Growing vegetables is hugely rewarding and with more people taking on an allotment for the first time or growing vegetables in a small home plot. Informally taught without exams or tests this evening class will give you a chance to grow your own vegetables with confidence and meet like- minded growers from the surrounding area. Our expert will explain the basics of setting up a growing space; including maintaining a healthy soil, crop planning, crop rotation and plant families, common…

Traditionally the first green spring growth was important for country dwellers as a welcome relief from the stored food of winter, high in fat and protein but low in vitamins and minerals. Many of these spring herbs were known to be active against scurvy due to their high vitamin and mineral content. The high mineral content probably plays a major role in the cleansing action of these herbs on the lymph, kidneys and bowels and can be important in helping…

A not to be missed opportunity for a small group interested in plant and garden photography to spend a day working with professional photographer Graham Parish. Join Graham for a guided walk around the Botanic Garden to identify Spring highlights followed by the opportunity to capture high quality images with guidance from the tutor. The day will conclude with an informal, friendly discussion about your achievements from the day and a chance to ask further questions. Anyone wishing to improve their digital outdoor photography should benefit from…

With winter drawing to a close and the Garden waking up, come and celebrate the coming of spring with a herb walk. The Herb Garden will be full of flower and Chris Roe will highlight the common plants of springtime and how they can be used for food or medicine. There will be a particular focus on the traditional use of spring herbs as blood tonics and tissue cleansers for clearing out the dregs of winter. After the walk feel…

This 21 week course with senior associate Jenny Brooks Dip.AD, ATC is suitable for beginners as well as returning students. Progress is via the steady development of drawing skills, observational drawing from plant specimens and water colour techniques, using sketchbooks for preparatory work. More advanced students carry out monthly assignments of increasing complexity to further the development of their own work. It is hoped that students will follow all three terms of this course (Autumn 7th Oct – 9th Dec; Spring 13th Jan…

An introduction to the exciting world of propagating plants. Your tutor Julie Henderson will guide you through the various methods of creating new plants. You will learn the principles behind plant propagation with a general overview of the basic types of propagation for the home gardener; including seed collecting and sowing, division, layering and the various types of cuttings, including some houseplants. The practical session will focus on what is suitable for the time of year, but the skills you…