My Gardening Courses for 2008 - 09
Location: The Friary, Maldon Essex
Whilst aimed at the beginner to help remove any anxieties about gardening, the experienced gardener should also get something from these informal, short courses. Each course lasts just one term, and consists of ten, two hour sessions. The three courses will cover three different areas of Horticulture, but with my 'gardening open areas' I like to encourage, we tend to look at just about anything! As you progress you will build up a fairly extensive portfolio to help you gain a better understanding of your garden. Each term is constructed as such:
Term 1: Getting Started. Back to basics with the aim of appreciating the more fundamental side of gardening. Topics will cover soil structure, the plant, seasonal planting and planting combinations.
Term 2: The Kitchen Garden. From the garden to the kitchen - create your own kitchen garden and involve the family too!
Term 3: Aspects Of Design. A look into the world of Garden Design - then be creative in your own garden and watch your ideas come to life!
For more information
Click Here
Gardening for Wildlife
Location: West Maldon Community Centre
Held in modern, comfortable surroundings this informal course aims to help us appreciate the role that gardening plays to our wildlife and gain an understanding of all aspects of gardening with our wildlife in mind. There are three ten week terms and each informal session lasts two hours with tea, coffee and biscuits provided during the break! Included in this course is practical work around the grounds of the centre.
Structure of the course:
Week 1 |
Course and term introduction. The impact of human activities to our ecology |
Week 2 |
Conservation – a look at the organizations that protect wildlife habitats in the wild |
Week 3 |
A look at specific countryside issues |
Week 4 |
Garden Ecology– a look at habitat formation and influences |
Week 5 |
Garden Ecology - continued |
Week 6 |
Our flora & fauna Part 1. An extensive study of the many creatures that live with us. By understanding how they live helps us appreciate them more, hopefully! |
Week 7 |
Our flora & fauna Part 1- continued |
Week 8 |
Our flora & fauna Part 1- continued |
Week 9 |
Our flora & fauna Part 1- continued |
Week 10 |
Review the module |
Week 11 |
Introduction to the term. Habitat creation – creating safe places for wildlife. |
Week 12 |
Habitat creation - continued |
Week 13 |
Habitat creation - continued |
Week 14 |
Attracting and feeding wildlife – native plants and providing shelter and food |
Week 15 |
Attracting and feeding wildlife - continued |
Week 16 |
Attracting and feeding wildlife - continued |
Week 17 |
Attracting and feeding wildlife - continued |
Week 18 |
Habitat maintenance – a look at tools, methods and safe practice |
Week 19 |
Maintenance – continued |
Week 20 |
Review the module |
Week 21 |
Introduction to the term. Ecological and Organic principles – a look at the link between the two. A study of relating these principles to our garden |
Week 22 |
Ecological and Organic principles – continued |
Week 23 |
Principles of Garden Design – how we can tailor them to our nature reserve |
Week 24 |
Our flora & fauna Part 2; The Plants – an extensive study of indigenous plants |
Week 25 |
Our flora & fauna Part 2- continued |
Week 26 |
The Design – relating all we have discussed throughout the course to a possible design for a garden that fulfills both the needs of the wildlife and ourselves! |
Week 27 |
The design - continued |
Week 28 |
The design – continued. A look at the garden as it develops |
Week 29 |
The design - continued |
Week 30 |
Review the term and the course |
Do you run a gardening club or group?
Are you a member of one?
Would your group or club fancy a talk on gardening?
I am often asked to give a talk on various gardening topics.
Please contact me for information regarding my talks or enrolling on the Gardening for Wildlife Course. |
|
