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City & Guilds

City and Guilds are a widely recognised training organisation in the landscape & tree industry.

 

Specialising in both practical and theoretical examinations, their qualifications are vigorous and detailed, ensuring everyone that has passed an exam has a good understanding and knowledge of that sector, to enable them to carry out the work safely and to a high standard.

AWARDS & QUALIFICATIONS

The City & Guilds of London Institute

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture 
500/8401/X Year 2




Level 3 Extended Undertake and Review Work Related Experience in the Land-basedIndustries
 (10 credits) R/600/9394 MERIT

Level 3 Extended Undertake an Investigative Project in the Land-based Sector
(10 credits) M/601/0021 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Manage Plant Propagation Activities
(10 credits) T/600/9842 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Understand the Principles of Organic Crop Production
(10 credits) D/600/9849 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Understand the Principles of Sustainable Development
(10 credits) DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Construct Horizontal Landscape Surfaces
(10 credits) A/600/9955 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Construct and Restore Walls
(10 credits) D/600/9950 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Understand the Principles and Practices of Landscape and Garden Design
(10 credits) K/600/9885 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Extended Understand the Principles and carry out the practice of Wildlife Population
Surveys, Ecology and Conservation

(10 credits) R/600/9444 DISTINCTION
 

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture
500/8385/5 Year 1




Level 3 Understand the Principles of Plant Science
(5 credits) L/600/9149 MERIT

Level 3 Business Management in the Land-based Sector
(10 credits) M/600/9709 MERIT

Level 3 Undertaking Land-based Machinery Operations
(10 credits) H/600/9805 MERIT

Level 3 Manage Soil Water
(5 credits) F/600/9844 MERIT

Level 3 Understand the Principles of Plant Health and Protection
(5 credits) L/600/9863 MERIT

Level 3 Understand Historical Influences on the Development of Gardens
(10 credits) D/600/9981 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Undertake
Identification, Selection and Use of Ornamental Plants

(10 credits) H/600/9982 DISTINCTION 

Level 3 Maintain Turf in Parks and Gardens
(10 credits) M/600/9970 DISTINCTION

Level 3 Undertake Site Surveying, Levelling and Setting Out
(10 credits) Y/600/9882 MERIT

Level 3 Construct and Maintain Timber Landscape Features
(10 credits) H/600/9948 MERIT

Level 3 Understand the Principles of Soil Science
(5 credits) T/600/9579 MERIT
 

Horticulture at a Glance

As a student in this horticulture course, I feel extremely lucky to have access to some of the most exciting opportunities in the industry. From the get-go, we were encouraged to participate in high profile shows and competitions like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and WorldSkills Landscaping. This really pushed us to showcase our skills and passion for horticulture on a grand scale.

 

However, the course didn't just focus on competition and accolades. It provided us with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to succeed in the horticulture industry. Whether it was learning about commercial horticulture or amenity horticulture, we had an all-encompassing understanding of what it takes to make it in this industry.

 

What really set this course apart was the emphasis on external placement. With 150 hours of practical experience, we were given ample opportunity to immerse ourselves in the industry and build relationships with relevant professionals. Our field trips to RHS Garden Wisley, National Trust gardens and local enterprises were a particular highlight, allowing us to gain hands-on experience and truly understand what it takes to succeed in this industry.

 

The industry experience component of the course was equally rewarding. From Hinton Ampner to Marwell Wildlife Park, we had access to some of the most renowned gardens and horticultural organisations. This not only provided us with valuable practical experience, but also gave us a glimpse into the vast range of career opportunities available in horticulture.

 

Overall, this horticulture course not only provided us with the necessary skills and knowledge, but also opened up a world of possibilities and potential connections. It's an incredibly exciting time to be a part of this industry, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of this course.

IMG_7607.heic
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture
500/8401/X

is awarded to

PHOEBE SPERRIN

 

who attended

Sparsholt College

 

Awarded with Distinction

NPTC

City and Guilds NPTC are a widely recognised training organisation in the landscape & tree industry.

 

Specialising in both practical and theoretical examinations, their qualifications are vigorous and detailed, ensuring everyone that has passed an exam has a good understanding and knowledge of that sector, to enable them to carry out the work safely and to a high standard.

The National Proficiency Test Councilof London Institute

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticides using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment (QCF)

Awarded To

Phoebe Sperrin

Having achieved the following:

151

Operating pedestrian hand held applicators fitted with hydraulic nozzles or rotary atomisers to apply pesticides to land(A/505/7736)

Assessed in the context of:

Nozzles/Atomisers to Apply to Land

City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of HandheldHedge Cutters (QCF)

Awarded To

Phoebe Sperrin

Having achieved the following:

201

Hand held hedge trimmer operations(L/502/3347)

Assessed in the context of:

Handheld Hedge Cutters

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in The Safe Use of Ride-OnSelf Propelled Mowers (QCF)

Awarded To

Phoebe Sperrin

Having achieved the following

Unit 201

Unit 203

Operate a Mower(R/502/3057)

Use and Maintain Ride-On Powered

Equipment(H/502/0440)

Assessed in the context of:

Rotary Mower

City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling andApplication of Pesticides

Awarded To

Phoebe Sperrin

Having achieved the following:

101

Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides

(A/506/8297) 

Assessed in the context of

E-volve Test

City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of PedestrianControlled Mowers (QCF)

Awarded To

Phoebe Sperrin

Having achieved the following:

201

202

Operate a Mower(R/502/3057)

Use and Maintain Pedestrian Controlled Powered

Equipment(R/502/0434)

Assessed in the context of:

Rotary Mower

NPTC at a Glance

What sets City & Guilds NPTC apart from other certification programs is their emphasis on practical skills. While theoretical knowledge is important, it's the ability to put that knowledge into practice that truly sets successful professionals apart

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016

The People’s Plants

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Created in partnership with Sparsholt College and Plant Heritage, The People’s Plants celebrates the plants we grow, protect and pass on.

​

The garden highlights Plant Heritage’s vital work conserving cultivated plants through the National Plant Collections®, Plant Guardian Scheme and Threatened Plants Project, while showing how anyone can play a part in conservation — from a garden, greenhouse or allotment to a windowsill.

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At its heart, the garden is about the connection between people, plants and the preservation of our horticultural heritage for future generations.

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The People’s Plants

​

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016 Sparsholt College  

Plant Heritage

 

As a horticulture student at Sparsholt College, I was part of a fifteen-student team that designed and created The People’s Plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016.

​

 

Brief

Created in partnership with Plant Heritage, the garden explored the past, present and future of cultivated plant conservation, highlighting the importance of protecting plant diversity and encouraging people to become involved in conservation.

​

My Role

My contribution combined both design and horticultural preparation. I designed an oversized watering can water feature as a focal point within the garden, while also helping to care for and maintain the plants in the lead-up to the show.

This involved supporting the ongoing preparation of the planting so that each specimen was healthy, well presented and ready for exhibition at Chelsea. Being involved in the maintenance process gave me a deeper understanding of the level of care, attention to detail and timing required to prepare plants for a high-profile horticultural show.

 

Concept

For the water feature, I took an everyday object associated with gardening and exaggerated its scale to create a playful, sculptural element. The flowing water introduced movement and sound while reinforcing ideas of cultivation, care and the relationship between people and plants.

 

Outcome

The finished garden was exhibited within RHS Discovery at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, giving me the opportunity to contribute to the project from plant preparation and maintenance through to design and installation.

The experience brought together horticulture, spatial design, craftsmanship and creative problem-solving, and remains an important early project in my design practice.

©2026 PHOEBE SPERRIN | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

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