Adult Learning Programme
Adult education courses at Great Dixter include study days, week-long Symposia, courses, lectures, and workshops.
Run by Head Gardener Fergus Garrett, as well as other Dixter staff and friends with an intimate knowledge of the garden, they will help people understand the ethos, methods, and plants that are used.
Week-Long Symposia
Started by Christopher Lloyd, Great Dixter has been running Symposia for over twenty years and owing to the excellent horticultural tuition, many participants return year after year.
Symposia span one week at Great Dixter and offer a rare opportunity for gardeners to learn first-hand with our Head Gardener, Fergus Garrett, and his team. All gardeners and levels of expertise are welcome.
There are 4 Symposia scheduled for 2026 as follows:
Saturday 7 February to Saturday 14 February 2026 – a practical Pruning Symposium
Saturday 9 May to Saturday 16 May 2026 – a theory based, General Symposium
Saturday 5 September to Saturday 12 September 2026 – a practical General Symposium
Saturday 7 November to Saturday 14 November 2026 – a practical Bulb, border design editing and management Symposium
See below for full details of these courses. Booking will go live on Friday 21 November at 16.00 (4pm) UK time.
In this section:
Designing with plants
Head Gardener Fergus Garrett will lead this Study Day held at Great Dixter House and Gardens. Refreshments and lunch are included and we are offering a 10% discount on plant sales for attendees in the nursery on the day. Learn how to combine plants using colour, shape, texture, repetition and balance. The aim is to
27 April 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Gardening for Biodiversity
It is now well known and understood that biodiversity is facing a catastrophic decline all over the world, and that the UK is one of the most ecologically degraded countries in Europe. As gardeners we are closer to the natural world than many- and yet so many of us feel powerless to effect change. Between
5 May 2026 10:00 am – 28 July 2026 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
General Symposium-May 2026
General Symposium – Saturday 9 May to Saturday 16 May 2026 This is a week-long theory-based, general symposium, the aim being to explain and inspire, with a maximum of 12 attendees. Although theory based, 50% of the time will be spent outside in the garden. Accommodation, meals, as well as transport to and from the
9 May 2026 12:30 pm – 16 May 2026 8:00 amGreat Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam, TN31 6PH
Meadow Gardening
Head Gardener Fergus Garrett will lead this Study Day held at Great Dixter House and Gardens. Refreshments and lunch are included, served in the Great Hall and we are offering a 10% discount on plant sales for attendees in the nursery on the day. Discover the secrets of meadows using the marvellous Great Dixter meadows
1 June 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PHMeadow Gardening
Head Gardener Fergus Garrett will lead this Study Day held at Great Dixter House and Gardens. Refreshments and lunch are included, served in the Great Hall and we are offering a 10% discount on plant sales for attendees in the nursery on the day. Discover the secrets of meadows using the marvellous Great Dixter meadows
8 June 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Growing hardy annuals from seed
At Great Dixter, we use hardy annuals throughout the garden to fill gaps between permanent planting and create a strong early season in the garden. Hardy annuals bridge the June gap after bulbs have finished and before summer perennials have started flowering. This extra layer will be a vital resource of pollen and nectar for a
15 June 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam, TN31 6PH