This course looks at the background thinking behind designing spaces using plants. It is a basic introduction into how spaces can be approached using basic principles and layer techniques and will enable you to look through the eyes of established designers.
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 by looking at what planting design is, and why it can all feel overwhelming. We will look at how choices can be made through shape, form and habit and look at the basic principles that can guide us to choose plants that sit well in a space.
After lunch we will look at the composition of a bed and the layer technique. We will study planting schemes created by current garden designers and look at the way they build layers to achieve a certain effect. Our focus will then turn to your planting beds and see how these theories and techniques can be used as way to start making decisions about your own 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 an insight into the way a designer thinks about plants. The course is taught in a theoretical way, so an understanding of plants is not essential but always useful.
No design experience is needed just bring along photos of the areas you are thinking of replanting and details about the garden and what kind of plants you like.
The day will be class based but we will be looking at plants in the nursery to gain a better understanding of their characteristics.
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 10th April 2027
10am – 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 courses in 2026:
admin@julietsargeant.com
Tel: 01273 834 083
Sussex Garden School
Oak Studio
Old Barn Nurseries
Worthing Road, Dial Post
Horsham RH13 8NU
