Heidi has been involved in potting on and general maintenance of the tomato plants as well as helping with the design for the web site and signs for the exhibit. "Since starting my course here at Writtle I have become more aware of different organic and environmentally friendly gardening methods, so being involved in this exhibit has been really interesting. I was also involved in the college's Chelsea exhibit last year and it has definitely been one of the highlights of my course"
Andrew has been a keen gardener since age 11 and has gone from developing his family garden to gaining several repeat clients in his local area. "I was lucky enough to be involved in Writtle's exhibit for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005 and feel proud to be representing the college again in such a major event. This year I have been involved in the production of the plants- pricking out, potting on and potting up, as well as the preparation of the compost mixtures and I have also been able to give my input towards the design of the exhibit".
"I started the course at Writtle to fulfil my enjoyment of gardening which I have always been active in- even as a child helping my mum. I also enjoy visiting gardens." Gillian has so far been involved in planning meetings for the production materials.
Tom has so far been involved in the general care and maintenance of the plants.
"Having enjoyed taking part in Chelsea Flower Show with Writtle College last year, I volunteered to help out again this year" Since starting his course at Writtle College, Tom has also been involved with a photo shoot in Garden Life Magazine and taking part in the filming of a TV garden makeover show.
"I was born and raised in San Jose, California and currently live in East London. I have a Bachelors degree in psychology and a Masters in public health. I am particularly interested in the role of gardens and landscapes in health and well being". Wendy is hoping to take a sandwich year placement next year in an organic garden. She has so far been involved in writing the leaflets for the Chelsea exhibit and general maintenance of the plants. She was also involved in the set up of Writtle's Chelsea Exhibit in 2005.
As a greenhouse crops specialist I have experimented with alternative growth media for the tomato crop for a number of years, this has taken me into some strange territories, ranging from linseed straw (which worked, but the stink it generated as it decomposed was unbelievable), to waste "floral foam" salvaged from the bins of our floristry department (which actually worked very well).
This is now the third year of trials with green waste derived material, and although it is still very much "work in progress" I think we are getting somewhere. Perhaps it is a bit early to think of a commercial product, but "Writtle composts - the educated choice" could be appearing in a garden centre near you!
David has been present at design meetings, potting up of the companion plants and general maintenance of the tomato plants. He already has a degree in Design Engineering so will also be involved in the design and final build of the exhibit. "This will be my first visit to Chelsea. My main interest is with growing organic vegetables, which is soon to become my business."
Carl has been involved in general maintenance of the tomato and companion plants. This is his second year helping with Writtle's Chelsea exhibit.
"I am enjoying the opportunity to study horticulture here at Writtle and learn more about a subject that I've always been interested in". Dawn has been involved with potting up the plants and inputting ideas towards design factors and colour schemes. She had visited the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005 but this is her first opportunity to be involved with an exhibit.
Yoshiko is an International Student at Writtle College and has been involved with sowing tomato seeds, potting up plants and mixing the compost. "There are no flower shows like Chelsea in Japan and I was interested in finding out what is involved in exhibiting at such a large event. I think this will be a really good experience for me".
Support and general maintenance of the plants.
"I have always been interested in gardening, plants and flowers and originally came to Writtle College to take a Floristry course as I had already studied BTEC basic floristry, but decided to go for the Foundation Degree in Horticulture instead. I currently do voluntary gardening work at the new Farleigh Hospice in Broomfield". Jacqui has been involved in potting up and general maintenance of the plants.