Garden Centre

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by garden retailing experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3. You have 2 years to complete the course.

Lesson 1 – The nature of the garden centre business

Lesson 2 – The nature of the stock, plant material and sundries

Lesson 3 – Garden centre layout

Lesson 4 – Law – civil and criminal law, Sale of Goods Act 1979, Consumer Protection Act 1987, Consumer Credit Act 1974 and Consumer Credit Act 2006. The rights of customers and the duties of the garden centre

Lesson 5 – Selling – how to identify the market

Lesson 6 – The checkout – its layout and design

Lesson 7 – Product knowledge

Lesson 8 – Staffing – job functions and staff roles, management skills

Lesson 9 – Problem areas within the garden centre operations

Lesson 10 – Traditional garden centres and superstores. How their philosophy differs, layouts, service, goods handling, stock control and product lines

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 3. This course has been designed by The Horticultural Correspondence College to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You do not need previous gardening or garden retailing knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• With the appropriate practical experience, once you have successfully completed this course you could:
  • Work in a garden centre; growing and selling container plants or house, and management
  • Work in a nursery; growing, selling, and management
• If you already work in a garden centre or elsewhere in the horticultural profession, this course could help you progress to a supervisory or management role in a garden centre or nursery.
• You could progress to the following HCC courses:

  RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
  Start Gardening – the Basics and Beyond