Learn @ Babylon

Who’s this course for?

FOR BEGINNERS AND NOVICES
This course is perfect if you’re just starting your gardening journey and it will also suit novice gardeners wishing to gain more skills and knowledge to develop their own gardens.

Aims of the course

UNDERSTAND YOUR GARDEN
Get to know your garden’s soil and microclimate as well as the plants that will thrive in these conditions and give interest throughout the year

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Gain knowledge of plant groups and propagation techniques suited to each type of plant. Including growing from seed, cuttings and division.

GROWING TECHNIQUES
Learn how to grow herbs and vegetables on a domestic scale and how these can be incorporated into the ornamental garden.

NUTURE & WELLBEING
Become familiar with the five pillars of wellbeing and how to experience and develop your garden within these principles. 

SUSTAINABILITY AND ECOLOGY
You will be guided through the process of developing your garden with a positive impact on the environment including plants for pollinators, habitat creation and natural management of ‘weeds’ ‘pests’ and disease.

Dates and details

DATE & TIME
The start date is 10th January 2025. The course will take place on the 2nd Friday of each month. Beginning at 9.30am and finishing at 1.00pm.
December dates will run a week earlier on 05/12/2025

If the first batch of classes are filled then we will offer a further course on another date.

DURATION
The course will last for 12 months.

CLASS SIZE
With a maximum of eight participants that classes are small enough to ensure that you’ll benefit from Rachael’s expertise.

THE COST

£360 Per person

Meet your teacher

RACHAEL COLLINS
Head of horticulture at Babylon

Rachael is RHS certified and has over ten years experience working in a wide range of horticultural fields. She has a passion for sustainable horticulture and what this means in a practical sense for gardens and gardeners.

Lesson structure

9.30am – 10.00am
Welcome talk and observations of the seasons

10.00 – 10.45am
Theory

10.45am – 11.15am
Break for tea (Herbal infusion from the herb garden).

11.15am – 11.45am
Practical activity  introduction

11.45am – 11.50am
Stretch/ Breathing

11.50am – 12.45pm
Practical activity

12.45pm – 1.00pm
Questions and home learning : A piece of work to be completed at home focusing on using what has been learnt and applying it to your own garden (Not assessed) for your own information.

Please note:
This structure may alter slightly each week depending on what the focus is that month and the weather!

The location

Location
The Gardening for Wellbeing course will be held Babylon Eco Centre, a welcoming destination for food and horticulture located on the edge of the Ashdown Forest.