Calendar of forthcoming events

Using the garden as our ‘canvas’ and short extracts of text, we will explore how Shakespeare used flowers and herbs in his plays. This half-day will also include a tour of the gardens and will demonstrate how we can plant ‘Shakespearean’ plants in our garden to promote organic gardening.

*Over the past 50 years, our culinary horizons have expanded massively to take in food from many cultures. However, many of us are unaware that much of this food has successfully been grown on UK allotments for years. This course will provide an introduction to crops such as Calaloo from Jamaica, Dudi from Bangladesh, Methi from India and Chomolia from Zimbabwe. It will include growing tips, advice on preparation and a tour of the exotic garden to see the plants growing in situ.

*Care of the soil should be at the heart of every organic garden.This course is an introduction of soil types, structure, sustainable management, cultivations and water use, leading on to how to assess soil conditions.

*Healthy soil is the key to growing healthy plants. Learn how to make compost and leafmould and create a comfrey liquid feed in this fascinating afternoon course with Garden Organic’s experts.

Join garden writer, presenter and Garden Organic ambassador Alys Fowler as she demonstrates how to preserve your garden produce through lactic fermentation and other traditional methods.

* Learn all about growing for seed, why seed should be saved, and how to save seed with our experts from the Heritage Seed Library. Based on our own Seed Saving Guidelines and focusing on vegetables, this course includes a practical seed-cleaning demonstration and tour of the Gardens to observe seed-heads and fruits. You will also learn about different plant groups and how to select for particular characteristics.

*Learn how to bake beautiful bread. This course will equip you with the technique for making soft dough and give you the confidence to experiment at home. All aspects of bread making are covered, from understanding ingredients and how to use and maintain the equipment, to proving and baking the dough. Bring a large sandwich box for your bread.

Learn all about the wide range of organic strategies that you can use to keep your garden growing healthily, and measures you can use against specific pests and diseases. Includes an introduction to beneficial insects, crop rotation, companion planting and more.

On this practical course, you will learn about safety in the garden, different cutting tools and their maintenance, and various pruning and cutting techniques. After a demonstration, you will have an opportunity to practise and by the end of the session you will have the confidence to tackle your own basic pruning.

*A bit of structured planning can help you get the best from your vegetable patch now, and in future years. Pauline Pears, who has grown her own vegetables organically at home and on allotments, for 20 years, will introduce you to the ‘tools’ you need to get the best from your plot including choosing vegetables, rotations, soil management, extending the season and filling the hungry gap.

*Create your own seasonal decorations using natural materials. This is a practical workshop, using willow and other materials to make wreaths, garlands, wall hangings, stars and tree decorations to take home.