Blue Diamond Group Garden Centres continue their work supporting students studying horticulture through the Blue Diamond Scholarships, which are awarded annually by The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation. 

Since beginning the scholarship in 2021, the Blue Diamond Scholarships have awarded a total of £20,000 and 14 students have benefited from these awards, as they begin their journey into their career in horticulture. 

Alan Roper, Blue Diamond’s MD, said: “Peter Seabrook was one of the people who inspired me to my career as a horticulturalist, so we are really pleased to continue to offer these scholarships through the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation to help students studying horticulture.”

Colegrave Seabrook Foundation chair Jeff Colegrave added: “Whether a grower, retailer or supplier to the industry, we are all dependant on well trained, passionate and committed horticulturists making their career in horticulture. As a charity, The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation can only continue with their work supporting existing students and encouraging new people to consider horticulture as a career, with the support of companies and sponsors such as Blue Daimond. We are incredibly grateful to Alan and his team at Blue Diamond for their recognition of this."

One of this year’s Blue Diamond Scholars commented: “The scholarship has been incredible, it is a huge relief for myself in such a difficult time and I appreciate it greatly. I am looking forward to starting my Level 3 and become even more inspired by others - there’s just so many things one could do in horticulture and I want to do them all!”, while another said, “The funding that I received from the Blue Diamond Scholarship fund allowed for me to experience elements of the horticulture and food production industry abroad, and gave me a greater understanding of the sector. I am very grateful to have had this support."

The window for applying for a Blue Diamond Scholarship, or any of the other scholarships offered by the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is now open. Applications must be received by the end of January. Successful applicants will be informed in March. For more details and to apply online please visit Scholarships - Colegrave Seabrook Foundation To be eligible to apply, you must be studying horticulture or plant science at a recognised college or university in UK or Ireland. You must be able to demonstrate a passion for horticulture and a commitment to making a career in the industry.