Short Course and Study Days 2010

Welcome to our programme of talks and courses for adults at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst Place.

All profit from these courses and events contributes to the vital work of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Wakehurst Place.

With interest in vegetable gardening still running high we’re adding in another Asparagus to Zucchini of Vegetable Gardening course at Wakehurst Place in May where we will have access to an attractive and productive vegetable plot for demonstrations during the day. Be quick if you wish to book a place – this course proved very popular last year.

In April at Kew we will be welcoming David Wilson, Manager of the Duchy Home Farm, who will be speaking about Organic Farming at Highgrove. He is both an engaging and knowledgeable speaker and the story behind this successful and viable working farm is definitely not to be missed.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kew or Wakehurst Place over the coming months.

Sarah Oldridge
Adult Education Co-ordinator

MONTHLY COURSE PLANNER 2010

FEBRUARY
17 Orchids for Beginners - KEW
A one day course on how to grow your own orchids

23 Lecture: Finding Mr Wilson - KEW
Ernest Wilson was the foremost plant collector of his generation, responsible for introducing over 1,000 species to our gardens in the West.

25 NEW - Introduction to Coppicing - WAKEHURST
Come and spend the day in a coppice camp in Pearcelands Wood on this new outdoor course.

MARCH
4 Living Willow Seats - WAKEHURST
Create your own living willow seat

25 Lecture: The Honey Bee - KEW
Gateway to biology, cultural icon and agricultural helper

APRIL
8 More Willow Designs - WAKEHURST
Make a unique woven dragonfly sculpture and decorative fan trellis on this fun and practical day course

14 The Asparagus to Zucchini of Vegetable Gardening - KEW
At a time when interest in vegetable growing is at a level that’s been unknown for decades we are delighted to offer a comprehensive one day course covering all the basics of vegetable gardening – and more!

20 Lecture: Organic Farming at Highgrove - KEW
Hear how the Prince of Wales converted the Duchy Home Farm to a completely organic successful and working farming system.

MAY
4–7 Creative Plant Photography - KEW
During this popular course, participants will learn how to extend their vision, both in the way they look at plants before releasing the shutter and the best way to approach photography for each particular subject – when using digital cameras.

11 The Asparagus to Zucchini of Vegetable Gardening - WAKEHURST
At a time when interest in vegetable growing is at a level that’s been unknown for decades we are delighted to offer a comprehensive one day course covering all the basics of vegetable gardening – and more!

17 Kingfisher and Badger Watching Evening - WAKEHURST
The Loder Valley Nature Reserve forms part of the Wakehurst Place estate and offers the valuable combination of woodland, wetland and meadowland habitats that are ideal for wildlife.

20 Kingfisher and Badger Watching Evening - WAKEHURST
The Loder Valley Nature Reserve forms part of the Wakehurst Place estate and offers the valuable combination of woodland, wetland and meadowland habitats that are ideal for wildlife.

27–28 Photographing Trees - KEW
This popular course is designed to explore ways of producing stunning photographs of trees.

JUNE
7–18 Kew School of Botanical Illustration - KEW
This 10 day course provides an exciting opportunity to learn about the working practice of a botanical illustrator at Kew and for students to discover the methods and materials required.

29 Lecture: Bringing Namaqualand to Kew - KEW
This illustrated lecture follows the creation of this summer’s Palm House parterre bedding display, as part of the International Year of Biodiversity Festival at Kew.

AUGUST
5 Kingfisher and Badger Watching Evening - WAKEHURST
The Loder Valley Nature Reserve forms part of the Wakehurst Place estate and offers the valuable combination of woodland, wetland and meadowland habitats that are ideal for wildlife.

10 Bat Evening - WAKEHURST
This course offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Wakehurst Place at dusk and explore the fascinating lifestyles of many of our native bats

SEPTEMBER
6–10 Distance & Detail: Drawing and Painting Plants - KEW
This five-day course is an opportunity to draw plants in their natural habitat as well as in the classroom.

23 NEW Drawing Workshop - WAKEHURST
This new outdoor workshop aims to improve confidence in drawing skills through practical application amidst the inspiring gardens at Wakehurst Place.

30 Lecture: The History of Wakehurst Place - WAKEHURST
The history of Wakehurst Place - lecture by John Withall