Gardening Courses
Make the most of your garden or your allotment, however big or small. My Stroud-based courses introduce you to the skills and plants you need in an organic garden.
‘ENJOY YOUR PLANTS!’
A six session introductory course for beginners and those with some experience who would like to be more confident in their knowledge of garden plants. Choose the right plants; don’t waste money at the garden centre and make a fantastic garden.
Wednesdays 10.00 – 12.45 p.m. six weeks.
This course will run next in spring 2009
Cost - £72 for six sessions.
1 - What’s in a name? Plant groups and the main characteristics of trees, shrubs, annuals, biennials and herbaceous perennials. Plant names – Latin and common names.
2 - Roses – identifying the main types, how to use them in the garden and how to grow them.
3 - Trees – the role of trees in the garden. How to choose the right trees, especially for smaller gardens. Identification of ten common garden trees.
4 - Shrubs – How to choose shrubs, plant and care for them. Identification of ten common shrubs.
5 - Herbaceous perennials – how to choose and use them in the garden, including for colour, cut flowers and ground cover.
6 - Annuals and Biennials - how to grow them from seed. Their uses including colour in the garden, bedding, pots and baskets
ORGANIC GARDENING
Learn the skills needed to grow plants and make a beautiful garden using organic methods - the key to transforming a conventional garden. Suitable for beginners and gardeners with some experience.
Wednesdays 10.00 – 12.45 p.m. six weeks
This course will run next in autumn 2008
Cost - £72 for six sessions.
Session 1 – The principles of Organic gardening. The natural balance – learning from natural systems and habitats.
Session 2 – Secrets of the soil. Know your soil, the healthy soil, types of organic matter.
Session 3 – The fertile garden. Composting, leaf mould, worm compost, green manures and liquid feeds.
Session 4 – Healthy plants and gardening without chemicals. Know your friends in the garden. Biological pest control and companion planting.
Session 5 – Weed control the organic way. Mulching, hoeing and other methods
Session 6 – Great plants without peat. Raising and growing plants the organic way in peat free composts.
Photos by Ruth Davey
GET STARTED GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD
A six session course for beginners - learn the essential skills of growing your own food. Even in a small garden or pots on your doorstep you can grow delicious fresh food. Anyone can do it - learn how!
Tuesdays 10.00 – 12.45p.m. six weeks.
This course will run next in spring 2009
Cost - £72 for six sessions.
1 - Getting started. Raised bed systems. Cultivations.
2 - Soil fertility, green manuring, organic fertilizers, and rotations.
3 - Sowing seeds indoors and outside. Looking after your plants through the year. Harvesting.
4 - Mulching and weed control. Making compost.
5 - Healthy vegetable plants. Know your friends in the garden. Companion planting.
6 - Salads – all year round. Planning a vegetable garden. Seasonal tasks.
MONTHLY ORGANIC GARDENING WORKSHOPS
Seasonal advice, support and learning about organic gardening activities, including food growing. Join us to share your experiences, questions and learn new skills on a regular basis.
First Tuesday of each month,
starting September 9th 2008
10.00 – 12.45 p.m.
Cost £10 per session.
ROSES WORKSHOP
If (like me) you love roses, the perfumes, gorgeous colours and beautiful flowers, then this is a fantastic day to learn about them. Including a visit to a local garden (admission cost extra).
This workshop will run next in June 2009
11.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Cost £20.00
COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
Learn how easy it is to make compost in your garden. Great for recycling and for the garden too. Tips and advice for composting success. I have 30 years experience of making compost and would describe myself as a compost fanatic!
This workshop will run next in autumn 2008
2.00 – 4.30 p.m.
Cost £15.00
