About Us
RHS award winning John Horsey Cert Ed MA runs private courses online and at Burrow Farm Gardens in Dalwood near 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.
John’s career started on a commercial chrysanthemum and cut flower nursery and following college he started as a gardener in a large amenity garden near Ringwood in Hampshire. He progressed to Head Gardener before leaving to start his own maintenance and landscape company with an emphasis on wildlife gardening.
John established a nursery specialising in alpines, aquatics and unusual perennials. His lifelong experience has resulted in many medals and awards at major RHS shows and other gardening events, with contributions to local radio and many talks and lectures to gardening and wildlife groups.
A Growing Fascination
John has had a fascination with the natural world since his earliest days and has travelled throughout Europe studying plants and animals and seeking ways in which we can grow our food crops and create gardens whilst still respecting and preserving the wonderful natural world around us. He is now a Fellow of The Linnean Society.
Following his lifelong interest in garden history John initiated, established and ran the Foundation Degree in Garden History and Heritage Horticulture at Hestercombe Gardens in association with the University of the West of England. John completed a Masters’ Degree in Garden History at the University of Bristol under Professor Timothy Mowl.
Burrow Farm Gardens
The courses take place in the Lecture Room at Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood, Axminster, East Devon, EX13 7ET
Burrow Farm Gardens is found in idyllic countryside between Honiton and Axminster in Devon. The Gardens are 13 acres of splendid colour throughout the year and were created by Mary and John Benger over 50 years ago.
Burrow Farm Gardens include a range of different styles including the Cottage Garden Terrace, the Rose Walk, Formal Rill Garden and an Anniversary Garden which features late summer flowering perennials and ornamental grasses.
The Woodland Garden, with is rich in Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs, is set in an ancient Roman clay pit and includes moisture loving plants and a natural pool. A stream runs the length of the Gardens with an Azalea Glade, various pools and associated bog plants which flank an extensive Wildflower Meadow.
Burrow Farm Gardens has a superb range of plants and gives an excellent opportunity for practical activities and plant identifications.
These landscaped Gardens showcase spacious lawns, unusual shrubs and trees and herbaceous borders beautifully.
Burrow Farm Gardens, Dalwood, Axminster, East Devon EX13 7ET
