Held here at Babylon with our head of horticulture Rachael, this course is perfect for beginners.
Just starting your gardening journey?
This small group course is taught here on-site and will teach you the skills to develop your garden with a focus on wellbeing, wildlife and sustainability.
Course duration: 10 months
Start date: January 2026
Here’s what our previous students thought…
“I’ve really enjoyed the whole thing so far, great info, great demos, hands on experience that we can really adapt and use directly at home and I think the amount covered each week and the handouts are great.“
Annabelle
“Fabulous course. The joy of my month. I’ve shared it with anyone who will listen!”
Lyndsey
“Being in a small, friendly group learning about soil, plants and general gardening topics in a clear way at a sensible pace. I have especially enjoyed the hands on activities, such as root dividing, trimming/pruning, as I have been putting these to good use.“
Martin
“I’m a visual learner so the practical elements have been hugely helpful.”
Cat
Aims of the course
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Gain knowledge of plant groups and propagation techniques suited to each type of plant. Including growing from seed, cuttings and division.
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
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
DATES
Starting on Friday 16th January 2026. The course will then take place each month on the following dates:
February 13th, March 13th, April 17th, May 8th, June 12th, July 3rd, September 11th, October 9th, November 13th.
Please note:
• No classes in August or December.
• More dates will be added if this course becomes full.
TIME
Beginning at 9.30am and finishing at 1.00pm.
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
£490.00 Per person
Meet your teacher, Rachael Collins
Rachael is our head of horticulture here at Babylon. She 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.
What a typical lesson will look like
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
Please note:
This structure may alter each week depending on the class subject matter and the weather!
Sign up and book your place
Click the button to take you through to our Trybooking system where your payment details will be taken.
Any questions?
Please email Rachael at Babylon.
The location
Babylon is a unique destination for food, horticulture, home & lifestyle, located on the edge of the Ashdown Forest.