RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS 2014

Transcription

1 RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS 2014

2 RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS 2014 Welcome to our 2014 programme of Courses and Workshops, full of inspiration and the very best in horticulture. CONTENTS Courses and Workshops at a glance 4 Horticulture 8 RHS Garden Harlow Carr offers a wide range of workshops from pruning and propagation to art and photography, to inspire you and to enhance your knowledge of plants and gardens. Most courses include a practical element and are offered at a range of different levels of experience. Harlow Carr offers the opportunity to learn alongside RHS horticulturists and experts in the fantastically resourced Bramall Learning Centre. This amazing building one of the greenest in the country has three classrooms, a library, teaching garden and glasshouse. Our 2014 programme aims to provide horticultural sessions to suit everyone, whether you are just starting out with a garden or are already a confident horticulturist looking to broaden your skills base. This year we have a new series of guided walks given by our talented gardening team who will share with you seasonal highlights at Harlow Carr and give you top tips for your home garden. We have added to our range of garden craft and creative workshops offering you the opportunity to try green woodworking, have a go at felt making or learn to draw leaves with coloured pencil. We hope you find a course to match your needs and look forward to welcoming you to the garden in The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK s foremost gardening charity, helping and inspiring millions of people to garden. We do this at our gardens and shows and through our scientific research, publications, libraries and our education and community programmes. We are entirely funded by our members, visitors and supporters. Garden Design 24 Garden Craft 27 Creative 32 Photography 39 How to book 42 Further information 42 How to find us

3 COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE COURSES AND WORSHOPS AT A GLANCE Date Time Type Course Title Page No. FEBRUARY Wednesday 12 February 10am to 4pm Horticulture Grafting apple trees 8 Wednesday 26 February 10am to 12pm Horticulture A practical introduction to seed sowing 8 Friday 28 February 10am to 12pm Horticulture Guided walk: The colourful winter garden 9 MARCH Saturday 1 March 10am to 4pm Horticulture Starting from scratch: a beginner s guide to growing vegetables 9 6 Mondays: 10am to 4pm Garden design Gardens by design 24 3, 10, 17 & 31 March 7 & 14 April Wednesday 5 March 10am to 12pm Horticulture Getting the most from your dogwood: pruning and plant combinations Saturday 8 March 10am to 4pm Horticulture The world of hellebores 10 9 Date Time Type Course Title Page No. MAY Saturday 3 May 10am to 1pm Garden craft Keeping chickens for beginners 27 Saturday 3 May 1pm to 4pm Photography Tree and woodland photography 39 Tuesday 6 May 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture What now? May and June 13 Saturday 10 May 10am to 2pm Garden craft Foraging: prepare and share a foraged lunch 28 Friday 16 May 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow spheres 28 Saturday 17 May 10am to 4pm Creative Make a marvellous mosaic! 34 Monday 19 May 10am to 5pm Photography An introduction to flower and plant photography 40 Friday 23 May 10am to 12pm Horticulture Edible hanging baskets 13 JUNE Monday 2 June 10am to 1pm Garden craft Keeping chickens for beginners 28 Friday 6 June 10am to 12pm Horticulture A practical introduction to taking cuttings 13 Saturday 7 June 10am to 4pm Garden craft Green woodwork 29 Monday 9 June 9.30am to 4.30pm Garden design Exploring style: Contemporary gardens 25 Wednesday 11 June 10am to 2.30pm Creative Hand-tied bouquets 34 Thursday 12 June 10am to 12pm Horticulture Guided walk: Developing Harlow Carr s historic limestone garden 14 Friday 13 June 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow hares 29 Wednesday 18 June 10am to 4pm Creative Wet felting 34 Wednesday 18 June 10.30am to 12pm Horticulture Guided walk: Kitchen garden with a focus on tomato care 14 Friday 20 June 9.30am to 4.30pm Garden design Exploring style: Formal gardens 26 Saturday 21 June 10am to 12pm Horticulture Fruit for containers and small spaces 14 Wednesday 25 June 10am to 4pm Creative An introduction to using medicinal herbs at home 35 Saturday 28 June 10am to 4pm Garden craft Charcoal making 30 JULY Wednesday 2 July 10am to 4pm Horticulture Creating a scented garden 15 Friday 4 July 10am to 4pm Horticulture Using trees in your garden 15 COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE Tuesday 11 March 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture What now? March and April 10 Friday 14 March 10am to 4pm Horticulture Preparing your soil 11 Saturday 15 March 10am to 4pm Horticulture Sowing your vegetable garden 11 APRIL Friday 4 April 10am to 4pm Horticulture How to grow a cut flower garden 12 Wednesday 9 April 10am to 4pm Horticulture Growing herbs for the kitchen 12 Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 April 10am to 4pm Creative Botanical painting: The excitement of contrast 32 Wednesday 23 April 14 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture Growing a mini vegetable plot 12 Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April 10am to 4pm Creative Botanical art (coloured pencil): Leaves and all things leafy 32 4 Wednesdays: 10am to 4pm Creative Kick start your creativity at Harlow Carr April, 7 May, 21 May, 28 May Wednesday 30 April 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow twigwams for climbing plants

4 COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE Date Time Type Course Title Page No. JULY continued Friday 11 July 10am to 4pm Garden design Exploring style: Planning a naturalistic border 26 Monday 14 July 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture Sustainable gardening 15 Tuesday 15 July 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture What now? July and August 16 Thursday 17 July 10.30am to 12.30pm Horticulture Guided walk: An introduction to aquatic and marginal pond plants 16 Friday 18 and Saturday19 July 10am to 5pm Photography Exploring creative flower and plant photography 40 Monday 21 to Thursday 24 July 10am to 4pm Horticulture Vegetable growing summer school 17 Friday 25 July 10am to 12pm Horticulture Shade plants for containers and the garden 18 Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 July 10am to 4pm Creative Botanical painting: Liber minimus 35 Wednesday 30 July 10am to 12pm Horticulture Guided walk: Planning and maintaining herbaceous borders 18 AUGUST Monday 4 to Thursday 7 August 10am to 4pm Creative Kick start your creativity at Harlow Carr 35 Tuesday 12 August 10am to 4pm Creative The art of plant-dyeing wool 36 Wednesday 13 August 10am to 4pm Creative Peg loom weaving with plant dyed wool 37 Thursday 14 August 10am to 4pm Creative Brinkley loom weaving and feltmaking 36 Saturday 16 August 10am to 4pm Horticulture Growing vegetables in autumn and winter 18 Wednesday 20 August 10am to 4pm Horticulture Growing and cooking edible flowers 19 Saturday 30 August 10am to 4pm Creative Needle felting 37 SEPTEMBER Monday 8 September 10am to 4pm Horticulture Starting from scratch: a beginner s guide to growing vegetables 19 Tuesday 9 September 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture What now? September and October 19 Wednesday 10 September 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow sheep 30 Wednesday 17 September 10am to 4pm Horticulture How to grow a cut flower garden 20 Friday 19 September 10am to 12pm Horticulture A practical introduction to carnivorous plants 20 Date Time Type Course Title Page No. SEPTEMBER continued Wednesday 24 September 10am to 12pm Horticulture Make a winter hanging basket 21 Friday 26 September 10.30am to 12.30pm Horticulture How to plant an alpine trough 21 OCTOBER Wednesday 8 October 10am to 12pm Horticulture A practical introduction to hardwood cuttings 21 Friday 10 October 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow platter 30 Wednesday 15 October 10am to 5pm Photography Photographing the colours and textures of autumn 41 Friday 17 October 10am to 5pm Photography Introduction to macro and close-up photography 41 Wednesday 22 October 10.30am to 12pm Horticulture Guided walk: Autumn colour in the woodland 22 Saturday 25 and 10am to 4pm Creative Botanical painting: Autumn fruits 37 Sunday 26 October NOVEMBER Saturday 8 November 10am to 4pm Horticulture Growing berries and currants for beginners 22 Tuesday 11 November 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture What now? November and December 23 Friday 14 November 9.30am to 4.30pm Garden design Exploring style: Winter interest 26 Saturday 15 November 10am to 4pm Horticulture Fruit trees for beginners 23 Wednesday 19 November 10am to 4pm Creative Felt Christmas cards and decorations 38 Friday 28 November 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow festive trees 31 Saturday 29 November 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow garlands, stars and swags 31 DECEMBER Friday 5 December 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow garlands, stars and swags 31 Saturday 6 December 10am to 4pm Garden craft Willow festive trees 31 Wednesday 10 December 10am to 2.30pm Creative Christmas wreaths 38 Friday 12 December 10am to 12.30pm Horticulture Guided walk: Harlow Carr at Christmas 23 COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT A GLANCE Saturday 20 September 10am to 4pm Horticulture Fascinating photosynthesis

5 HORTICULTURE HORTICULTURE Grafting apple trees Wednesday 12 February 10am to 4pm Tutor: Hilary Dodson Participants will take home two apple trees that they have grafted and hopefully be in a position to watch them grow and eventually produce fruit. A wide range of apple varieties will be available for the scions (the top bit which grows into the fruit producing tree). The rootstock will be MM106 which grows well in our cold wet soils and can be used for either bush or trained forms of tree. You will be using sharp knives to cut the plant material. Protective gloves will be provided but there is a risk of knife injury. Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Maximum 10 places. A practical introduction to seed sowing Wednesday 26 February 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Sarah-Jane Mason (RHS team) Join RHS Regional Development officer Sarah-Jane Mason for a comprehensive introduction to growing from seed. Sarah-Jane will share tips and demonstrate how to sow seed of various sizes directly into your garden or into trays, modules and pots. During this practical workshop you will have a go at seed sowing and be given the opportunity to try the next steps of pricking out seedlings and potting on young plants. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Event code: Tea and coffee are included. Guided walk: The colourful winter garden Friday 28 February 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Russell Watkins (RHS team) Russell will share his enthusiasm and knowledge for winter planting schemes in this guided walk of the old winter garden and Harlow Carr s more contemporary Winter Walk. The session will focus on plants used specifically to create an interesting winter garden, regardless of garden size. You will see that winter doesn t have to be dull and boring: there are many plants that can be used to give vivid colour, intoxicating scents, interesting forms and textures, months of continuous flowers and even temperature related colour changing effects. You will find out about pruning Cornus, the myths of removing the foliage on hellebores and how to extend the season into spring by the careful selection of early flowering spring bulbs. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 /General Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Starting from scratch: a beginner s guide to growing vegetables Saturday 1 March (repeated on Monday 8th September) 10am to 4pm Tutor: Amy Lax A full day workshop covering the essential basics to get you started growing vegetables, including assessing your site and soil; vegetable families and rotation; planning what to grow and how; timing and spacing and where to go from here! Using the wealth of experience gained in Harlow Carr s Kitchen Garden, Amy will aim to answer the questions which concern the beginner most. Amy will deliver her course through an illustrated talk and a walk around the productive garden; she will also demonstrate seed sowing giving you some key tips. Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden. Getting the most from your dogwood: pruning and plant combinations Wednesday 5 March 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Tom White (RHS team) Join Harlow Carr s Tom White to find out how to spring prune different Cornus (dogwood) varieties to get the most out of them. Tom will demonstrate a range of pruning techniques from very hard stooling, to pruning on a three year cycle, and a renovation prune. He will show you different ways to use your prunings, including a demonstration of making decorative plant supports for climbers and propagating from cuttings. Tom will also share with you good plant combinations which help to complement the Cornus and maintain interest in a border even after pruning. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 Event code: Tea and coffee are included. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden. HORTICULTURE 8 9

6 HORTICULTURE The world of hellebores Saturday 8 March 10am to 4pm Tutor: John Massey John Massey VMH, owner of Ashwood Nurseries, will give a superbly illustrated lecture The World of Hellebores in which he takes a new look at this fascinating genus, both species and hybrids. Ashwood Nurseries is world-famous for its hellebores and its on-going breeding programme ensures there are always lots of exciting new developments. John will also look at the work of other breeders, both in this country and in Japan, introducing some of the extraordinary characters who are so influential in the world of hellebores. Stunning images, combined with John s expertise and keen sense of humour, makes this a treat not to be missed. In the afternoon, John will lead a guided walk around the garden, highlighting the use of hellebores in different planting schemes. Fee: RHS Members 50, Non-RHS Members 58 Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Maximum 20 places. What Now? March and April Tuesday 11 March 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Amy Lax Are you new to gardening and unsure what exactly you should be doing when, or are you a keen gardener wanting tips on your timings? Let Amy Lax, former RHS gardener, help you through the gardening year providing a whistle-stop tour of techniques, tips, tricks and advice on seasonal tasks so that you know what you could be doing when. March and April will cover many tasks including cutting back and dividing perennials, feeding and mulching, staking, seed sowing under cover and outdoors, taking cuttings, lawn care, planting shallots and potatoes and shrub pruning. There will be an opportunity for you to have a go at a few activities too. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Offer: Book all five What now? courses for the price of four.* Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum places: 12. *All bookings must be made at the same time RHS Gardens host a wide range of specialist events focusing on particular plant groups. These events are a mixture of competitive shows, special interest days, talks, plant sales and displays; but all offer the opportunity to meet the experts from the relevant Plant Societies and find out more about the plants you love. To see the 2014 programme and find out more detail about each event as it draws near please visit: rhs.org.uk/shows-events/specialist-society-days Preparing your soil Friday 14 March 10am to 4pm Tutor: Charles Dowding Charles has been growing organic vegetables commercially and for home consumption for thirty years, without soil cultivation. He has written four books on vegetable growing, writes articles for gardening publications and gives talks and courses on how best to look after soil and plants. Charles will give you a range of ways to clear soil of all kinds of weeds, to prepare your patch for sowing and planting, depending on the materials available to you. He will explain the many advantages of his no dig method which allows him to crop a larger area, because there are so few annual weeds and because the soil/compost surface is ready for seeds and plants at all times. You will learn through an illustrated talk including pictures of Charles different gardens and through demonstrations. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Offer: Book both of Charles courses at the same time for 100 (RHS members) or 116 (non-rhs members).* Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please *Both bookings must be made at the same time Sowing your vegetable garden Saturday 15 March 10am to 4.00pm Tutor: Charles Dowding Charles will cover sowing tips in general, specific sowing tips for each season, and advice on successional sowing through most of the year, to keep a plot full of vegetables. He will explain the advantages and methods of propagating healthy plants at home, using small amounts of seed to have quicker and more reliable harvests. He will include information on creating your own greenhouse hotbed, for earlier plants. Then he will explain the best ways to sow into surface composted, untilled soil, including carrots and parsnips, and will demonstrate some sowing techniques outside. Finally he will give you some tips on avoiding pest damage to sowings, with a special mention for slugs. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Offer: Book both of Charles courses at the same time for 100 (RHS members) or 116 (non-rhs members).* Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please *Both bookings must be made at the same time HORTICULTURE 10 11

7 HORTICULTURE How to grow a cut flower garden Friday 4 April (repeated on Wednesday 17 September) 10am to 4pm Tutor: Rachel Petheram Learn the skills for growing beautiful cut flowers to enhance both the outside and inside of your home! This course will cover all the essentials you need to grow flowers for cutting. You will learn how to select your site and plan what to grow where and when. Find out which varieties are best, and learn tips on planting, growing, cutting and preserving the life of cut flowers. Rachel will give an illustrated talk covering all these areas and she will run a seed sowing workshop to get you started. Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but please Maximum 20 places. Growing herbs for the kitchen Wednesday 9 April 10am to 4.00pm Tutor: Rachel Petheram Herbs not only enhance the beauty of your garden but can liven up your cooking and benefit your health too! Rachel will give an illustrated talk covering the culinary and medicinal properties of herbs, how to propagate and cultivate them, how to plan a herb garden and share ideas for growing herbs in small spaces. You will also have the opportunity to sow some herbs to take away. By the end of the day you will have the knowledge and materials to start your own herb garden! Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but please Maximum 20 places. Growing a mini vegetable plot Wednesday 23 April 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Alison Mundie (RHS team) Have you always loved the idea of growing your own produce, but never thought you had enough space? Harlow Carr s Kitchen Gardener, Alison, will show you how to create a productive and attractive vegetable plot in even the smallest of gardens, covering design, choice of crops and management. Alison will give an illustrated talk and show you Harlow Carr s 3m x 3m vegetable plot. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 Event code: Tea and coffee are included. What Now? May and June Tuesday 6 May 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Amy Lax Are you new to gardening and unsure what exactly you should be doing when, or are you a keen gardener wanting tips on your timings? Let Amy Lax, former RHS gardener, help you through the gardening year providing a whistle-stop tour of techniques, tips, tricks and advice on seasonal jobs so that you know what you could be doing when. May and June will cover tasks including weed control, feeding, summer shrub pruning, planting up pots and containers, deadheading, controlling pests and diseases, planting out half hardy vegetables and annuals with opportunities for you to have a go yourself. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Offer: Book all five What now? courses for the price of four.* Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum places: 12. *All bookings must be made at the same time Edible hanging baskets Friday 23 May 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Sarah-Jane Mason (RHS team) Are you looking for something different to grow in your containers or hanging baskets this year? Come along to this 2 hour workshop to discover a range of edible plants including tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs and salad leaves, all suitable for containers or hanging baskets. You will have the opportunity to plant up a basket using hanging baskets and a selection of edible plants provided by us on the day. Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included. A practical introduction to taking cuttings Friday 6 June 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Maria Mahon (RHS team) Harlow Carr s Maria Mahon will take you round the main borders where you will take softwood cuttings from herbaceous perennials. You will have a go at propagating Salvia, Fuchsia, Nepeta and Penstemon in the greenhouse and learn tips to increase your success at propagating. With a bit of luck you will be taking away a piece of Harlow Carr with you to enjoy for years to come. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Event code: All workshop materials are included. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden. HORTICULTURE 12 13

8 HORTICULTURE Guided walk: Developing Harlow Carr s historic limestone garden Thursday 12 June 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Amy Smethurst (RHS team) Enjoy an informative guided walk around Harlow Carr s Limestone Rock Garden which has recently been restored by RHS gardener Amy Smethurst. Amy will talk about the challenges of restoring this previously established garden, discussing renovation of soil, how to deal with unruly alpines and choosing appropriately sized plants. She will then share her knowledge about creating rock gardens from scratch, including choice of materials, soil and location. Finally Amy will focus on plants that thrive in rock gardens and she will use examples to show you how to ensure interest throughout the year. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 s/ General (Not suitable for alpine experts) Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Guided walk: Kitchen garden with a focus on tomato care Wednesday 18 June 10.30am to 12 noon Tutor: Francesco Ponziani (RHS team) Come and take a tour of Harlow Carr s kitchen garden led by one of the kitchen garden team members. Rhubarb, crop rotations, sustainable use of materials for supports and structures, and this season s hot topics will all be discussed in an informal talk. After the tour of the kitchen garden, you will go into the new glasshouse to discover top tips and watch demonstrations of how to grow and care for tomatoes. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum 8 places. Fruit for containers and small spaces Saturday 21 June 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Clifford Cain Do you have limited space, the wrong kind of soil, limited mobility or have a patio where you want to garden creatively? Then come along and see that these are not barriers to growing fruit. The aim of this illustrated talk is to guide you through the choice of the right container size, growing medium and suitable varieties and shapes that will allow you to grow fruit successfully. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Event code: Tea and coffee are included. Maximum 20 places. Creating a scented garden Wednesday 2 July 10am to 4pm Tutor: Rachel Petheram An aromatic garden can be a means to health, well-being and pleasure. This course is designed to help you to create your own fragrant space within the garden as well as covering the therapeutic uses of these fragrant plants. The course includes an illustrated talk covering choice of plants to ensure fragrance throughout the year, a guided walk through Harlow Carr s scented garden and a demonstration of how to make a scented bouquet. Fee: RHS Members 40 Event code: Non-RHS Members 48 Tea and coffee and all workshop Using trees in your garden Friday 4 July 10am to 4pm Tutor: Sandra Ashton materials are included, but please Maximum 20 places. Trees when carefully chosen are an important asset to any landscape or garden. This course for beginners will help you gain confidence in investing in and choosing a garden tree or trees for particular characteristics or functions. You will be introduced to the beauty and benefits of trees throughout the seasons and learn which are suitable varieties and forms for your garden. The day will include an illustrated talk, a walking tour highlighting specimen trees in the gardens at Harlow Carr, and a tree planting demonstration. The right tree for the right situation will bring you many years of joy. Fee: RHS Members 40 Event code: Non-RHS Members 48 Price includes tea and coffee. s Please An equipment list will be provided on registration. Sustainable gardening Monday 14 July 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Amy Lax Learn the general principles of sustainable gardening and their practical application in your home. Former Harlow Carr Kitchen Gardener, Amy, will give an illustrated talk, and then take you for a walk around the gardens highlighting sustainable gardening practices including the use of green manures, home composting and providing habitats for wildlife by creating meadows, log piles, winter shelter in the herbaceous border and choosing pollen-rich perennial plants. She will also discuss reducing the need for watering, pesticides and fertilisers by selecting the right plant for the right place and will look at peat-free growing mediums. Fee: RHS Members 20 Event code: Non-RHS Members 28 Tea and coffee are included. HORTICULTURE 14 15

9 HORTICULTURE What Now? July and August Tuesday 15 July 10am 12.30pm Tutor: Amy Lax Are you new to gardening, or a keen gardener wanting tips on your timings? Let Amy Lax, former RHS gardener, help you through the gardening year providing a whistle-stop tour of techniques, tips, tricks and advice on seasonal jobs so that you know what you could be doing when. July and August will cover tasks including taking cuttings, herb garden maintenance, identifying plants for autumn division, watering, summer pruning of shrubs, trees and fruit, harvesting seed and hedge trimming. The session will include a practical activity and a walk outside in the garden so please come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Offer: Book all five What now? courses for the price of four.* Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. *All bookings must be made at the same time Guided walk: An introduction to aquatic and marginal pond plants Thursday 17 July 10.30am to 12.30pm Tutor: Malcolm Arthur (RHS team) Join RHS gardener Malcolm Arthur to discover the variety of aquatic and marginal plants used in and around Harlow Carr s stunning water features. Malcolm will take you on a guided walk of our ponds, streamside and lake. Then you will be able to have a closer look at some of these beautiful and interesting plants in the greenhouse. Malcolm will share important information about plant care and tips on how to maintain a well-balanced water environment. (Please note this session will not cover the construction of water features, pond pumps or the keeping of fish.) Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum 10 places. Vegetable Growing Summer School Monday 21 July Thursday 24 July 10am to 4.00pm Tutor: Amy Lax This new four day summer school will give you the knowledge to grow vegetables successfully at home. The course will be delivered by Amy Lax, a former RHS kitchen gardener and experienced and enthusiastic tutor. It will include classroom-based talks, practical activities and guided walks around the kitchen garden at Harlow Carr. Day One: Preparing the plot You will learn how to assess your plot including factors such as size, shade, shelter, weeds, soil type and soil ph. Amy will discuss the pros and cons of growing vegetables in beds or open ground. She will then show you how to improve your soil by incorporating different types of organic matter and demonstrate how to prepare your soil through digging, cultivating and raking. Amy will end the day with a practical task, where you will be able to prepare a seed bed, and sow seeds directly in rows and blocks. Day Two: Selecting crops Choosing the right crops and cultivars for your vegetable patch is critical to successful vegetable growing. Amy will help you get to grips with key technical terms from the seed catalogues and you will discover cultivation requirements for hardy, half-hardy and tender crops; the range of harvest times and growth habits existing between different varieties; the strengths and weaknesses of heritage varieties and F1 hybrids; and how to incorporate perennial crops into your plot. Amy will end the day with a practical task, where you will be able to sow seeds in modules and trays and plant out courgettes or sweetcorn. Day Three: Healthy crops To ensure healthy crops a gardener needs to understand what nutrients their plants require, how much water they need, and how their crops should be spaced and supported. Amy will cover these topics, along with crop rotation and how to reduce pest and disease damage through companion planting, choosing resistant varieties and using physical, chemical and biological pest control methods. You will go for a walk in the kitchen garden to look for signs of pests and diseases and to find out how to deal with problems. Day Four: Getting the most from your plot Amy will spend the day sharing tips and tricks to help you maximise your harvest throughout the season. She will cover key topics including catch-cropping, intercropping, successional sowing, cut and come again cropping and bolt-resistant crops. Amy will also spend time discussing how to plan your sowing to avoid gluts and enable you to have vegetables for winter harvest. In a small group you will have the chance to put together a planting plan for a small veg plot and get feedback from the rest of the group and your tutor. Fee: RHS Members 160, Non-RHS Members 192 Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please HORTICULTURE 16 17

10 HORTICULTURE Shade plants for containers and the garden Friday 25 July 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Aimee-Beth Browning (RHS team) Do you have a shady corner of your garden which is in need of some interesting plants? Come on this guided walk to see the fantastic shade-loving plants that grow at Harlow Carr, with RHS gardener Aimee-Beth Browning. You will then have the opportunity to plant up a small stone-effect trough (430mm x 300mm x 165mm) to take away with you with a selection of shade-loving plants including a fern, mini rhododendron and mini hosta. Fee: RHS Members 45, Non-RHS Members 53 s/ General Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. The container is heavy; help will be provided to transport it to your car at the end of the course but you will need help to unload it at home. Guided walk: Planning and maintaining herbaceous borders Wednesday 30 July 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Sarah Bell (RHS team) Sarah, one of Harlow Carr s Floral Team Leaders, will give a guided tour of the herbaceous borders in the gardens giving you the opportunity to find out how they were planned and developed, and how we maximize interest all year round. Sarah will cover soil preparation, planting selections and the maintenance regimes that have helped to establish a stunning healthy border. Fee: RHS Members 15, Event code: Non-RHS Members 23 Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Growing vegetables in autumn and winter Saturday 16 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Amy Lax Make the most of your vegetable plot by learning how to grow vegetables for harvesting throughout winter and spring. In an illustrated talk, you will be introduced to a wide range of hardy crops for growing in open ground, under cloches or in greenhouses. Find out when to sow, how to protect your crops and tried and tested ways of storing surplus vegetables. You will have the opportunity to watch a practical demonstration in the kitchen garden, so come dressed appropriately for a walk outside. Fee: RHS Members 40 Event code: Non-RHS Members 48 Tea and coffee are included, but please bring your own lunch. Growing and cooking edible flowers Wednesday 20 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Amy Lax Discover the diverse range of flowers that look and taste good on the plate. The day will begin with a look at different garden flowers from nasturtiums to saffron crocus and artichokes to lavender. You will learn how to grow, pick and prepare them and take part in a seed sowing practical. Both sweet and savoury and hot and cold recipe ideas will be presented to the class. Finally a cookery demonstration will allow you to sample some simple but tasty dishes made with edible flowers. Fee: RHS Members 40 Event code: Non-RHS Members 48 Tea and coffee are included, but please Starting from scratch: a beginner s guide to growing vegetables Monday 8 September (repeated from Saturday 1 March) 10am to 4pm Tutor: Amy Lax A full day workshop covering the essential basics to get you started growing vegetables, including assessing your site and soil; vegetable families and rotation; planning what to grow and how; timing and spacing and where to go from here! Using the wealth of experience gained in Harlow Carr s Kitchen Garden, Amy will aim to answer the questions which concern the beginner most. Amy will deliver her course through an illustrated talk and a walk around the productive garden; she will also demonstrate seed sowing giving you some key tips. Fee: RHS Members 40 Event code: Non-RHS Members 48 Tea and coffee are included, but please Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden. What Now? September and October Tuesday 9 September 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Amy Lax Are you new to gardening, or a keen gardener wanting tips on your timings? Let Amy Lax, former RHS gardener, help you through the gardening year providing a whistle-stop tour of techniques, tips, tricks and advice on seasonal jobs so that you know what you could be doing when. September and October will cover tasks including dividing perennials, planting trees and shrubs, protecting tender plants over winter, developing new lawns and storing tubers over winter. You will have the chance to do a short practical activity. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Offer: Book all five What now? courses for the price of four.* Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum places: 12. *All bookings must be made at the same time HORTICULTURE 18 19

11 HORTICULTURE A practical introduction to carnivorous plants Friday 19 September 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Peter Walker This workshop provides an introduction into the fascinating world of carnivorous plants given by Peter from Wacks Wicked Plants. Through an illustrated talk you will learn about their habitats, trapping mechanisms and why they are classified as carnivorous. You will then have the opportunity to create a mini bog garden with three of these wonderful plants to take away with you. Event code: Tea, coffee and all workshop materials are included. Make a winter hanging basket Wednesday 24th September 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Sarah-Jane Mason (RHS team) Come and plant up a winter hanging basket for your own home with RHS Harlow Carr s Sarah-Jane Mason. Sarah-Jane will take you through the basics of good basket design, planting and maintenance, as you create your own basket. Then take your basket home and enjoy the colour and interest it gives throughout the winter season. Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included. A practical introduction to hardwood cuttings Wednesday 8 October 10am to 12 noon Tutor: Andrew Willocks (RHS team) Join RHS gardener Andrew Willocks for an introduction to taking hardwood cuttings. Andrew will take you on a walk around the garden to collect suitable material (including dogwood, blackcurrant and willow) and then you will spend time in the greenhouse potting them up, learning which plants are suitable for this method of propagation and tips to increase your success rate. With a bit of luck you should have some new plants next spring. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Event code: HORTICULTURE How to grow a cut flower garden Wednesday 17 September (repeated from Friday 4 April) 10am to 4pm Tutor: Rachel Petheram Learn the skills for growing beautiful cut flowers to enhance both the outside and inside of your home! This course will cover all the essentials you need to grow flowers for cutting. You will learn how to select your site and plan what to grow where and when. Find out which varieties are best, and learn tips on planting, growing, cutting and preserving the life of cut flowers. Rachel will give an illustrated talk covering all these areas and she will run a seed sowing workshop to get you started. Event code: Maximum 20 places. Fascinating photosynthesis Saturday 20 September 10am to 4pm Tutor: Catherine Baxter Do you want to discover how plants grow? Understanding photosynthesis can be the key to helping them grow better. On this course find out where, when and how plants make their own food through practical activities, microscope work, demonstrations and illustrated talks. This course is suitable for those with no experience of botany or microscope use, and will cover the basics up to GCSE level theory. It will provide students taking a theory course, such as the RHS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture, the chance to do some practical work. Fee: RHS Members 40, Non-RHS Members 45 Event code: How to plant an alpine trough Friday 26 September 10.30am to 12.30pm Tutor: Kaye Collings (RHS team) This demonstration will be an excellent introduction to alpines. During the session Kaye, Harlow Carr s alpine expert, will plant up a small alpine display in a trough, to show you how you can create your own display at home. She will give you an introduction to the main types of alpine plants and cover the important things to remember when growing alpines including what compost to use and how to ensure that your plants thrive. She will also give you a guided tour of Harlow Carr s alpine house. This course is suitable for complete beginners. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum 10 places

12 HORTICULTURE Guided walk: Autumn colour in the woodland Wednesday 22 October 10.30am to 12 noon Tutor: Katy Trohear (RHS team) Come on an inspiring and informative tour of the autumn colours at Harlow Carr with gardener Katy Trohear. She will guide you round the trees that give the most impressive autumnal colours and scents. Katy will highlight which specimen trees are suitable for growing at home in a smaller garden and share with you interesting facts and folklore about these splendid trees. Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 s/ General Event code: Please wear suitable outdoor clothing for walking round the garden as this course is entirely based outside. Maximum 10 places. Growing berries and currants for beginners Saturday 8 November 10am to 4pm Tutor: Clifford Cain A one day introductory course aimed at those interested in all the different types of soft fruit, such as strawberries, currants and raspberries. Join Clifford Cain, fruit expert and horticulture tutor, to find out how to select, grow and harvest your soft fruit and successfully combat the pests and diseases that are likely to spoil your crop. Clifford will present the theory with an illustrated talk and demonstrations. A tour of fruit growing at Harlow Carr will be included, so please dress appropriately for walking around the garden. s Event code: What Now? November and December Tuesday 11 November 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Amy Lax Are you new to gardening or a keen gardener wanting tips on your timings. Let Amy Lax, former RHS gardener, help you through the gardening year providing a whistle-stop tour of techniques, tips, tricks and advice on seasonal jobs. November and December will cover many tasks including ground preparation, planting bareroot trees and roses, winter fruit pruning, winter vegetables, bulb planting in pots and borders and taking root cuttings and hardwood cuttings. A walk around the garden and a short practical activity will be included. Fee: RHS Members 20, Non-RHS Members 28 Offer: Book all five What now? courses for the price of four.* Event code: The session will be based entirely in the gardens so please come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. *All bookings must be made at the same time Fruit trees for beginners Saturday 15 November 10am to 4pm Tutor: Clifford Cain Clifford Cain follows his course on soft fruit with an introduction to fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums and cherries. You will be taken through selection, planting, pruning and training methods, and then given top tips on harvesting and storage for your top fruit. Information will also be given on reducing the risk of pests and diseases to your crop. s Event code: Guided walk: Harlow Carr at Christmas Friday 12 December 10am to 12.30pm Tutor: Katherine Musgrove (RHS team) Join Harlow Carr s Katherine Musgrove to discover the special plants that provide winter beauty in the winter walk, woodland and ornamental borders. Katherine will give you ideas about how you can make your garden interesting in this tricky season and will show you Harlow Carr s impressive natural Christmas decorations. The walk will end with a mince pie and warm drink! Fee: RHS Members 15, Non-RHS Members 23 Event code: Tea and coffee and a mince pie are included. The walk will be based entirely in the gardens so please come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. HORTICULTURE 22 23

13 GARDEN DESIGN GARDEN DESIGN Gardens by design 6 Mondays: 3 March, 10 March, 17 March, 31 March, 7 April, 14 April 10am to 4pm Tutor: Marilyn Elm Do you feel your garden space isn t working for you and needs a makeover? Or do you have a new garden and don t know where to start? If you d like to learn the basics of garden design so that you can create a garden that will enhance your home and lifestyle, then this new 6 day introductory course is for you. Marilyn Elm, an experienced and enthusiastic Garden History and Design tutor, aims to bring out your creativity, and to guide you through all the practical issues and processes that are needed to deliver a successful garden design. This course will run as a series of six days, and will include inspirational, illustrated presentations, discussion and practical exercises. If you d like to put what you ve learnt into practice at home, there will be some optional homework activities after each session. You may bring in a sample of your own soil for the first session. Day 3. Developing Your Layout and Garden Spaces In this session you will consider how to accommodate your wish list and where to place certain elements in the garden. Movement around the garden, and issues of privacy, screening and the creation and enhancement of views, will be explored. Day 4. Developing your Design Having developed your design concept you now need to translate this on the ground. This day will explore how to develop your concept ideas, through the choice of layout, hard materials, furniture, structures, buildings, ornamentation and use of water. You will have the chance to look at how different hard landscaping choices have been used in the gardens at Harlow Carr to different effect. Day 5. Plant Choice and Planting Plans This day will introduce you to the use of plants in design the highlight for all plant lovers. Consideration will be given to the appropriate plant choice options for your site conditions and design concept. Different planting styles will be explored, and plant spacing, arrangement, size of plants and working with time, will be discussed. Exploring style: Contemporary gardens Monday 9 June 9.30am to 4.30pm Tutor: Marco Schrang GARDEN DESIGN Day 1. Getting Started Before designing or re-modelling a garden, you need to collect information about the site and its proposed use. Marilyn will discuss these key considerations, and offer you the opportunity to carry out soil testing, to measure a small site and to draw up a measured garden plan. Drawing equipment will be provided and will be available for you to take home at the end of the session, giving you the chance to draw a plan of your own garden. Day 2. Your Design Concept Today we will discuss your design needs, and look at both the practical and stylistic issues arising from this. Marilyn will help you formulate and display your own design concept, and will give an illustrated presentation exploring style options, and their effect on all elements of the design, starting with the layout. Day 6. Planting Aesthetics In this concluding session, Marilyn offers through illustration and practical techniques, a means to further your planting design skills, and help you develop an understanding of working with colour, texture and form, for current or future garden design projects. Fee: RHS Members 250, Non-RHS Members 298 s Event code: Price includes tea and coffee. Please Marco, an experienced garden designer and presenter, will give an introductory talk illustrating the development of contemporary garden design. He will then take you on a guided walk to show you how plant combinations and contemporary design elements can be used to create a functional and trendy outdoor space. Practical activities including developing form and shape in sketches, making a collage moodboard, and discussing typical planting schemes, will allow you to experiment with plant combinations and develop a contemporary design for a small area in your own garden. s Event code: Price includes tea and coffee. Please Students are asked to bring their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration

14 GARDEN DESIGN Exploring style: Formal gardens Friday 20 June 9.30am to 4.30pm Tutor: Marco Schrang Marco, an experienced garden designer and presenter, will start the day by introducing the key design elements and plant combinations that typify formal gardens, for example the use of symmetry, ornaments, sculpture, topiary, parterres and vistas. After an illustrated talk and a walk highlighting formal elements present in the gardens at Harlow Carr, you will take part in practical activities including arranging different plant combinations, developing sketches to create a typical formal layout and making a collage moodboard. By the end of the day you will have the knowledge and a small planting scheme to incorporate formal design elements into part of your garden, for instance a patio, entrance or quiet corner. s Event code: Price includes tea and coffee. Please Students are asked to bring their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration. Exploring style: Planning a naturalistic border Friday 11 July 10am to 4pm Tutor: Sandra Ashton This beginners course will give you the skills and knowledge to plan your own beautiful naturalistic borders using grasses and perennials; many of these plants attract wildlife, bring movement and light into the garden and provide interesting winter structure and texture. You will learn to appreciate different plant forms, colour and textures. This style of planting provides interest from summer to the end of winter with bulbs helping to fill seasonal gaps. The content takes inspiration from current trends and iconic designers, Piet Oudolf and Dan Pearson. The day will include a practical session during which you will enjoy learning how to plan a simple border on paper using different media. s Event code: Price includes tea and coffee. Please Students are asked to bring their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration. Exploring style: Winter interest Friday 14 November 9.30am to 4.30pm Tutor: Marco Schrang On this workshop you will explore Harlow Carr s winter walk and winter garden. Then through an illustrated talk, you will learn which plants and features can be used to add fantastic winter colour, scent, textures and forms to your own garden. Marco will also demonstrate how to create pots to brighten up your garden in winter. You will take part in practical activities including arranging different plant combinations and sketching your own border. By the end of the day you will have a small planting scheme to incorporate winter interest into a pre-existing or new border. s Event code: Price includes tea and coffee. Please Students are asked to bring their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration. GARDEN CRAFT Willow twigwams for climbing plants Wednesday 30 April 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley Make your very own support for your favourite climbing plants, whether it be for sweet peas, climbing French beans or clematis! Willow craftsman, Phil Bradley, will show you a variety of willow weaving techniques and take you through the stages involved in producing a robust, conical plant support that will add additional interest to your garden. You will be able to take your creation home with you at the end of the day. Fee: RHS Members 60 Event code: Non-RHS Members 68 Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but please Keeping chickens for beginners Saturday 3 May (repeated on Monday 2 June) 10am to 1pm Tutor: Liz Milner Have you always dreamt of keeping hens at home? On this informative and fun course, Liz (Director of Clucking Hens) will guide you through the essentials of hen keeping including important topics like getting the right chickens for you, choosing a hen house, hen health and what to do with a broody hen. There will be classroom based activities and an opportunity to meet and handle the Harlow Carr hens to discover how easy it is to keep these wonderful creatures. Fee: RHS Members 35, Non-RHS Members 43 Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included. There is optional handling of a hen, so please wear comfortable clothes you won t mind getting dirty and bring a pair of gardening-type gloves. GARDEN CRAFT 26 27

15 GARDEN CRAFT Foraging: prepare and share a foraged lunch Saturday 10 May 10am to 2pm Tutor: Rachel Benson Nature can provide a bountiful spring harvest of fresh greens, but knowing what to pick and how to cook it can be daunting, or even something you ve never even thought about! Join Rachel Benson from Old Sleningford Farm on a forage around the gardens and woodland at Harlow Carr, followed by a cookery demonstration and topped off with lunch from the gathered ingredients. We will concentrate on common plants that are easily recognisable so you can confidently use them in the future. Approximately 1½ hours will be spent walking around the gardens. Fee: RHS Members 40 Event code: Non-RHS Members 48 Tea and coffee and all workshop Willow spheres Friday 16 May 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley materials are included, and you will eat your own foraged lunch. Willow spheres are growing in popularity as they provide sculptural interest to the home and can be put to many uses. Come and make a 30cm (12 ) diameter sphere and develop your willow weaving skills. Phil will show you how to start your creation by making a willow framework and then he will guide you through the overweaving process to complete your natural sphere. Once home you can use your sphere to decorate indoors or outdoors; they have been used as plant containers, garden features and even bird nesting boxes! Fee: RHS Members 60 Event code: Non-RHS Members 68 Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but please Keeping chickens for beginners Monday 2 June (repeated from Saturday 3 May) 10am to 1pm Tutor: Liz Milner Have you always dreamt of keeping hens at home? On this informative and fun course, Liz (Director of Clucking Hens) will guide you through the essentials of hen keeping including important topics like getting the right chickens for you, choosing a hen house, hen health and what to do with a broody hen. There will be classroom based activities and an opportunity to meet and handle the Harlow Carr hens to discover how easy it is to keep these wonderful creatures. Fee: RHS Members 35, Non-RHS Members 43 Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included. There is optional handling of a hen, so please wear comfortable clothes you won t mind getting dirty and bring a pair of gardening-type gloves. Green woodwork Saturday 7 June 10am to 4pm Tutor: Geoff Norton Geoff, from Yorkshire Hurdles will introduce you to green woodworking, which involves using freshly cut unseasoned wood. On this course you will use traditional tools such as axes, froes and drawknives to create attractive and useful products in the woods at Harlow Carr. You will learn to select, cleave (split) and shape green hardwoods to make beetles (mallets), gypsy flowers and rustic stools to take away with you. Fee: RHS Members 80, Non-RHS Members 88 Venue: Meet at Bramall Learning Centre; workshop all day in the woodland Event code: You will need to wear warm, rough clothes suitable for a day working outside in the woodland. Maximum 8 places. Willow hares Friday 13 June 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley Come and create a willow hare to adorn your own home or garden. You will make a miniature version of Harlow Carr s popular willow hare sculptures that were created by Phil in early Phil will lead you step-by-step through the willow sculpting process so that at the end of the day you will be able to take away a life-size hare made of bark on willow. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Event code: GARDEN CRAFT 28 29

16 GARDEN CRAFT Willow sheep Wednesday 10 September 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley Willow craftsman Phil Bradley will guide you through the process of making a willow sheep. Phil will carefully guide you through the willow weaving techniques needed for you to make a high quality creation to take away with you and to use in your own garden or home. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Event code: Willow festive trees Friday 28 November (repeated on Saturday 6 December) 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley A new workshop for 2014 looking at the techniques for making twiggy natural Christmas trees with a difference. You will be using willow, hazel and birch to create these inspirational and contemporary decorations and will be able to take your creation home. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Event code: (28 November); (6 December) GARDEN CRAFT Charcoal making Saturday 28 June 10am to 4pm Tutor: Geoff Norton Come and learn the ancient craft of charcoal making in the woods at Harlow Carr with Geoff Norton from Yorkshire Hurdles. On this outdoor course you will coppice small roundwood, load a ring kiln, then light and monitor a burn. You will empty a kiln, grade the charcoal and, with some luck, take a bag of charcoal home. Fee: RHS Members 80, Non-RHS Members 88 Venue: Meet at Bramall Learning Centre; workshop all day in the woodland Event code: You will need to wear warm, rough clothes suitable for a day working outside in the woodland. Maximum 8 places. Willow platter Friday 10 October 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley This one day workshop will introduce you to the basic techniques for making a traditional willow platter. Students will complete at least one platter and there will be time to practice the different elements of the project choosing material, shaping the rim, weaving techniques and trimming. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Skill level: Intermediate/advanced Event code: Willow garlands, stars and swags Saturday 29 November (repeated on Friday 5 December) 10am to 4pm Tutor: Phil Bradley This one day workshop provides a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity to make your own natural Christmas decorations. Make this Christmas a greener one with your own handmade stars, swags and garlands using willow, birch, hazel bark and pine cones. You may choose to bring some of your own natural materials from home to share with the group and to incorporate into your own decoration. Fee: RHS Members 60, Non-RHS Members 68 Event code: (29 November); (5 December) 30 31

17 CREATIVE CREATIVE Botanical painting: The excitement of contrast Tuesday 15 April to Thursday 17 April 10am to 4pm Tutor: Colin Swinton Heighten the drama and appeal of your paintings by focusing on contrast. On this course you will consider the elements of colour, tone, shape, texture and form, and learn how to combine these elements to create dramatic and exciting paintings. You will learn a range of practical methods to give you a choice of compositional and painting approaches. You can choose to paint from a wide variety of plant and flower subjects (such as bark, stems, grasses, nuts and fruit) or even feathers and seashore finds. Demonstrations and individual tuition will be provided by Colin helping you to move your work to a different level. Fee: RHS Members 140, Non-RHS Members 164 Skill level: Intermediate/advanced Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Students are asked to provide their own subjects, equipment and a list will be provided on registration. Botanical art (coloured pencil): Leaves and all things leafy Saturday 26 April and Sunday 27 April 10am to 4pm Tutor: Ann Swan Take a fresh look at leaf techniques in coloured pencil. Over two days you will immerse yourself in leaves, looking at leaf types, structure, venation and texture. You will learn ways of improving the accuracy of your drawing and shading, and learn how to cope with perspective, twisting and foreshortening. Ann will demonstrate the various techniques she uses for depicting veins, highlights, hairs and differing textures plus ways to mix realistic colours for both the fronts and backs of leaves. Fee: RHS Members 150 Event code: Non-RHS Members 166 Tea and coffee are included, but /Intermediate please Students are asked to provide their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration. Maximum 15 places. Kick start your creativity at Harlow Carr 4 Wednesdays: 30 April, 7 May, 21 May, 28 May 10am to 4pm (repeated 4 consecutive days: 4 August to 7 August) Tutor: Jo York If you ve always wanted to draw more confidently or learn tips and techniques for using a wide range of art materials really well, this is the course for you. Experienced artist and tutor, Jo York will guide you through four very practical and hands-on workshops, which together form a great foundation for developing your creativity and building your art skills. Day 1: Drawing, experimenting and a visual language. Come and discover the fundamentals of practical art and learn key mark-making and drawing skills and techniques. You will develop your drawing skills and confidence through fun activities using a wide range of media. All techniques will be demonstrated and you will have the chance to work with artists pencils, charcoal and pastels, brush and ink, coloured pencils and oil pastel. Day 2: Colour! How to mix and use colour in a range of paint media. Spend the day learning how to use a variety of water-based painting media, from the vibrant delicacy of watercolours and gouache to the textural possibilities and power of acrylics. Understand the basics of colour-theory and learn how to mix and combine colour and to use both brush and palette knife techniques. The gardens will provide a fantastic inspiration for examining natural colour. Day 3: Mixing media and composition. Come and experiment with combining and layering drawn, painted, collaged and montaged elements to create complex and subtle effects. You will also play with view-finders and other simple techniques to help you create effective compositions and ideas for artworks. Day 4: Creating your own artwork! Using the gardens for inspiration, together with ideas, samples, sketches and skills from the previous three workshops, spend the day planning and creating your own mixed media piece with guidance and help throughout Fee: RHS Members 320 Event code: Non-RHS Members 352 Price includes tea and coffee, s and all workshop materials. Please Maximum 15 places CREATIVE 32 33

18 CREATIVE Make a marvellous mosaic! Saturday 17 May 10am to 4pm Tutor: David James Brighten up your garden or home with a wonderful botanically themed mosaic. This workshop is perfect for those with little or no experience of this craft and you will be carefully guided through the process, step by step. David, from Olicana Mosaics in Ilkey, will show you how to cut and lay glass and ceramic tiles so that by the end of the day you will have your very own 30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft) square, framed mosaic to take away. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 Event code: Maximum 10 places. Hand-tied bouquets Wednesday 11 June 10am to 2.30pm Tutor: Rachel Petheram Making a hand-tied bunch of flowers is a versatile skill to have, either for flower arranging at home or to make gifts for your friends. Rachel will show you some ideas using seasonal garden flowers and you will make a hand-tied bunch of seasonal flowers to take home. She will also give you some tips on growing cut flowers at home. No experience necessary. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 Event code: Wet felting Wednesday 18 June 10am to 4pm Tutor: Helen Riddle Roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the joys of wet-felting! In the morning, Helen will guide you through the basic principles of the craft, using soapy water and friction to transform wool fibres into felt. You will then have the opportunity to put your new-found skills into practice to produce a wet-felted picture or a small functional item of your choice, using the surrounding gardens as inspiration. Please note that this craft does involve periods of rolling the felt for several minutes at a time a good work-out for the upper arms! Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 /Intermediate Event code: Maximum 8 places. An introduction to using medicinal herbs at home Wednesday 25 June 10am to 4pm Tutor: Bel Charlesworth Find out how to make your own herbal remedies for everyday ailments using plants from your garden and the hedgerow with medical herbalist Bel Charlesworth MNIMH. You will learn how to identify medicinal plants and practise making infusions, tinctures and salves. Bel will also give you tips on harvesting and storing your herbs. This ideal introductory workshop also includes a herb walk around the garden, so please come dressed appropriately. Fee: RHS Members 50, Event code: Non-RHS Members 58 Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but Please Botanical painting: Liber minimus Monday 28 July and Tuesday 29 July 10am to 4pm Tutor: Colin Swinton Creating a miniature book is both rewarding and fun to do. Using your botanical painting skills you will include a single small but exquisite image on each concertina page. Colin will guide students through the entire process from making and covering the book, choosing pages and painting the images. Although plants and flowers make ideal subjects for this project you may also consider tackling birds, animals or fish, seashore finds, feathers, pebbles or other interesting items. These beautiful little books make ideal gifts for weddings, anniversaries and special birthdays. Fee: RHS Members 95 Event code: Non-RHS Members 111 Tea and coffee are included, but /Intermediate please Students are asked to provide their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration. Kick start your creativity at Harlow Carr 4 consecutive days: 4 August to 7 August 10am to 4pm (repeated from 30 April, 7 May, 21 May, 28 May) Tutor: Jo York If you ve always wanted to draw more confidently or learn tips and techniques for using a wide range of art materials, this is the course for you. Experienced artist and tutor, Jo York will guide you through four very practical and hands on workshops, which together form a great foundation for developing your creativity and building your art skills. See page 33 for further information. Fee: RHS Members 320 Event code: Non-RHS Members 352 Price includes tea and coffee, s and all workshop materials. Please bring your own lunch Maximum 15 places CREATIVE 34 35

19 CREATIVE Plant-dyed wool, weaving and felting Tuesday 12 August to Thursday 14 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Jane Meredith We are pleased to welcome Jane Meredith to Harlow Carr to give 3 hands-on workshops that will take you through the process of plantdyeing wool and then making finished items from woven yarn or felt. It is possible just to come for one or two days of the workshop, but three days is highly recommended to learn the complete process from fleece to finished items. Jane will bring peg looms, Brinkley looms and additional materials for weaving and felting which can be bought on the day. Day 1: The art of plant-dyeing wool Tuesday 12 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Jane Meredith Come to this hands-on workshop where you will gather any available dye plants from Harlow Carr s beds. Then using your harvest and various dried flowers, leaves and roots, you will dye pre-mordanted wool and make a wonderful array of coloured wool from which you will be able to take samples. There will be an indigo bath where you can have a go with tie-dyeing calico. Jane will show you how to choose a good fleece and talk you through washing and drying one. She will also find a moment to teach you hand carding in preparation for the peg loom weaving on Wednesday. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 Event code: Day 2: Peg loom weaving with plant dyed wool Wednesday 13 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Jane Meredith Come and learn the art of peg loom weaving. With the amazing colours prepared on the previous day and mixing in natural coloured fleeces, you will weave a peg loom wall hanging or seat mat. This will be a peaceful and creative day during which your weaving can be inspired by the beautiful gardens at Harlow Carr. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 Event code: Maximum 8 places. Day 3: Brinkley loom weaving and felt making Thursday 14 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Jane Meredith To round off the 3 days, you will learn to weave on the very simple and unique Brinkley loom. This loom takes only 5 minutes to warp up! You could make a scarf if you are speedy, or a beautiful plant-dyed wall hanging. There will also be an option to felt a 3D sculptural piece in the round a bag or a bowl. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 Event code: Maximum 8 places. SPECIAL OFFER: Book all of Jane s 3 courses at the same time for 180 (RHS members) or 204 (Non-RHS members). Needle felting Saturday 30 August 10am to 4pm Tutor: Helen Riddle Come and try your hand at needle felting. First you will be working with mohair to master the basic techniques of the craft with which you will be able to produce a beautiful needle-felted flower corsage. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to be creative and experiment with other types of wool and three-dimensional techniques in order to sculpt more complex felt miniatures. Fee: RHS Members 65 Event code: Non-RHS Members 73 Tea and coffee and all workshop /Intermediate materials are included, but please Botanical painting: Autumn fruits Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 10am to 4pm Tutor: Colin Swinton This workshop will focus on painting fruit, from those in the autumn hedgerow to supermarket fruit, gourds and exotic species. The vast array of colours, forms, textures and markings make fruit an ideal subject for the botanical painter. You will learn how to make your subjects appear three dimensional and how to replicate the variety of markings on their surfaces by using a number of different approaches and techniques. You will learn wet into wet and wet on dry methods, glazing and masking out, modifying, dry brush work and an approach to tackling bloom. Colin will guide students with a combination of demonstrations and practical sessions. Fee: RHS Members 95 Event code: Non-RHS Members 111 Tea and coffee are included, but /Intermediate please Students are asked to provide their own equipment and a list will be provided on registration. CREATIVE 36 37

20 CREATIVE Felt Christmas cards and decorations Wednesday 19 November 10am to 4pm Tutor: Helen Riddle Get into the festive spirit and experiment with different needlefelting techniques to create three-dimensional Christmas sculptures, perfect to be used as decorations or given as gifts. You will produce unique panels for cards by using hand-felting techniques, incorporating into your work an array of different textiles and using an embellisher. This is suitable for beginners but those who have attended the August course will be able to progress more quickly onto more complex techniques. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 /Intermediate Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but please Christmas wreaths Wednesday 10 December 10am to 2.30pm Tutor: Rachel Petheram Come and make a Christmas door wreath in this wonderful seasonal workshop. Rachel will show you how to make a moss ring, wire it to incorporate foliage, and then decorate it with beautiful natural materials. At the end of the session you will have made your own stunning wreath to adorn your home! This course is suitable for beginners or those with some experience. Fee: RHS Members 65, Non-RHS Members 73 /Intermediate Event code: Tea and coffee and all workshop materials are included, but please PHOTOGRAPHY Tree and woodland photography Saturday 3 May 1pm to 4pm Tutor: Edward Parker This three hour course is for photographers of all abilities whether using compact, bridge or DSLR cameras and is led by Edward Parker, a professional photographer and writer who has worked for organisations including WWF-International, Kew Gardens and the Woodland Trust. There will be a short classroom-based session to introduce Edward s style of photography and to cover key concepts and terms that you will be using in the woodland. You will then spend time photographing trees, with individual tuition showing you how to take more control of your camera and illustrating how simple adjustments to composition, foreground and background can really improve your photography. Fee: RHS Members 50, Non-RHS Members 58 Skill level: Intermediate/advanced Event code: Tea and coffee are included. Students need to bring their own camera, lenses, instruction booklet and tripod. If you have them, bring filters too. Maximum 10 places. PHOTOGRAPHY 38 39

21 PHOTOGRAPHY An introduction to flower and plant photography Monday 19 May 10am to 5pm Tutor: Steve Gosling This one day course is aimed at those relatively new to photography or those wanting to know how to take more control over their cameras. Steve, an award-winning photographer and experienced tutor, will cover the basics of photography e.g. controlling exposure (apertures, shutter speeds and understanding the relationship between the two), depth of field made simple, setting ISO, understanding file formats (JPEGs & RAW) and an introduction to composition. The day will include a classroom-based session and the opportunity to put your new skills into practice in the gardens. Fee: RHS Members 80, Non-RHS Members 88 Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Students need to bring their own camera and instruction booklet. Exploring creative flower and plant photography Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July 10am to 5pm Tutor: Steve Gosling This two day in depth workshop provides an opportunity for intermediate/experienced photographers to develop a creative approach to photographing flowers and plants with plenty of opportunity for personalised support and advice. There will be a mixture of classroom based teaching and extended practical sessions in the garden, where you will be able to explore different techniques through specific developmental exercises. Steve will take a look at the nature of creativity and how it can be actively developed. There will also be a portfolio review session where participants can bring examples of their work for comment and critique. Fee: RHS Members 160, Non-RHS Members 176 Skill level: Intermediate/advanced Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Students need to bring their own camera, lenses, instruction booklet and tripod and, if you have them, filters. Please bring 8 photographs for a portfolio review on a USB memory stick or as prints. Maximum 8 places. Photographing the colours and textures of autumn Wednesday 15 October 10am to 5pm Tutor: Steve Gosling This workshop is designed for photographers of all levels of ability and will also appeal to you if you have an interest in using photographs as the basis for other visual and/or creative arts (e.g. painting, embroidery, textile design). Participants will be encouraged to take a creative and artistic approach to interpreting form, pattern, colour and light. The day will include a classroombased session and the opportunity to put your new skills into practice in the gardens. Fee: RHS Members 80, Non-RHS Members 88 /Intermediate Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Students need to bring their own camera, lenses, instruction booklet and, if you have them, filters and tripod. Introduction to macro and close-up photography Friday 17 October 10am to 5pm Tutor: Steve Gosling This is a new workshop designed for intermediate or experienced photographers (with DSLR cameras) to introduce them to macro and close-up photography. The emphasis will be on flower, plant and foliage photography but many of the techniques can be applied to other areas of interest, including insects and fungi. The course will cover equipment advice (e.g. macro lenses, close up filters, extension tubes, tripods), focusing and depth of field, getting correct exposure and composition. There will be a mixture of classroom based teaching and practical sessions in the garden. Fee: RHS Members 80, Non-RHS Members 88 Skill level: Intermediate/advanced Event code: Tea and coffee are included, but please Students need to bring their own camera, lenses, instruction booklet and a macro lens (or at least a lens with close focusing abilities) and/or extension tubes and close-up filters. If you have them, bring filters and tripod. PHOTOGRAPHY 40 41

22 HOW TO BOOK By Telephone: (local rate) Monday Friday, 9am 5pm By Post: Send a cheque made payable to the RHS including your daytime telephone number, title and date of the workshop you wish to attend and, if applicable, your membership number to: Events Booking RHS Membership Department PO Box 313 London SW1P 9YR FURTHER INFORMATION Any updated information can be found on the courses section of the RHS website at rhs.org.uk TICKET INFORMATION: Your tickets should arrive within 10 days of booking. In the unlikely event that they fail to arrive or you have a query regarding your tickets, please telephone between 9am 5pm Monday to Friday. Non-members may become a member of the RHS at the time of booking and pay the members price. RHS members may bring one guest at the discounted members rate. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. RHS Garden Harlow Carr reserves the right to cancel an event and in these circumstances will fully refund course fees. All events will run subject to a minimum number of students. The decision as to whether the course goes ahead is made one week in advance of the event; therefore you are strongly advised to book before this time. Circumstances may require that event tutors change from those named in this brochure. Provided a tutor of equal standing is secured, participants will not be notified in advance. Refunds will only be given in the unlikely event that a replacement tutor is unavailable. All the events are non-residential. All materials are included in the price (unless otherwise stated) and tea and coffee. Lunch is not included in any of the courses. Unless specified, the events are run specifically for adults. We regret that we are unable to admit children under 16 to any event. ACCESS: Our facilities are accessible for wheelchair users. Please contact the adult learning team on or at adultlearning@rhs.org.uk if you have any specific needs or requirements. ADMISSION: Admission to RHS Garden Harlow Carr is included in the price of the course ticket. WEATHER: Many of our courses include outdoor activities. Please ensure that you dress appropriately for the weather with suitable footwear. FIRST AID: In the event of an emergency there will always be a trained first aider on site. PARKING: Car parking is free. Coaches may park or drop off passengers in the coach parking area only a short walk to the garden entrance. SAVE MONEY ON COURSES AT RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR WITH RHS MEMBERSHIP! Join the RHS with Student Membership and enjoy: Member discounts on workshops and courses Free days out at our four RHS Gardens and more than145 RHS Partner Gardens across the UK at selected periods Learning with practical gardening tips from The Garden monthly magazine and personalised advice from our advisors Priority booking, discounted tickets and member only days at RHS Shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. NOT A STUDENT? Save money when you join today Enjoy a year s membership with a special offer of 12 months membership for the price of 9 when you join by annual Direct Debit Plus with our other membership options, you ll have an extra member benefit - to take a family guest to the four RHS Gardens for FREE! Here s how: Ask at the garden entrance about membership options and prices quoting 3374 Call quoting 3374 Terms and Conditions apply to membership prices and benefits; ask at the garden entrance or call quoting 3374 (we re open weekdays 9am 5pm, excluding bank holidays)