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.
The Diploma in Horticulture
This Diploma covers the full range of Gardening, Garden Design and Horticultural topics. It has a strong emphasis on the Conservation of the Ecology of the garden, showing how to garden well whilst still preserving the natural environment and encouraging wildlife. It strongly supports the principles of sustainability and organic growing.
The full Diploma covers three years and starts in September but students only need to make an annual commitment of one day per week for 25 weeks plus study tours over the academic year. The course fee for each year is £595.00.
The course is highly successful and most of our students return to complete Years Two and Three.
Course days always start with a discussion of topical tasks for the week, a look at any news articles such as new legislation, plant varieties and appropriate pests and diseases. There is sufficient flexibility in the schedule to allow discussion on any topics or problems which might be relevant to you at the time. Each week we look in detail at a group of specific plants to aid with their identification and cultivation.
We also look at a range of garden plants and techniques by visits to other Gardens in the South West and beyond including study tours which frequently travel abroad.
The Diploma in Horticulture | Modules for Year One
Horticultural Skills
An Introduction to the Basic Horticultural Skills of Plant Identification, Site Assessment, Cultivations, Planting, Pruning and Propagation
Plant Knowledge & Botany
Plant Identification Features, Life Cycles, Classification, Structure, Function, Reproduction and Breeding
Soil Management
Soil Formation, Composition, Structure, pH, Nutrients, Fertilizers, Manures and Management
Plant Propagation
Propagation Techniques from Seed Sowing, through the Range of Cuttings, Division, Layering, Budding and Grafting with Post Propagation Care
The Diploma in Horticulture | Modules for Year Two
Garden Design
The Process of Design from Customer Consultation, Site Assessment, Measurements, The Production of a Range of Plans through to the Installation of Hard and Soft Landscaping
Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
The Range of Trees, Shrubs, Conifers, Hedging Plants, Climbers and Wall Shrubs and their use in Garden Design
Decorative Horticulture
The Range and Use of Herbaceous Perennials, Annuals, Ground Cover Plants, Bulbs, Aquatic and Alpine Plants, Herbs, Turf, Ornamental Grasses and Container Grown Subjects
Plant Protection
Control and Identification of Plant Pests, Diseases, Disorders and Weeds with An emphasis on Organic Control Measures and Natural Predators
The Diploma in Horticulture | Modules for Year Three
Fruit and Vegetables
The Cultivation of the full range of Vegetables, Soft and Top Fruit. The different Techniques and Alternative Growing Methods
Organic Growing
Alternative Growing Methods, Companion Planting, Organic Principles, Cultivation, Plant Protection, Organisations and Standards
Conservation & Wildlife Gardening
Conservation History and Legislation, World Biomes, Ecological Principles, Protected Species, Creation and Management of Wildlife Ponds and Woodland Edge, Conservation Programmes and Identification of Native Species
Amenity Horticulture
Plants for Winter Interest, Shade and Drought. The use of Mediterranean, Japanese, Prairie and Gravel Gardens and their Plants
Garden History Certificate
This course traces the development of gardens through history looking at styles, people, influences and plants. It starts with the First Gardens in the Fertile Crescent and the Mediterranean; Persian, Egyptian, Moghul, Islamic, then Greek, Roman and Moorish Renaissance Gardens are examined through Italian Influences then investigating French, Dutch and other European Styles.
Early English Gardens cover the period to 1700 and include Mediaeval, Tudor, Dutch and Early Formal Gardens, gardens from other areas of the world include Chinese, Japanese and American.
The Development of the English Landscape Garden covers the work of Bridgeman, Kent, Vanbrugh, Burlington, Gibbs, Pope and Lancelot Brown.
Eighteenth Century Gardens investigate the Ferme Ornée, Rococo, Gardenesque, Picturesque and Regency Styles.
The More Recent Gardens examines Victorian, Edwardian, Arts and Crafts, Modernist, Plant Collectors and Modern Gardens.
This course includes visits to a range of historic heritage gardens at home and abroad.
Saturday Workshops
A range of topics will be offered throughout the year including: Plant Identification, Pruning, Garden Design, Propagation, Botany for Gardeners, Ponds, Herbaceous Borders, Hanging Baskets, Fruit and Vegetables, the Autumn garden, the Winter garden.
We will also be offering complete novice to gardening workshops aimed at absolute beginners.
Other topics can be arranged.
Cost per day is £65 including Refreshments , Lunch and entrance to the Gardens of Burrow Farm.
Bespoke one-to-one courses can be arranged by appointment.
For more details please get in touch.
14th July – Where to Start with my Garden?
New to gardening or taking over an existing garden? This workshop will start you off and show you how to identify and rejuvenate garden worthy plants, how to clear away those plants not required and help you plan and plant for the future.
This workshop is for those with an existing, planted garden.
28th July – Wildlife in the Garden
We look at the range of garden wildlife and how to identify the insects, birds and other animals you may find there. We will suggest ways of encouraging wildlife as well as dealing with those you may find less welcome.
11th August – Summer in the Garden
Discover the range of plants flowering and looking good at this time of year. We suggest how to grow and maintain them and also look at other tasks which need to be carried out now to keep your garden looking its best.
18th August – Organic Gardening
We discuss the benefits of organic growing and suggest ways of increasing the yields of your vegetables and dealing with pests in a sustainable and organic manner.
1st September – Border Design
Look at ways of setting out borders or larger areas of the garden to create year-round interest.
15th September – Winter Bulbs & Containers
From wellington boots to water barrels, many containers can be planted with winter interest plants and bulbs to give colour throughout the dull months.
If you have a question about one of our courses, please do get in touch.