2 Day Workshop: Designing a London Garden
Dedicated to growing and gardening in London’s unique micro-climate, this workshop will guide you through making the most of the city’s capabilities, from planning and design to fruition. From understanding the potential of your site, to the practical steps you might take to see it actually take shape, and all the challenges you might encounter on the way.
Working with nature and ever mindful of the impact we gardeners can have on the environment, join this workshop and get the chance to look at your own site through the eyes of a professional.
Our Head Gardener Oli has successfully created countless urban gardens and guided clients to make the most appropriate decisions. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will encourage you to consider your next steps when planning your own green space. From the initial understanding of site, screening and aspect, to the urban microclimate, Oli will be guiding you on your journey to creating your own distinct urban paradise.
Whether you have just started creating your space or are in the middle of something exciting, join this workshop to energise and radicalise your thinking.
Areas that will be considered during this one day workshop will be:
The particularities of urban gardening - The Precious Space
Our responsibilities as custodians of the land
Site, aspect, boundaries, screening out the neighbours - satisfying nature's needs and our neighbours’ aesthetic sensibilities
Rising to the challenges of your own individual site
Gardens as a contribution, rather than a drain on, resources
Hard and soft landscaping
Utility areas, water, storage etc
The Art of Planting - evergreen and deciduous - trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, climbers and weeds -what, when, where and why?
Which plants and how to plant them - finding your style
Plant and colour palettes
pH and soil types - what action to take if any.
Participants are encouraged to bring along measurements of their gardens in metres and centimetres as we will be tackling scale drawings to get a true and realistic perspective of the space.
This is a 2 day workshop:
Day 1: Saturday 12 August 10am-3pm
Day 2: Sunday 13 August, 10am-3pm
Meet Oli
As the Head Gardener at Walworth Garden, Oli leads our team in challenging the mainstream gardener's impact on the natural world, and even the most commonplace horticultural norms.
He first became interested in the natural world and growing from a very early age, and has now gardened for more years than he hasn't. From years toddling around his dad's allotment watching the effects of harmful chemicals, artificial fertilisers and creosote, to growing wildlife gardens across London, Oli has paved a career working alongside nature, supporting our environment, and challenging our traditional customs.
Price: £150
Unfortunately there are no free places available for Southwark residents on August 2023 workshops. Please see any workshop October 2022 - July 2023 to claim a free place.