This course is about selecting the right plants for dry spaces in the garden and looking at current thinking around water conservation for plants in a changing climate.
This workshop is part of a series with expert garden designer Rachel Owen. These workshops will teach you everything you need to know about creating the garden you have always dreamed of.
The morning will start with the current environmental trends we have seen over the last few years and a discussion around the future of garden creation and care. We will look at the needs of plants and how they have adapted to cope in a range of environmental conditions.
After lunch we will look at the types of plants that can cope with a changing climate and can work with the extremes of fluctuating weather patterns. We will look at possible plant combinations that share similar water needs and how the combination of plants can reduce water loss. We will also look at the basics of water conservation and solutions around water management in gardens.
Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham. Our dedicated space for courses, is a light airy and spacious place to learn.
Rachel teaches in small groups which ensures everyone gets the opportunity to practice, and time to ask questions.
This course is for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of colour in the garden. It is a fun day where we will explore the many ways that colour can be used and how this can help us make plant choices for our own gardens. No experience is needed in art or plants just enthusiasm and a love of colour!
The day will be class based and may be a bit messy so please bring an old t-shirt to protect your clothes.
An engaging talk with demonstrations, from a gardening expert.
Refreshments
Please bring a packed lunch with you
Tutor:Rachel Owen is a designer with 30 years’ experience, working from concept through to build.
Alongside her background in horticulture and design, in recent years she has focused on urban forestry and the protection of trees in the landscape, promoting resilience and longevity. She has recently completed an MSc in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry and manages the health of urban trees within Sussex daily. Rachel is also part of a Community Interest Company creating a large-scale land-based Centre for Resilience in East Sussex. This project will be a flag ship for agroecological farming, resilience planting and support environmental regeneration and land stewardship.
Rachel has a passion for soil health, plants, our relationship with the landscape, and tailors her teaching to suit learners from beginners to professionals.
Early Bird Ticket: £80
Standard Ticket: £95
Saturday 5th June 2027
10:30am – 3:30pm
Sussex Garden School Studio, at Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, Nr Horsham, RH13 8NR
Once you have booked, you will receive an email confirmation of your booking – please check your junk email folder if you do not hear from us.
Shortly before the workshop, you will receive another email from us, giving your directions and any joining instructions – please check your junk email folder if you do not hear from us.
Gardening Workshops by Rachel happen throughout the year at the Sussex Garden School Studio (RH13 8NR) and pre-booking is essential. These small-group sessions, led by expert gardener Rachel, cover essential skills to help your garden thrive—whether it’s choosing trees, planting design for future climates, making the most of difficult garden spaces or the art of planting design. Check out Rachel’s other workshops:
admin@julietsargeant.com
Tel: 01273 834 083
Sussex Garden School
Oak Studio
Old Barn Nurseries
Worthing Road, Dial Post
Horsham RH13 8NU
