When the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) introduced Horticulture as part of its Agriculture Science Syllabus some ten years ago, both students and teachers were at a loss as to where to access such information or who to turn to for help.
Gardenland Nursery was recommended and since then I have had the privilege of assisting them every year, including students completing their School-Based Assessments (SBAs). Some of the topics are: Growing Seedlings, Types of Soil, Potted Plants, Fertilizers, Preparing and Marketing Flowers and Harvesting Flowers. There is always excitement among the students who are always eager to learn.
Fifth formers preparing to write the May/June exams must prepare their SBAs now. This year’s topic is Harvesting Flowers. This week, two batches of students from a top high school visited Gardenland Nursery to gain first hand information on Harvesting Flowers. This included selecting flowers, the best time to cut, grading, storing and getting the flowers to the client in perfect condition or making them into floral arrangements.
Fresh tropical flowers were chosen as they are long lasting. Clients get value for their money and these flowers promote and showcase what Guyana has to offer.
Sharing my knowledge with the nation’s children is my gift to them. It is with this in mind that I urge you to help promote our local flower industry. Buying local florals creates jobs and generations to come will thank you. It should also be noted that when you visit the annual Chelsea Flower Show in London you will see that Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are making their mark in this industry.
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
