Getting Started in Your Garden

Whether you want to overhaul a border in your garden or just want to learn more about gardening in general, this relaxed and friendly course will teach you the essentials.

We start with the soil (the engine of your garden!) and look at how this determines which plants you can grow before covering other key factors for a thriving border e.g aspect, availability of sunshine and moisture and whether the location is sheltered or exposed.

We’ll cover the basics in designing a border – the different styles, selection of appropriate plants and how to keep it looking good. There’ll be hints and tips on weed control, watering, pruning and avoiding common gardening mistakes.

There’ll be plenty of time for general questions, and we’ll be going outside to look at Hawkwood’s garden borders.

Exercises will include:

• Knowing your plants – Identify 10 commonly used herbaceous perennials in the garden (we’ll discuss their merits and how and where to grow them successfully)
• Knowing key gardening terminology – match the explanation to commonly used horticultural words and phrases