Courses & Events

Barnsdale Courses

Barnsdale Courses

All our 2010 courses are listed below with a brief summary of their content and any fees payable. All courses can be easily booked online by clicking here.

For any further information please call 01572 813200.

If you wish to add your name to our mailing list for details of any future courses, please subscribe to Free membership.

Please note:

  • Friends of Barnsdale Gardens Card Holders will receive a discount on all courses. Please telephone to book your course to ensure you receive your discount.
  • The fee for each course includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Fees for full-day and two-day courses include lunch (not RHS courses), tea, coffee and biscuits.
  • Materials and/or tools for courses will be provided where necessary and are included in the cost, except for art classes where individuals must bring their own equipment. Our regular tutor, Sandra Peck, can provide some art essentials at cost, so please ask when booking.
Watercolour Painting Day - Creative and Colourful 19 January 10.30am - 4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck Try a bold and exciting approach. How to liven up your flower paintings and create stunning images.
 
Winter at Barnsdale 20 January 10.30am-12.30pm £15.00 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
Take a very special tour around the Gardens with Nick Hamilton to look at the highlights at this magical time of year. Nick will talk about why and how individual gardens were created and point out the plants and trees that are at their prime during winter and the best place to put them in a garden.
 
Watercolour Painting Day  - Blue Hyacinths 16 February 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
An easy and effective way to capture these gorgeous heavily scented flowers using lots of wet-into-wet techniques.
 
Two-Day Construction Course 27-28 February 9.30am-5pm £195
For full details of this hands-on course, covering all you need to know for designing and constructing the hard surfaces and planting areas in a garden contact the course tutors; award-winning garden designers, Adam Frost (01572 813151), or David Stevens (01280 821097).
 
Basics of Vegetable Growing 4 March 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton                           For the complete novice, this course will lay down all the basics required to begin vegetable growing. Topics covered will include soil types, soil requirements, cultivation, propagation, growing on, planting out and the requirements of crops in order to achieve an abundant harvest. 
 
Growing in Raised Beds 4 March 2pm-4pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
A look at the benefits of growing in raised beds and the vegetables that are particularly suited to this environment. Subjects include; materials, bed construction, soils and soil mixes and cultivation.  FULLY BOOKED
Additional course being arranged for 18th March 2pm-4pm, please phone for details.
 
Spring Flower Photography 7 March 9.30am-4.30pm £65 Tutor: Hemant Jariwala
Hemant Jariwala offers an introduction to flower photography for both occasional and enthusiast photographers, focusing on the plants that are at their prime in the spring . Effective visual communication skill is the key to successful image making, and Hemant illustrates this with examples from his own portfolio. Then, once you have an understanding of the photographic process of capturing the beauty of botanical plants, you can put theory into practice in Barnsdale’s beautiful and varied gardens.
 
Introduction to Growing Organic Vegetables 9 March10.30am-3.30pm £55 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This one-day course is aimed at both gardening novices and those who want to know more about growing vegetables organically. The day begins by looking at organic principles, soil types, nutrients and organic fertilisers. After lunch in the Barnsdale Tea Room, we look at various organic matters and the pros and cons of each, pest and disease problems and how to cope with them organically and finally, how to achieve effective crop rotation. The course combines classroom learning with practical, ‘on the vegetable plot' discussions and there is full set of handouts provided at the end of the day.
 
RHS Watercolour Painting Day – Spring Flowers 16 March 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Learn how to paint sunlit, translucent, beautifully shaped petals and leaves with just a few brushstrokes and little or no drawing. Choose from a selection of fresh blooms.
This course is run by Sandra especially for the Royal Horticultural Society, so to book a place please contact the RHS Ticket Line on 08456 121253.
 
Rose Pruning 17 March 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Jon Brocklebank
This practical course, led by our Head Gardener, Jon, illustrates how and when each type of rose should be pruned using simple step-by-step demonstrations.
 
Rose Pruning 17 March 2pm-4pm £17.50 Tutor: Jon Brocklebank
This practical course, led by our Head Gardener, Jon, illustrates how and when each type of rose should be pruned using simple step-by-step demonstrations.
 
Spring at Barnsdale 25 March 10.30am-12.30pm £15 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
Take a special guided tour around the Gardens with Nick Hamilton at this inspirational time of year. Nick will consider all the individual Gardens and adjoining borders and will point out some of his favourites, as well as the plants and trees that are in their prime at this time of year.
 
Plant Propogation 1 April 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This course covers the different forms of vegetative plant propagation; stem cuttings, root cutting, leaf cuttings, division and layering. In- and outdoor practical demonstrations include a wide range of plants and, at the end the session, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to be able to propagate almost any plant in their garden using the methods shown.
 
Composting 6 April 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
Being able to compost all that free material that we generate at home and in the garden is an exciting thought. This course will show you how! We look at what can and cannot be composted, the requirements of a compost heap, activators, turning a heap and the pros and cons of each type of compost bin.
 
Vegetables all the Year Round 7 April 10am-3.30pm £55 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This full-day course, aimed at both experienced and novice vegetables growers, combines classroom learning with practical, 'on the vegetable plot' discussions to provide the knowledge to achieve year-round produce from the garden. The course starts by considering the vegetables that can be had every month of the year, either fresh from the garden or from stored produce. Different vegetables and specific varieties that contribute to an earlier or longer season are considered as well as the important topic of propagation by seed. Nick takes the class through growing in beds using the mild and hot bed system, crop storage, the importance of catch crops, as well as materials that can be used to extend the growing season. At the end of the course, attendees will be able to plan and implement a cropping programme that will give them vegetables all year round.   FULLY BOOKED
 
Designing with Plants 10 April 10am-4pm £85 Tutor: Adam Frost
For many people, the most important part of a garden is the planting. Whether it is romantic, dreamy, a cottage garden style, minimalistic or a restrained plant selection, then award winning garden designer and landscape contractor Adam Frost's new planting design course can help you achieve your aim. Using the gardens at Barnsdale, he will explain in an inspirational and easy to follow manner his skills in planting for beautiful colour, foliage and texture combinations to achieve both structured and beautiful borders. For full details of this course and to book please contact Adam Frost on 01572 813151.
 
Pruning Shrubs 14 April 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Jon Brocklebank
Our Head Gardener, Jon Brocklebank, tackles the gardening task that seems to be feared by most in this practical two-hour session. Jon demonstrates how to prune shrubs in each of the various pruning groups by working on plants in
Barnsdale Gardens, highlighting any special techniques as he goes along.
 
Watercolour Painting Day - The Potting Shed 15 April 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Follow a step-by-step demonstration to capture the charm of this delightful little gem, complete with hanging baskets and terracotta pots.
 
RHS Watercolour Painting Day - Lilac 11 May 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
An absolute favourite and it’s not as difficult as you might imagine to capture the essence of these romantic, intoxicating blossoms in loose watercolour.
This course is run by Sandra especially for the Royal Horticultural Society, so to book a place please telephone the RHS Ticket Line on 08456 121253.
 
Watercolour Painting Day – Poppies 10 June 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Such a gorgeous subject; learn how to show the brilliance of colour, the translucency and gentle folds of the petals in watercolour.
 
Garden Photography 13 June 9.30am-4.30pm £65 Tutor: Hemant Jariwala
Hemant Jariwala’s one-day introductory course is ideal for both occasional and enthusiast photographers who would like to take away memories of the special places they have visited. You will develop an understanding of garden design and how to express this as a photographic composition – formal or private. Hemant uses examples from his own portfolio to introduce this concept, and you will be able to put some of these ideas into practice around Barnsdale’s beautiful and varied gardens.
 
Dry and Damp - The Two Extremes of Gardening 24 June 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50                          Tutor: Nick Hamilton
As an expert plantsman, Nick Hamilton provides practical help and advice about gardening in more challenging conditions. This course looks the extremes of dry and damp gardens and considers plants that are ideally suited for each environment.
 
Summer Flower Photography 18 July 9.30am-4.30pm £65 Tutor: Hemant Jariwala
Hemant Jariwala offers an introduction to flower photography for both occasional and enthusiast photographers, focusing on the plants that are at their very best in the summer . Effective visual communication skill is the key to successful image making, and Hemant illustrates this with examples from his own portfolio. Then, once you have an understanding of the photographic process of capturing the beauty of botanical plants, you can put theory into practice in Barnsdale’s beautiful and varied gardens.
 
Watercolour Painting Day – Sweet Peas 29 July 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Capture the delicacy and daintiness of these exquisite garden favourites, whilst inhaling their delicious scent, fresh-picked from the garden.
 
Watercolour Painting Day – Garden Views 24 August 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
How to select a focal point and then, making the most of wet-into-wet loose washes, paint lovely views from the garden.
 
Gardening in Shade 24 August 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This short course considers plants that are suitable for growing in various shade situations and covers methods that can be used to improve the conditions so as to broaden the scope for planting. Indoor tuition is combined with outdoor exploration of the plants being discussed in BarnsdaleGardens.
 
Growing Under Glass 25 August 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
The prime focus for this informative session is to look at fruiting vegetables that can be grown under glass. The course covers structures available, what can be grown, the propagation of vegetables, requirements for a successful harvest as well as pests and disease control and concludes with the maintenance of your chosen structure.
 
Watercolour Painting Day - Fuchsias 16 September 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Beautiful flowers, gorgeous colours and a chance to try out some exciting wet-into-wet backgrounds.
 
Composting 22 September 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
Being able to compost all that free material that we generate at home and in the garden is an exciting thought. This course will show you how! We look at what can and cannot be composted, the requirements of a compost heap, activators, turning a heap and the pros and cons of each type of compost bin.
 
Preparing Your Garden for Winter 30 September 10am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
Although the term, 'putting your garden to bed for winter' no longer really applies there are a lot of jobs that need to be done before winter descends. Part tutorial and part looking at specific jobs in the Gardens, this is a practical guide for any gardener.
 
Growing Soft Fruit 5 October 10.30am–12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This course looks at a wide range of soft fruit that can be grown fresh in the garden and covers soil requirements, aspect, growing conditions, training and pruning. The day starts with a tutorial before moving out into the Gardens to consider the soft fruits grown at Barnsdale.
 
Rose Pruning 6 October 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Jon Brocklebank
This practical course, led by our Head Gardener, Jon, illustrates how and when each type of rose should be pruned using simple step-by-step demonstrations.
 
Rose Pruning 6 October 2pm-4pm £17.50 Tutor: Jon Brocklebank
This practical course, led by our Head Gardener, Jon, illustrates how and when each type of rose should be pruned using simple step-by-step demonstrations.
 
Watercolour Painting Day - Waterfall 12 October 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Follow a step-by-step demonstration to capture fast flowing water, splashes and texture on rocks.
 
Introduction to Growing Organic Vegetables 13 October 10.30am-3.30pm £55                                   Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This one-day course is aimed at both gardening novices and those who want to know more about growing vegetables organically. The day begins by looking at organic principles, soil types, nutrients and organic fertilisers. After lunch in the Barnsdale Tea Room, we look at various organic matters and the pros and cons of each, pest and disease problems and how to cope with them organically and finally, how to achieve effective crop rotation. The course combines classroom learning with practical, ‘on the vegetable plot' discussions and there is full set of handouts provided at the end of the day.
 
Pruning Shrubs 14 October 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Jon Brocklebank
Our Head Gardener, Jon Brocklebank, tackles the gardening task that seems to be feared by most in this practical two-hour session. Jon demonstrates how to prune shrubs in each of the various pruning groups by working on plants in BarnsdaleGardens, highlighting any special techniques as he goes along.
 
Simple Garden Design 14 October 7pm-9pm £17.50 Tutor: Adam Frost
The aim of this short course is to give attendees the knowledge and confidence to carry out some basic garden design for their own outdoor spaces. The tutor, Adam Frost, is a Chelsea Gold Medal winning garden designer and is also an expert landscape gardener, which makes him one of the very best in his field.
 
Autumn at Barnsdale 17 October 10:30am - 12:30pm £15 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
Take a special guided tour around the Gardens with Nick Hamilton at this colourful time of year. Nick will consider all the individual Gardens and adjoining borders and will point out some of his favourite specimens, as well as the plants and trees that are particularly noteworthy at this time of year.
 
Vegetables all the Year Round 19 October 10am-3.30pm £55 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This full-day course, aimed at both experienced and novice vegetables growers, combines classroom learning with practical, 'on the vegetable plot' discussions to provide the knowledge to achieve year-round produce from the garden. The course starts by considering the vegetables that can be had every month of the year, either fresh from the garden or from stored produce. Different vegetables and specific varieties that contribute to an earlier or longer season are considered as well as the important topic of propagation by seed. Nick takes the class through growing in beds using the mild and hot bed system, crop storage, the importance of catch crops, as well as materials that can be used to extend the growing season. At the end of the course, attendees will be able to plan and implement a cropping programme that will give them vegetables all year round. 
 
Garden Photography 24th October 9.30am-4.30pm £65 Tutor: Hemant Jariwala
Hemant Jariwala’s one-day introductory course is ideal for both occasional and enthusiast photographers who would like to take away memories of the special places they have visited. You will develop an understanding of garden design and how to express this as a photographic composition – formal or private. Hemant uses examples from his own portfolio to introduce this concept, and you will be able to put some of these ideas into practice around Barnsdale’s beautiful and varied gardens.
 
Watercolour Painting Day – Sunlit Flowers 9 November 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
Observing light and techniques that you can use to paint it, to really bring life and wow factor to your flower paintings.
 
Plant Propagation 10 November 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
This course covers the different forms of vegetative plant propagation; stem cuttings, root cutting, leaf cuttings, division and layering. In- and outdoor practical demonstrations include a wide range of plants and, at the end the session, attendees will have the knowledge and confidence to be able to propagate almost any plant in their garden using the methods shown.
 
Two Day Garden Design Course 13-14 November 9.30am-5pm £195
For full details of this practical course, covering all you need to create your own unique garden design contact the course tutors; award-winning garden designers, Adam Frost (01572 813151), or David Stevens (01280 821097).
 
Pruning Fruit Trees 17 November 10.30am-12.30pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
The subject of pruning seems to send fear through the hearts of most gardeners. The tutorial and practical demonstrations included in this course will provide attendees with the basic knowledge and confidence they need to train and prune a wide range of fruit trees, including; apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines and figs.
 
Pruning Fruit Trees 17 November 2pm-4pm £17.50 Tutor: Nick Hamilton
The subject of pruning seems to send fear through the hearts of most gardeners. The tutorial and practical demonstrations included in this course will provide attendees with the basic knowledge and confidence they need to train and prune a wide range of fruit trees, including; apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines and figs. 
 
Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop 28 November, 10.30am-12.30pm £22.50 Tutor: Julie Trolove
Julie Trolove shows you how to make a beautiful natural wreath to take home. This relaxed and friendly morning course includes detailed demonstrations, festive refreshments and all materials - a lovely way to start the holiday season.
 
Watercolour Painting Day Winter Scenes 2 December 10.30am-4pm £65 Tutor: Sandra Peck
When snow falls it turns everywhere into a winter wonderland. Follow step-by-step demonstrations to paint enchanting scenes that may be used to make your own unique Christmas cards.

 

To book on any of the above courses please click here