“Really enjoyed this workshop aimed at complete beginners to gardening or more experienced novices who want to expand their knowledge. Alice and Frances led the group at a great pace allowing all time to ask questions. The course is followed up with a useful handout covering all the topics covered so I could relax and enjoy the morning without having to scribble it all down or rely on my failing memory! Look forward to joining future workshops. Highly recommend..”
– Sue A
(Gardening From Scratch – the Basics – September 2024)
“Alice and Fran created a lovely and encouraging atmosphere to learn and explore gardening, bringing a warmth and joy to the experience. Thoroughly recommended.”
– Andrew HS
(Gardening From Scratch – the Basics – September 2024)
“I enjoyed everything! It was the perfect length; depth and practicality of information; informal and friendly nature with loads of opportunities to ask questions; and Alice and Frances are so friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging! And the notes are really useful.”
– Meg H
(Gardening From Scratch – the Basics – October 2024)
“First garden course I’ve ever been on and I felt inspired by what I learnt and feel I want to do small steps to make a positive experience in my very basic garden. Thanks to Fran and Alice for a great few hours of learning.”
– Clare S
(Gardening From Scratch – the Basics – October 2024)
“In October 11/2024 I attended “Gardening from scratch”. The course was interesting and informative in a beautiful garden and in the sunshine! I had very limited experience and found the course really aimed at a person like me. Equally I noted the same level of interest was present in other participants with more gardening experience. I did find the course easy to understand and to apply in practice. It opened my eyes of what I did not know and the number of mistakes I have made in my own garden. The course starts with a detailed description of the types of soil with all participants invited to bring soil from their own garden.We then observed the physical characteristics of the soil and measured its PH. A novelty for me. In the second part of the workshop I was taught about structural planting. Each participant was invited to select a combination of shrubs, trees, flowers. It was a sort of assignment that stimulated creativity and engagement in the participants. I thought the tutors were open, friendly and constructive which was very was good for a person like me coming from another country. They both looked very knowledgeable! Last but not least the tutors provide a written handout of what has been discussed. A basket of gardening knowledge!”
– Silvana D
(Gardening From Scratch – the Basics – October 2024)
” I attended my first course in Winter Pruning on 31.1.25. I was impressed by the professional presentation and structure of the course. Alice and Frances were so friendly, open to questions and had a wealth of knowledge that I can’t wait to dig deeper into. The course began with a verbal presentation in layman’s terms, easily followed and was related to participants’ current knowledge and requirements. Garden plants were then used to demonstrate correct approaches to pruning, exceptions mentioned and advice given. A welcome break with delicious snacks and refreshments allowed us to chat about our gardening experiences and focuses, before moving on to the actual pruning of our focus plants. Professional, welcoming, informative, productive and brilliant!”
– Anette H
(Winter/Spring Pruning – Jan 25)
“It was something different for me to do from normal. Probably because it was new to me my learning level was high, this I enjoyed. The course definitely gives me confidence in tackling pruning from a different angle
A nice relaxed presentation which provided me with a better understanding of pruning. I now hold my secateurs with confidence…”
– John H
(Winter/Spring Pruning – Jan 25)
