Practical gardening skills: Spring shrub pruning with Tom Brown

Ref: S1H36659

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About this course

This half day course is one of a monthly practical gardening series of seasonal gardeners' tasks: the topic of this session is pruning spring shrubs. The afternoon course runs from 1-4pm, and is an opportunity to learn with the experts at West Dean Gardens under the direction of Head Gardener Tom Brown, or a member of the West Dean Gardens Team.

Course Description

As the sap begins to rise, there are several late summer flowering shrubs and those grown for foliage and stems which require pruning. You will be given instruction about the shrubs that need attention at this time of year and then given shrubs to prune yourself to hone your skills.

This selection of seasonal afternoon courses has been put together by our Head Gardener to offer an opportunity for students to experience a hands-on learning environment in the vast range of horticulture that’s available at West Dean Gardens. Each course will include an overview of the subject and a practical demonstration, followed by mentored time where you can ‘get your hands on’ and directly experience the task at hand.

All of the topics will directly relate to the activities at West Dean, in real life situations, with course students safe in the knowledge that our Garden Team will be on hand to ensure that you become confident and proficient at the task, to enable you to carry out the activity at home with more self-assurance.

Please see the website for full information of future courses in the series.

Please arrive at West Dean College Student Welcome at 12.50pm for the session which will run from 1-4pm.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Gardening gloves
  • Please wear comfortable study outdoor boots and practical clothing for the season, as we will be outside most of the afternoon.
  • notebook and Pen

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

General Information

Tutors

Tom Brown. Photo credit: Sam Stephenson

Tom Brown

Having worked at RHS Wisley Gardens, latterly running the plant and vegetable trials, Tom then moved to become Head Gardener at nearby Parham House for nearly ten years. Tom joined West Dean College of Arts and Conservation in May 2019 to head up the garden team and manage the impressive Kitchen Garden, Cut Flower Garden, extensive fruit collection and 13 large, Victorian Glasshouses – along with the College Grounds and Arboretum. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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