Chartered Institute of Horticulture Award for SERC Student

 A SERC horticulture student has won an Award from the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH). Eileen Sung, was awarded the 2024 Norah Stucken Award for her impactful work in conservation and sustainability. 

The Award was presented at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition Grand Final, at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens on 10 May. The Norah Stucken Award celebrates individuals and projects that make a significant contribution to the field of horticulture.

Eileen, who is refreshing her garden design skills on the Level 2 Extended Certificate in Garden Design at SERC’s Holywood Campus,  is currently appearing on the RTE show Super Garden, a competition-based programme culminating with the winner designing and constructing a show garden at the Bord Bia Bloom Garden Festival in Dublin on 29 May to 2 June.

Eileen first enrolled at SERC on a Horticulture course in 2012.   She continued her studies at CAFRE Greenmount and recently returned to SERC to refresh and further develop her skills in Garden Design. She said, “My enthusiasm for show gardens was sparked when I was involved, as a student, in SERC’s gold winning Narnia-themed show garden at Garden Show Ireland.”

Applications for the 2025 Nora Stucken Award are now open.

Apply now for horticulture courses commencing September 2025 at SERC.