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The Hayloft at Bradgate Manor
Plants and Planting for Pleasure
The course held during January to May last year and again this year, proved to be a great success in terms of learning, exchanging of information, laughter and the sheer enjoyment of spending 3 hours each week talking about plants and gardens. The class membership included five garden designers, who were keen to discuss plants for specific situations, three experienced gardeners who enjoyed sharing their knowledge and learning of new plants and their attributes and 2 keen gardeners who were delighted to be building up their knowledge of many aspects of plants and planting for pleasure.
This year the course has proved to be just as popular, with a good mix of new people and those who attended last year. Students may book for each stand-alone part of the course (5 weeks) or for 3 parts (15 weeks). The syllabus covered is outlined on this page. Some testimonials follow:-
“If you have a garden or even a window box, then this course is a fantastic opportunity to learn more than you ever imagined about plants and how to grow them. It was great fun to share experiences with other gardeners and we all discovered that it was very hard to stop talking about them! I can’t wait for the next one.” Elaine from Southampton .
“I really enjoyed every aspect of the Plants and Planting for Pleasure classes. I learnt a lot in a relaxed atmosphere; there were opportunities to do plant identifications, practical work and to enjoy the grounds in which the course is located. The home-made cookies, with coffee were a bonus.” John, from Winchester
“ I want to say how very much I enjoyed the course. Phil’ had a tough job with so many garden designers in the room but he coped with us all fantastically! I felt I learned loads from him and really enjoyed the sparking of ideas between us all. I thought the balance of classroom to practical work was just right and I would be more than happy to attend another course in the autumn.” Sunara from Hook
A three-part horticultural course, each part consisting of five weekly classes. The fee is £125 for each group of 5 classes, payable in advance. You may join at the start of either Part One, Part Two or Part Three. For example, for those joining at the start of Part Two or Part Three there will be the opportunity to take Part One, in the following course, if desired.
Wednesday mornings 10 am – 1.00 pm
Part One 5 weekly classes commencing on 16th January 2008
Part two 5 weekly classes, commencing on 27th February
Part Three 5 weekly classes re-commencing Wednesday 15th October.
Each part of 5 weekly classes may be booked separately.
The course is aimed at those who wish to increase their understanding and knowledge of plants and planting, in the company of other enthusiasts, without the pressure of studying for examinations.
The classes will be held in The Hayloft at Bradgate Manor, a 19C former vicarage, set in 4 acres of garden and woodland, situated in the village of Netley Abbey.
Philip Jeffs, who is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic horticulturist, with a particular passion for shrubs and trees, will lead the course.
Philip’s interest in horticulture and wildlife began at a very early age when he was influenced by his father who worked as a horticulturist for most of his adult life. Philip’s interest and enjoyment of the natural world has been developed over years of hands-on experience and a course in horticulture at Sparsholt College during the 1990s. Philip now works as a Horticultural Consultant and also leads walks and gives talks on behalf of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wild Life Trust and Swanmore Conservation Group.
 During the Plants and Planting for Pleasure course there will be practical demonstrations and occasional garden visits. The course will be structured to include classroom work, the discussion of topics of particular interest to the attendees and regular plant identifications. There will be an opportunity to exchange of plants during the course.
The cost includes refreshments during the class and entrance fees (where applicable) for outside garden visits. Transport and costs related to the transport to and from the garden visits will be the responsibility of attendees.
During the garden visits, particular attention will be given to plants and their situations and the talks during the visits will be pertinent to the class work.
Attendees are asked to provide their own protective clothing for the practical demonstrations, which will take place in the potting shed and garden of Bradgate Manor.
For an overview of the syllabus please see below.
Part one
- We’ll start by exploring what each student really wants from this course, then proceed with a class on the structure of plants and how they grow, with particular emphasis on how this knowledge will help you towards success with your gardening.
- Shrubs and trees in the wild and in the garden. How to choose trees and shrubs suitable for the garden and for effect throughout the seasons.
- Garden visit
- Pruning of trees and shrubs.
- Planting – correct procedures.
Part two
- Climbing Plants – the methods by which they scramble, climb, twine and ramble. Pruning of climbing plants.
- The use of bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers in the garden and woodland.
- Garden visit.
- An overview of diseases, pests and problems and how to cope with them. The vegetable garden.
- Plants for specific situations i.e. shade/sun, wet/dry, clay, chalk, acid and loamy soils. Planting combinations including conifers, deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, grasses, bamboos and perennials. The vegetable garden (continued).
Part three
- Plants of borderline hardiness. How they are best grown.
- Climate change – its effect on our garden styles and methods.
- Garden visit.
- Scented plants.
- Planting styles to follow modern trends and a look at specific “in vogue” plants.
Gardening workshops
Stand-alone workshops for those of you who cannot commit to the weekly classes and perhaps have a special interest in the following topics.
Containers for Summertime
Raising New Plants
Develping your Vegetable Garden
Design and create your own border or small garden plot
Wildlife in the garden and woodland
Wildlife and Water in the Garden
Trees and Shrubs for the garden
See the page Gardening Workshops Click for details
Gift vouchers are available for all courses
The Plants and Planting for Pleasure course has proved to be very popular and enjoyable. Please let us know if you would like to go on the waiting list for the next course.
Click here for Location, directions and map
Booking
Please contact Lindsey Neve on 023 80456422
email lindsey@bradgatemanor.net contacts page,
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