Special Events

The Art of Gardening Practical - One Week Symposium
Saturday 3rd November to Saturday 10th November 2012

Christopher Lloyd was one of the most inspired plantsmen and garden writers of the past century. He spent his lifetime practicing and refining his art at Great Dixter, his family’s rambling Sussex Manor House in Southeast England. We are offering an intensive, hands-on course from 3rd November 10th November conducted by Fergus Garrett, Lloyd’s talented head gardener and friend.

This is a rare opportunity for 6 gardeners to learn and practice traditional techniques and gardening first-hand in the Great Dixter gardens, to discuss all aspects of border design and maintenance, and to tour nearby world-class gardens with Fergus and the Great Dixter team.

As requested by our previous symposium participants we are running a practical course where most of the time is spent working outside to gain first-hand training on the practical skills required at a higher level. This work will be led by Fergus Garrett.

November is one of the busiest and most active periods in the Great Dixter gardening year when the bulk of the preparation for the following year begins. Over a week-long intensive course you will get an insight into how this complex garden is maintained and managed during this season.

Topics include:

• the timely protection of tender plants (dug up from the famous Exotic Garden)
  

• bulb planting in pots and in the borders from permanent to temporary associations.
  

• choosing varieties of bulbs, planting density and planting methods.
  

• integrated permanent under planting of bulbs amongst perennials where perennials are cut down, lifted, split, soil improved, planted and then bulbs are planted amongst them.
  

• The group will have an insight into how tender plants are lifted and stored and also protected in situ.
  

• The group will also take part in the creative bedding decisions when spring bedding combinations are worked out and physically do the work so that they get a real understanding of planting densities and techniques.
  

• The aim of the week is to achieve a detailed understanding of working practices in bulb planting within a mixed border as well as other jobs relevant at this time of year such as composting, pruning, propagation, protection of tender plants, and the shutting down of a garden for the winter.

Fees
The complete cost of symposium is £2,650.00 (flights not included).

Fees include: All lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all transportation to and from hotel, outings, and group meals in front of the fire at Great Dixter. We pick up and return you to the aiport.

We require a deposit of £500 (non refundable) on application to secure your place. The participants will be staying in individual rooms at the Collina House Hotel in Tenterden www.collinahousehotel.co.uk

Booking
The symposium is limited to only 6 participants, places allocated on a first come first served basis by emailing Jude Churchman at groupbookings@greatdixter.co.uk

For more information and to book please contact Jude Churchman groupbookings@greatdixter.co.uk

Christopher Lloyd