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:
Behind the scenes at Great Dixter – July
Great Dixter is a garden that delights and challenges. Our Behind the Scenes tours provide a special opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden on a day when we are normally closed to the public. You will gain insight into the making of the Great Dixter borders with one of the garden team…
27 July 2026 1:30 pm – 4:15 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Biodiversity study day
This study day led by Fergus Garrett and ecologist Andy Phillips will examine how the way we garden at Great Dixter is helping to create a local hotspot of biodiversity and will help participants to understand how to garden in a way that promotes species richness and diversity. The day will include an illustrated lecture and an…
3 August 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Behind the scenes at Great Dixter – August
Great Dixter is a garden that delights and challenges. Our Behind the Scenes tours provide a special opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden on a day when we are normally closed to the public. You will gain insight into the making of the Great Dixter borders with one of the garden team…
10 August 2026 1:30 pm – 4:15 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Practical Symposium-September 2026
A September Practical Symposium – Saturday 5 September to Saturday 12 September 2026 This is a week-long practical hands on symposium, the aim being to demonstrate, explain and inspire, with a maximum of 12 attendees. 80% of the time will be outside in the garden and 20% indoors. Accommodation, meals, as well as transport to and from the hotel every…
5 September 2026 12:30 pm – 12 September 2026 8:00 amGreat Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam, TN31 6PH
Gardening with subtropical plants
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. Gain an insight into how Fergus and the team use subtropical…
14 September 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Growing and integrating summer bedding for late season interest
Introducing summer bedding to your borders is an excellent way to extend your garden’s season, maintaining interest and colour into the autumn. At Great Dixter we grow summer bedding plants from seed as well as using tender perennials and hardy subtropical plants to keep the display going. This day will teach you how to choose and grow summer bedding from…
15 September 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam, TN31 6PH