Courses in Horticulture & Garden History

Are you interested in increasing your plant knowledge and gardening skills?  Are you looking for a practical do-it-yourself garden design course?  All in a comfortable, friendly environment with no exams or assessments?

A Bit About Us

RHS award winning John Horsey MA runs private courses in Axminster, Devon. The courses allow more time for learning and avoid the stress of examinations and assignments. This is the basis of the Diploma in Horticulture as well as the Certificate in Garden History.

Our Courses

Our Diploma in Horticulture and Garden History courses are designed to give you a detailed and working knowledge without the stress of examinations, assessments or assignments. The emphasis is very much on conservation, sustainability and ecology within the environment.

Burrow Farm Gardens

The courses take place in the purpose-built meeting room at Burrow Farm Gardens at Dalwood, near Axminster on the Devonshire/Somerset county boundaries. The very extensive gardens themselves, have been created over the last 50 years with a range of different styles.

Our Story

Come and learn about Gardening, Garden Design and the History of Gardens in the beautiful, relaxed surroundings of Burrow Farm Gardens at Dalwood near Axminster in Devon. There is a purpose built teaching room in a converted barn as well as access to the garden for plant identifications and practical sessions.

 

Our courses are designed to give you a detailed and working knowledge of horticulture, garden design and garden history but without the stress of examinations, assessments or assignments.  The emphasis is very much on conservation, sustainability and ecology within the environment.  The courses run for one day a week throughout the school academic year.

 

Enjoy time spent with new, like minded friends in an idyllic setting on the Somerset/ Devon border.

 

This September we are offering the Certificate in Garden History and the Diploma in Horticulture will start again in 2019, but there is always an option to join in with existing groups.

 

Students who complete the courses with suitable attendance and application are awarded the appropriate certificates.

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Our Latest News

Have you taken a trip to Cornwall but stopping by China, South America and maybe Mount Everest too? That is what our Garden Historians did when they visited the gardens of Trewidden, Glendurgan, Trebah, Trengwainton, Tregerhan and last but not least St Michael’s Mount for...

10/07/2018

Have you taken a trip to Cornwall but stopping by China, South America and maybe Mount Everest too? That is what our Garden Historians did when they visited the gardens of Trewidden, Glendurgan, Trebah, Trengwainton, Tregerhan and last but not least St Michael’s Mount for...

18/01/2018
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What Our Students Say

Take a look at what some of our past students had to say about us, the gardens & our courses.

  • It was another perfect day today. So much of that was due to the enormous effort which you put in. When I first met you all those years ago it did not occur to me for a moment that your courses would bring such pleasure. You have contributed so much to the time which I have spent down here. Thank you.

    E.L

  • For your info I think the course is wonderful. Your notes are very comprehensive and provide ample sources for further research. I am sure it will go from strength to strength. I will encourage anyone I know who might be interested to get in touch.

    J.L

  • ... A big thank you for all your hard work in getting the course to happen in the first place and making it possible for all of us to share in such a memorable experience. Your enthusiasm for the subject passed on to me and now I am addicted! Your kindness and support throughout the ups and downs is also much appreciated. I enjoyed every minute and your knowledge opened my eyes to a whole new world...

    J.B

  • ... congratulations on the very high standard of work from a significant number of students. I would like to thank John Horsey in particular for his considerable efforts in designing and delivering the programme (along with all the team members)...

    Richard Spalding