Shelagh Todd
Head of The School of Horticulture
Shelagh has over 40 years experience in the horticultural industry, most recently heading up Newton Rigg College’s Horticulture, Floristry and Forestry Department.
Originating in Scotland, Shelagh studied at Wolverhampton Polytechnic and began a career that would see her working across the UK from Achamore Gardens on the Isle of Gigha, to Ladybrook Nursery in Stockport, before starting her academic career teaching at Merrist Wood College in Guildford, Pershore College in Pershore and finally Newton Rigg College in Penrith.
Shelagh’s career has been inspired by many people:
‘My Mum & Dad are farmers, growers, gardeners and have a love of all things that grow. Their mantra to me was “If a jobs worth doing, it’s worth doing right”.
Mr Frank Hardy, who was the most inspirational horticultural lecturer, taught me to always work to my highest ability and to believe in myself.
I have also been inspired by Beth Chatto’s ecological design principles in her garden in Essex. Most of all I love her passion for plants & garden design’.
Shelagh’ s greatest achievements have been as part of teams that have won gold and silver medals at the Chelsea Flower Show and winning Cumbrian Lecturer of the Year in the Golden Apple Wards.
However her absolute greatest achievement has been to teach and inspire hundreds of students to gain a horticultural qualification, learn practical skills, grow a love of plants & plant knowledge and ultimately gain the confidence to get jobs within the horticultural sector.
‘I knew I was handing over to the more-than-capable Shelagh. She is one of the best lecturers I have worked with in my career. Her empathy with the students meant they reached their maximum potential under her guidance. She is an excellent horticulturist and garden designer whose enthusiasm has inspired students for decades.’ (David Haigh, Born to Dig – A Gardener’s Chronicle 2021)