Applications Flood In For New Chris Beardshaw Scholarship

Newly qualified design graduates, students just starting out, a doctor, and a city girl who developed a passion for plants while growing up in the shadow of the London Ford factory, are among the candidates hoping to secure a unique mentoring opportunity with one of Britain's most respected gardeners.

Chris BeardshawThe Chris Beardshaw Scholarship is an exclusive, twelve month vocational scheme, designed to harness the talent and determination of one individual and turn him or her into a professional landscape designer.

Launched at the national Malvern Spring Gardening Show in May this year, and carried more recently in the press, it has attracted more than fifty applications already, and they continue to come in.

The hunt is now on for a business partner, willing to invest in the scholarship, keen to benefit from significant national exposure and marketing opportunities, and able to offer real guidance and advice on establishing, running and growing a business.

To be eligible for the scheme, entrants will have to design and build a garden at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show (8 - 11 May 2008), and with applications almost certain to double before the December closing date, the event looks set to boast a record number of display gardens next year.

There are around 140,000 people employed in the land industries sector, and landscape design is big business. Gardens remain popular with members of the public and the top five botanic gardens alone generate more than three million visitors per annum.

There is also a growing demand in the increasingly discerning private sector for well-designed gardens, and new ideas are often showcased at gardening events up and down Britain. Never before has it been more important to ensure that up and coming design talents are properly trained, so practical experience through flower shows is an ideal means of development.

Like the Malvern Show, the new scholarship is a joint venture of the Three Counties Agricultural Society (TCAS) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and candidates will have to put forward a business case, live on stage in the event's Interactive Design Theatre.

The successful candidate will enjoy twelve months of mentoring from Chris, hands on experience with nurseries and design contractors, and access to an RHS course, with a recognized qualification.

They will create gardens at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show (2008), then, guided by Chris, build the main sponsor's garden at the Malvern Autumn Show (2008), and finally, work side by side with Chris to build the sponsor's courtyard garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in 2009.

Additional Information:

To apply for The Chris Beardshaw Scholarship should contact: Nina Acton - Show Development Officer on 01684 584900 or via by e-mail.

Businesses and organizations interested in becoming a scholarship partner should contact Doreen Smillie - Shows Manager on 01684 584900 or by e-mail.

Chris Beardshaw's Office: 01242 870173
Web Site: www.chrisbeardshaw.com

Released: 08/10/2007