Ian Keeling wrote:
Well, yes, even with distinction in that exam I still consider myself
something of a novice - it's only the first step.

Distinction!! Oh you lucky ... well done!

(Best tip: Get hold of
as many past papers as you can)

I've bought those of last years and been given a few past years.
They've got this thing with 'spring bedding' and 'greenhouses
ventilation' I noticed. My worry is long answers. I always forget to
write the obvious.

What the course of study really did for me was to open up whole new
areas of ignorance! After studying for the exam I began to get an
inkling of how much there is to know about plants and their culture.

I can't think of anyone I've met, even past the age of 89 years of age
who actually knows everything. Adding to this the different location,
the different moons, the different climates, it's a life time process.

No, I'm not 8 years old (40 something). I don't have vast practical
experience, but I have had a "growing" interest in plants and gardening
over the last 10 years - it's beginning to get a bit serious.

I can't wait to have nothing to do but just gardening ... one day will
be like landing in paradise )

I am certainly a novice compared to many of the regular posters in this
group.

Sure. There are some wonderful people in here. I've visited a few
groups, in France too, and I've settled with this one and a French one
for they are the cosiest and interesting ones. And I think your
contributions are always spot on. If you feel you are right, if you
feel you've done it yourself right, you shouldn't feel like a novice if
you are happy to share what you know. That's what I think )