For beginners who want to design their own gardens and/or pursue an interest in garden design
Classes, which are small and informal, are held at my home and garden in Slimbridge. We will also be working in either local gardens or students’ gardens, as the need arises
Design your own Garden
Year I – 2026/27
Term 1 – 2026
Dates
Wednesdays
23rd September – 16th December 2026
On the Beginners Course, students will learn how to measure up and draw gardens to scale, and how to design them.
They will also learn the Principles of Design and the basics of hard landscaping.
Term 2 – Border Planning – 2027
Dates:
Wednesdays
6th January – 17th March
In Border Planning, students learn how to plan beds and borders based on plant texture, shape and colour.
Term 3 – Graphics & Border Planning – 2027
Dates:
Wednesdays
7th April – 7th July
Simple graphics to illustrate the garden designs are combined with more border planning.
A practical is held at a local garden centre on combining plants, always a very popular exercise.
Time: 9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
£550 per term
Practical Gardening
2026/27
Term 1 – 2026
Fortnightly on Tuesdays
22nd September – 15th December
On this course, students will learn how to maintain gardens, including plant propagation, dividing perennials, soil management and lawn care, etc. as well as designing beds and borders
Term 2 – 2027
5th January – 16th March
Term 3 – 2027
6th April – 6th July
Time: 9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
£275 per term
Practical half day or one day workshops
Half day – £50
Full day – £90, including lunch
These are held either at May Cottage or in students’ own gardens locally.
