A new environmental scholarship has been launched by the David Colegrave Foundation in the name of flower seed trade legend, John Gibson.

The John Gibson Environmental Scholarship will award £1,500 to a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture.

John Gibson dedicated 65 years of his life to the industry, forging a fine international reputation. After starting his career at Bees Seeds, John went on to work at Colegrave Seeds with the late David Colegrave and was at the forefront of the development of the market for hybrid seeds and seedlings.

In his time, John has seen the beginning of the trial grounds at West Adderbury, which are now part of Ball Colegrave's annual new variety showcase, he has spent 30 years judging the trials grounds at Wisley Gardens, and since his retirement he has served as a Trustee for the David Colegrave Foundation until recently stepping down.

Jeff Colegrave, DCF Chairman, says: “This scholarship recognises John's keen interest in environmental solutions that can advance commercial horticulture in a sustainable manner. It is a marker of the passion and commitment that John has given to the industry and we hope that it will enable environmentally aware student horticulturists to go on to have as fruitful careers as John’s.”

The John Gibson Environmental Scholarship is one of several new scholarships launched this year which also include a travel scholarship by Majestic Trees and a horticultural research scholarship.

Scholarship Season runs until January 2019 and to enter applicants simply need to complete an application form which they can do online.

More information on DCF and its scholarships can be found at www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk

Pictured: John Gibson presenting award to a past student winner at Capel Manor College with fellow Trustee Brian Crosby.