Comments on: Gardening Courses for 2013

By: outofmyshed

outofmyshed — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:23:55 +0000

Hi Julie, Good luck with your level 2. I have some friends studying for the level 2 at the moment. Lots of work, but loving every minute of it!

By: wifemothergardener

wifemothergardener — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:00:54 +0000

Oh to be living in the UK! But even I am looking into some long distance courses for RHS level 2 this winter… I have my horticulture book and am ready to go! Not sure I will be testing this year, but perhaps next? They will let long-distance students sit their exam anywhere in the world, they say.

Thanks for such a nice list, Naomi. I look forward to reading more about your courses.
~Julie

By: outofmyshed

outofmyshed — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:11:52 +0000

The level 2 day does indeed sound perfect and good to hear how much you’re getting out of it. I did question my sanity when I drove down the M4 -3 hours in the pouring rain (and back again!) to Judith Hann’s course, but the taste of the herbs and memories of the plantings are still with me, so ultimately I think it’s worth it. Likewise Chichester is a real schlepp, but I’m so pleased that I went on the fruit training course and driving back in the snow was quite magical (until I got stuck in the Wandsworth one way system!). The Rhs course I went on was great, but what you do find with attending other courses, is that there’s more than one school of thought in gardening and it’s also great to hear about alternative methods and other viewpoints. Looking forward to reading more on courses you attend in 2013.

By: Caro (Urban Veg Patch)

Caro (Urban Veg Patch) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:05:25 +0000

A great round up of what’s on offer, Naomi. You might remember that I once asked you about your training and what you would recommend ; well, I’m now doing the Level 2 Garden Design at Capel in Enfield – only one day of the week but one I absolutely look forward to! Horticulture in the morning and design in the pm, the perfect day! I also had the pleasure of attending one of Jekka’s workshops earlier this year; it was very worthwhile despite the long drive down the M4 (surely the most boring motorway?) as Jekka is very friendly and so generous with her knowledge. I’ll definitely be going back for the opening of her herboretum and hope to catch up with her at Chelsea this year.
PS Nice to know about the West Dean courses, very close to where my parents live so another possibility – also I have a thing for walled gardens!

By: outofmyshed

outofmyshed — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:07:39 +0000

Hi Anna, I’ve never been to Harlow Carr (otherwise I’d know where it is located!), but it’s on my list for when next in ….Yorkshire. I have volunteered at Great Dixter a few times and I’ve learnt so much (from the very generous GD team) on every visit-plant knowledge and great plant combinations, best gardening practices, propagation know-how…the list is endless.
Hope you find a project to get involved in, or you could start your own? (with another enthusiastic neighbour?) V.best Naomi

By: Anna B

Anna B — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:18:23 +0000

Really interesting post! I will look into doing a course or two at (the now controversially located) Harlow Carr! I love it there and wanted to volunteer this year but they have a huge waiting list and it’s during week days, which is no good for me. I’m really interested in all the community stuff you get involved in. I’d like to find something like that in Leeds. Wildflower planting has become popular in the city and I think getting involved in some urban projects would be really cool. Thanks for a very inspiring post : )