Founded in 2008. The Landscape Juice Network (LJN) is the largest and fastest growing professional landscaping and horticultural association in the United Kingdom.
LJN's professional business forum is unrivalled and open to anyone within within the UK landscape industry
LJN's Business Objectives Group (BOG) is for any Pro serious about building their business.
For the researching visitor there's a wealth of landscaping ideas, garden design ideas, lawn advice tips and advice about garden maintenance.
Replies
I can't offer any direct advice, but these couple of threads may be of interest and provide a little insight into the topic while you await further feedback/comments;
I've done the RHS level 2 distant learning course. Well I say I've done it, but in reality I haven't as I never completed it, i.e took the exams. Like you I wanted the piece of paper more than anything else. I really enjoyed the studying. It took me back to A-levels and I couldn't believe the enjoyment I got from it. However it was very theoretical, comprehensive and detailed. Very little application to everyday garden maintenance and ultimately the studying intensity was too much once March came along.
It will all depend on what you wish to gain the qualification for (are you a jobbing gardener or the next head gardener at Kew?) but this issue has been discussed before on here and the general consensus is that the time spent studying does not generate a significant ROI. However there aren't enough qualified gardeners so prepare for some intense studying and go for it, maybe.
Yes Chris, I have done the RHS level 2 with Skipton College on a distance learning basis. Sat exams at the college in Feb and June each year. Cost a few hundred quid but worth it. You will have to be very disciplined to do the studying at home. It is very well recognised and you will gain interesting knowledge that you will not use much of during your everyday maintenance work but great for reference, if required. Will also put you ahead of the unqualified gardeners as you will be qualified and in my experience teachers etc. look for a qualified/recommended person to carry out work for them. Go for it! You can possibly charge more too!!