So what do some of our tutors do when they're not tutoring?

Maggi Brown RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA)

Maggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades.

Maggi has just returned from Finnish Lapland, where her husband and her were treated to clear views of the aurora borealis on four phenomenal starry nights.

She is still giving talks for horticultural societies, and recently spoke on the topic 'The Start of the Vegetable Growing Season'. She gives this insight: "I love doing these talks. It gives me the chance to emphasise the importance of good soil management, the value of recycling your own kitchen and garden waste into compost, and enticing predators into the garden to deal with pests. People can get sidetracked so easily into forgetting that 'the answer lies in the soil' and I use these visits to remind gardeners of the importance of soil care. My next one will be in September at Pershore College. I've been giving talks there annually for many years now. The title changes, as does the time of year, but basically it's all about growing your own vegetables, and getting good crops."

Maggi plans to open her garden this June: "I've not done this before, but a local Community Project is holding an Open Gardens Event this summer. All monies raised will go to a Good Neighbour Scheme. My garden is not large, but I grow lots of vegetables, as well as ornamentals, and it seemed like a good idea to show other people what can be achieved in a small space. All I can hope is that the dry weather we've been having won't hold things back too much!"

When asked about her "retirement", Maggi says "I always wondered what 'retirement ' would be like. The answer is - enjoyable and busy!" To see our full staff list with profiles, click here.

ACS and Staff would like to congratulate Leah Breuer who has just completed the ACS Certificate in Nutritional Counselling. We wish her all the best for her future.

ACS Staff are still busy producing the next lot of exciting ebooks. Ebooks in development cover the following areas: Marine Studies, Child Psychology, Dogs, Roses, Fruit Vegies and Herbs, What to Plant Where, Poultry, Horses, Nutritional Therapy, and much more!

To view the ebooks already on offer, visit our bookshop: www.acsebook.com

Our most popular courses over the last week are as follows. Click on each link to view the full course outline:
Medical Terminology
Permaculture Systems
Plant Pathology
Project Management
Viticulture
Wholesale Nursery Management
Advanced Certificate in Zoo Keeping
Anatomy II (Human)
Animal Health Care
Aquaculture