The David Colegrave Foundation scholarship season is open. If you’re a student who’s passionate about horticulture, apply.

Nursery work placements, production and marketing experience, access to plant research and sustainable horticulture are all career-driven opportunities within reach of horticulture students.

You could also use the funding for college tuition and accommodation fees, books and equipment, or for extra training courses.

Funding is available to help turn keen students into breeders, nursery managers, horticulture lecturers, head gardeners, plant health inspectors, or whatever it is that fulfills their desire for gardening.

Last season’s student winners have worked wonders since receiving their scholarships. Here’s what they have to say…

“If anyone is considering applying for a scholarship, I highly recommend they do as this has been an absolute fantastic opportunity for me.”

“This scholarship has been an incredible support and opened up so many new options and possible career paths.”

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow as an aspiring horticulturist. The money has helped me gain valuable hands on experience and will also help me in the future to achieve my goals.”

“Winning a scholarship gave me the financial freedom to pursue a number of horticultural interests.”

“Thank you for the incredible opportunity, helping me to further my knowledge and to gain experience that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.”

At a thousand pounds or more, a DCF scholarship can really boost learning potential. This year there are seven scholarships to apply for:

Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship 

Up to £1,500 to fund travel to Europe in order to develop knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. An employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or a student studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply.

British Protected Ornamentals Association - Peter Seabrook Bursary

£1,000 to support one or more students studying commercial horticulture. The scholarship is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments.

Horticultural Research Scholarship

£2,500 to support applied research within the horticulture industry. Students who are keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry should apply. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates and those studying for doctoral degrees.

John Gibson Environmental Scholarship

£1,500 to support a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture.

Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship

Up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery for a student who is passionate about tree production. This also includes the opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, which could become a permanent position.

Markham – Colegrave International Scholarship

$4,500 USD for the opportunity to organise a work placement in a horticultural business in the US/Canada. The scholarship is presented as a joint award from DCF and the American Floral Endowment (AFE), US.

Student Scholarship

£1,000 to each of up to 5 students to support their studies in horticulture. Preference is given to candidates who have an interest in ornamental commercial horticulture, especially with an emphasis on the bedding, container, pot plant and cut flower sectors.

Scholarship Season runs from 1 September 2019 to 31 January 2020. To enter, complete an application form online at www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk.