Where could experience in the commercial bedding plant industry take you? Bedding plant enthusiasts are invited to find out by applying for the £1,500 Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship.
Part of the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) Scholarship Season, this award supports knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing with the opportunity for travel across the UK and Europe.
Those in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or students studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply.
Crop Technician Apprentice, Robert Perry, who won the scholarship last year is using this award to fund his place on the 2019 Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) automation study tour. He will be visiting some of the leading bedding plant growers in the Netherlands looking at the latest technology, innovation and automation.
Robert studies at Pershore College in Pershore, Worcestershire and works at Bordon Hill Nurseries in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, where he focuses mostly on young bedding plants. Robert is fascinated by the mechanisms behind plant growth and development and is keen to expand his knowledge further though travel.
Robert comments: “Being chosen for this scholarship has allowed me to travel to see horticultural environments vastly different from my own workplace. I have wanted to have the opportunity to do so for a long time and am amazed and grateful that I have been presented with this opportunity.”
Supporting Robert’s application, Stuart Lowen at Ball Colegrave, says: “David Colegrave developed many great ideas in his business through his travel overseas, keeping an open mind to new practices and challenges in plant culture. This led David to introduce ground-breaking new product innovations and solutions within our industry. This Scholarship aims to support a like-minded individual currently working within the commercial bedding plant industry, looking to extend their knowledge and experience through exploring horticulture across the UK and Europe.”
DCF Scholarship season is open now until 31 January 2019.
To apply visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk
