Testing Times

This weeks examples for discussion and committing to memory

Week five of the practical RHS2 course at Harlow Carr finds us really getting down to the nitty gritty. Today we were tested on the reasons for taking soil samples, all the plant specimens we have seen so far and then given another dozen to identify and learn. Jo has given us fair warning that she could ask us the names of any plants she has brought in so far, at any time throughout the year, so we'd better know our stuff! Couple that with the mountain of paperwork and our boots and gloves that we must have for every lesson, plus whatever cuttings we may do to take home (Buxus sempervirens and Plectranthus coleiodes this week), and you can see we are getting fairly loaded down already. It takes an astonishing amount of time to research just one plant, why it is called as it is, where it comes from, its ideal conditions and what makes it memorable etc etc, and to think I thought this year would be an easier ride!
PS Having a cheeky weekend off so no P&C for a couple of days!