Learning has long been at the heart of the work of Great Dixter. As one of the most dynamic and complex flower gardens in the world, we have a responsibility to pass on the skills needed to garden this way. For some years we have offered practical education for people who will become top level gardeners. This education, through scholarships and student placements for trainee gardeners is tailored to the individual and will vary depending on the person involved. This flexible way of teaching ensures that Dixter trainees go away with a deep level of understanding and the skill base needed to manage intricate flower gardens. Our students come from all around the world.

Adult learning at Great Dixter includes Study Days, week-long Symposia, courses, lectures and workshops. Run by Head Gardener Fergus Garrett, as well as other tutors with an intimate knowledge of the garden, they will help people understand the ethos, methods and plants that are used at Great Dixter.

In addition Great Dixter invites a number of external speakers to lecture on a variety of topics, such as plants and gardening, biodiversity and the history of the house. Go to our What’s on page to see a list of all our forthcoming events.

As well as in our in-house learning programme, Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener and Chief Executive of the Great Dixter Charitable Trust visits and speaks at numerous external events during the year. To enquire about booking Fergus to speak to your group or Horticultural Society, please email [email protected].

The Heritage Lottery project in 2010 enabled the educational work of Great Dixter to be broadened, through the addition of new facilities and the appointment of Education Officer Catherine, who manages and develops most of Great Dixter’s education programmes, particularly those with younger audiences. A number of grants have been secured over the year to support this work, including from the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, The Ernest Cook Trust and The Heritage Conservation Trust. 

Grants from the Monument Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled us to convert old Farm buildings into the Education space at Dixter Farm and funded resources to work with, excite and enthuse younger people through our work with schools and families. Our programmes draw from the garden, our rich biodiversity and wildlife, traditional woodland crafts and our history and collections.