022, armed with an increased confidence in her knowledge, Gem launched The Mother Cooker, a gardening subscription-based platform, which combines her passion for growing with cooking.
The platform has more than 15k followers and teaches people how become more self-sustainable by showing them how to sow and grow their own food in line with the seasons. Gem also shares award-winning recipes to turn harvested produce into delicious meals.
Carpe diem
Two people, both with a love of growing their own edibles, have turned their passion into rewarding careers, but have taken very different directions in the industry. If you are unsure of where to start, lack experience, knowledge or confidence, or are simply unaware of the type
