Wondering which is the best tree for your garden? Trees are long-lived and can be quite an investment in money and time. Join tree expert Rachel Owen for a guide to buying & nurturing the perfect tree for your situation and our changing climate.
Trees are the largest plants in your garden and one of the biggest investments you will make for creating a beautiful outdoor space. The wrong tree, in the wrong place can be quite a problem, but the right tree will give you pleasure for many years to come. With our rapidly changing climate, even experts are challenged to make the right tree choices.
Rachel Owen works throughout Sussex advising on tree planting and health. She has recently completed an MSc covering the most up-to-date research on arboriculture.
Join Rachel for an introduction into different tree species, what they need to thrive, and how to make good choices for the future. The afternoon will look at the habits of different trees and the way they grow in response to environmental factors. Then there’s time to look at your own spaces and work through examples of which species could thrive or struggle in your garden.
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.
The Group:
Rachel teaches in small groups which ensures everyone gets the opportunity to practice, and time to ask questions.
This course is for anyone thinking of planting one or a few trees. It is a day that will make you feel more informed and able to understand the way trees grow. Rachel will help you make good tree choices and avoid decisions that you may come to regret!
No experience is needed just bring along photos of the areas you are thinking of growing trees, details about the garden and distance from buildings and ponds.
The day will be class-based but we will be looking at plants in the nursery and looking at sizes, species and the way trees are grown to help you make informed choices.
An engaging talk with demonstrations, from a gardening expert.
Light refreshments
Please bring a packed lunch
Tutor:Rachel Owen is a designer with 30 years’ experience, working from concept through to build.
Alongside her background in horticulture and design, she is an expert in 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 25th September 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 other courses:
admin@julietsargeant.com
Tel: 01273 834 083
Sussex Garden School
Oak Studio
Old Barn Nurseries
Worthing Road, Dial Post
Horsham RH13 8NU
