Stewart Lane Stillingfleet YORK YO19 6HP Tel: 01904 728506 info@stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens York Contact info@stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk or ring 01904 728506 Exciting Workshops for 2013 We have arranged some wonderful workshops for you at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens throughout 2013.  All of the workshops include tea/coffee and biscuits and the opportunity to look at books and leaflets of interest. Attendance at the workshops also includes free Garden Entry. To reserve your place/s please use Paypal Book Now buttons beside each workshop or complete and return the booking form which you can download here.  RHS members will receive their discount in cash on presentation of a valid membership card at the workshop. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call us on 01904 728506. We appreciate your feedback on our courses so we invite you to use our feedback form and make your  comments - please click here to visit our Feedback Area. Just click on a Workshop to see more details! Courses for 2013: Saturday, 2nd February - Getting the best from an organic vegetable garden in Yorkshire whatever the weather with Tony Chalcraft For those wanting to get more out of their vegetable garden. With a particular emphasis on conditions in Yorkshire, the workshop covers: -20 or so main crops and how easy or difficult they are to grow. -Vegetable families and the basics of rotation. -Planning all year round growing; successional growing. -Sowing calendar and planting techniques -Principles’ of pest and disease control Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon.  Cost: £30.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Tuesday, 12th February  - Pruning an Apple tree  with Vanessa Cook This hands-on workshop with the Garden Owner, Vanessa Cook will show you how to prune apple trees to maximise cropping potential for the year ahead. Please bring your secateurs. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £20.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Saturday, 6th April - Poultry Keeper’s Workshop This hands-on course is designed for both new and experienced poultry keepers and covers all aspects of poultry care including: -Positioning your poultry house correctly -Poultry house maintenance -Daily and weekly cleaning -Feeding and drinking -Seasonal and regular health care. Runs from 9.30 to 12 noon.  Cost: £35.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Monday, 8th April - Willow Weaving with Rachel Carter We are thrilled to have Chelsea exhibitor Rachel Carter here for 2 half day’s willow weaving workshops. She will show you how to make a willow obelisk and it is just the time of the year to learn as they are ideal for training annual climbers such as sweet peas, runner beans or any other climber. The class is designed for beginners and you should be able to make two obelisks to take home in the time available.  Morning Workshop 9.30am to 12.30pm, afternoon Workshop 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Cost: £40.00 including all materials, coffee and biscuits.  back to workshop index Friday, 26th April  - Interesting Small Flowering Trees   with Vanessa Cook Learn about the many small trees available and their different shapes and sizes followed by a garden tour to see many of the trees discussed whilst they are in flower, especially Malus, Prunus and Sorbus. Handouts and catalogues will be used for reference. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £30.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 24th April  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook This is an opportunity to tour the garden and vegetable plot with its creator Vanessa Cook and learn about its development and maintenance with particular reference to the plants that are at their best in each particular month. It is a great opportunity to have some expert advice and the tours are tailored to the needs and interest of each group. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £15.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 1st May  - Choosing Plants for shady areas with  Vanessa Cook Learn about different types of shade, how to improve the conditions and to view it as an asset, not a problem. See the numerous plants which thrive in shade, followed by a walk around the garden to see many of them growing. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £30.00 including handouts, coffee and biscuits. (RHS members £24.00) back to workshop index Wednesday, 8th May  - Using foliage for year round interest with Vanessa Cook Discover how to use different types of foliage to add texture and shape to your garden throughout the year. A slide presentation followed by a walk round the garden to see these principles in practise. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £30.00 including handouts, coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 15th May  - Creative Floral Digital Photography with John Potter Intended for beginners/improvers this course is will give you a grounding in the principles of digital photography. Create imaginative high quality floral photographs in a variety of settings, both table top arrangements and outside in the garden. Some time will be alloctaed to using Photoshop Elements to edit and enhance your photographs transforming them from snapshots into exhibition quality images. Bring your own digital camera with manual (if you have it), ensure your memory card is empty and the camera battery is fully charged. Bring a tripod if you have one and any additional equipment such as filters. lens hoods etc. Runs from 10.00 to 12.30 noon. Cost: £35.00 including handouts, coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 29th May  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook This is an opportunity to tour the garden and vegetable plot with its creator Vanessa Cook and learn about its development and maintenance with particular reference to the plants that are at their best in each particular month. It is a great opportunity to have some expert advice and the tours are tailored to the needs and interest of each group. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £15.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 5th June  - Designer tips to make your garden seem bigger with Tracy Foster This is an opportunity to hear from the acclaimed Chelsea Gold Medal winner for her design of the Welcome to Yorkshire garden in 2012. Tracy will share her design secrets on how to use shapes, colours, materials, accessories and plants to create the illusion of space in your garden along with great ideas for planting so that you get the most out of your plot however small. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £30.00  including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Monday, 10th June  - Watercolour Painting with Helen Wright Capture the stunning blooms in all their glory at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens. Helen Wright, an inspirational teacher will help you to produce a wonderful painting. If you have any equipment please bring it along though basic equipment for beginners will be provided. Runs from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Cost: £40.00 including coffee and biscuits. Please bring a packed lunch. back to workshop index Saturday, 15th June - Wildlife Conservation Day - 10.00 am to 5.00pm This major event in our calendar features many Conservation Groups and Organisations. Come and talk to the experts about encouraging more wildlife into your garden: Bumblebee and dragonfly walks Barn owl , hedgehog and bat experts on hand Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Help with growing wildflower meadows Moth trapping and identification Bird ringing demonstration by British Trust for Ornithology Owl pellet dissection PLUS...............................Pizzas from the wonderful Red Hot Oven   Follow us on Facebook for more information. Runs from 10.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. Normal garden entry. Pay on the gate. Adult £4.50 Child 50p All day Teas, coffee, cakes, soft drinks and ice-creams in the converted barn cafe. back to workshop index Wednesday, 26th June  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook This is an opportunity to tour the garden and vegetable plot with its creator Vanessa Cook and learn about its development and maintenance with particular reference to the plants that are at their best in each particular month. It is a great opportunity to have some expert advice and the tours are tailored to the needs and interest of each group. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £15.00  including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 31st July  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook This is an opportunity to tour the garden and vegetable plot with its creator Vanessa Cook and learn about its development and maintenance with particular reference to the plants that are at their best in each particular month. It is a great opportunity to have some expert advice and the tours are tailored to the needs and interest of each group. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £15.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 28th August  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook This is an opportunity to tour the garden and vegetable plot with its creator Vanessa Cook and learn about its development and maintenance with particular reference to the plants that are at their best in each particular month. It is a great opportunity to have some expert advice and the tours are tailored to the needs and interest of each group. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £15.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Saturday, 7th September - Poultry Keeper’s Workshop This hands-on course is designed for both new and experienced poultry keepers and covers all aspects of poultry care including: -Choosing and positioning your poultry house correctly -Poultry house maintenance -Regular cleaning Choosing your chucks and looking after them -Feeding and drinking -Seasonal and regular health care. Runs from 9.30 to 12 noon.  Cost: £35.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 11th September  - Prolong Interest in the garden with autumn flowers with Vanessa Cook Learn about the many autumn flowering oplants with emphasis on asters,  anemones chrysanthemums and grasses. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £30.00 including coffee and biscuits. (RHS members £24.00) back to workshop index Monday, 16th September - Making a Willow Wreath with Rachel Carter By popular demand Rachel is back providng a seasonal slant to her willow weaving course. Using freshly soaked lengths of Buff Willow she will show you how to make a wreath and decorate it with raffia and ribbons, making a perfect natural decoration for your home. All materials provided. Morning course from 10.00am to 12.30pm. Afternoon course 1.30pm to 4.00pm  Cost: £36.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 18th September  - All About Clematis with Taylors Clematis RHS Gold medal winners and Chelsea exhibitors ‘Taylors Clematis’ will give an insight into selecting clematis for flowers through the season plus pruning, planting, propagation and choosing the right clematis for the right place. This is a digital presentation and you will have an opportunity to buy from the experts. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £30.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Wednesday, 25th September  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook This is an opportunity to tour the garden with particular reference to the plants that are at their best in each particular month. It is a great opportunity to see the autumn colours just before we close. The tours are tailored to the needs and interest of each group. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon. Cost: £15.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Saturday, 5th October - Vegetable Growing with Tony Chalcraft Review of results in 2013 and planning for 2014 with emphasis on what grows well in Yorkshire, varieties, rotation and succcession. Runs from 10.00 to 12 noon.  Cost: £30.00 including coffee and biscuits. back to workshop index Beekeeping - every Wednesday Evening Introduction to beekeeping with John Cook who has kept bees for over 30 years.  Only one or two people allowed per evening so you receive individual attention.  Will cover necessary equipment as well as bee husbandry. Weather permitting,  we will open up a working hive and you will be shown how to handle the bees to gain confidence. Book any Wednesday evening (other evenings by arrangement). Runs from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm. Cost: £30.00. back to workshop index WORKSHOPS for 2013 (updated as more are added) Wednesday, 15th May - Creative Floral Digital Photography with John Potter Wednesday, 29th May  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook Wednesday, 5th June  - Garden Design with Tracy Foster Monday, 10th June  - Watercolour Painting with Helen Wright Saturday, 15th June  - Wildlife Conservation day Wednesday, 26th June  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook Wednesday, 31st July  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook Wednesday, 28th August  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook Saturday, 7th September - Poultry Keeper’s Workshop Wednesday, 11th September  - Prolong interest with Autumn Flowers with Vanessa Cook Monday, 16th September - Weaving a Willow Wreath with Rachel Carter Wednesday, 18th September  - All About Clematis with Taylors Clematis Wednesday, 25th September  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook Saturday, 5th October - Growing Vegetables with Tony Chalcraft Beekeeping - every Wednesday Evening Completed Courses Saturday, 2nd February - Growing Vegetables with Tony Chalcraft Tuesday, 12th February  - Pruning  an Apple Tree  with Vanessa Cook Saturday, 6th April - Poultry Keeper’s Workshop Monday, 8th April  - Willow Weaving with Rachel Carter Wednesday, 24th April  - Garden Walk with Vanessa Cook Friday, 26th April  - Interesting Small Flowering Trees  with Vanessa Cook Wednesday, 1st May  - Choosing Plants for your shady areas with Vanessa Cook Wednesday, 8th May  - Using foliage for year round interest with Vanessa Cook New - Comments on the 2012 and 2013 Courses I had a lovely time on the apple pruning course this week. I learnt a lot and now feel confident enough to prune my own little tree. It was such a shame that more people didn’t join us, they don’t know what they missed. Feb 2013 Pauline Witton I started growing veg 2 years ago but having been to your Vegetable Growing course I now feel I understand so much more about what has worked and what hasn’t, and why.  Discussions were fun and informal but packed with information and top tips for people at every level.  Looking forward to getting my plot started with renewed energy and understanding this year.  Many thanks  Jo Smakman Thank you so much for your time and expertise on Tuesday morning.  The workshop was not only informative, but also enjoyable - not least because of the beautiful early spring-like weather.  The hands-on experience certainly gave me much more confidence to attack my ageing trees.  I was surprised to find very few buds when I got home, but my garden is much more exposed so I suppose I should wait patiently before I get the secateurs out. Derek Jones Today I have had a thoroughly enjoyable morning on Vanessa'a Apple Pruning Course.  As very much an "amateur" I confess to feeling a little apprehensive but I soon felt relaxed in the lovely friendly atmosphere and feel I have gained so much from the hands on experience.  Much better doing it rather than simply reading how to do it! Sue Dalton Garden Walk Feedback Form; A beautiful, natural garden. Introduction and guided walk most enjoyable and relaxed: it was good to have all the personal touches. Thank you for your encouragement and inspiration. Liz Thank you to John for his time on the beekeeping course He was very knowledgeable on the subject, which he explained in a friendly and informal way. This is agood opportunity for would be(e) beekeepers to get some hands on practical eaxperience in a tranquil setting. Paul Whitehead. We both had a thoroughly enjoyable morning on the willow weaving .. it was cosy and friendly, and I thoroughly enjoyed a cup of your excellent coffee. A stroll around your delightful garden was the icing on the cake. All in all an excellent day. Thank you. Stephanie Jacques and Judy Alison I missed part one of the veg course, but Tony and his wife very helpfully ran through the information that I had missed and Vanessa provided the missed handouts. Great customer service, thank you! ..... The course was very well plannedand the information very clear. The handouts are an excellent memory jogger. This is the second of Stillingfleet’s courses taht I have attended and I plan to attend more. Julie Moss 8/6/12 Just to say thank you to John for his time yesterday - he was informative and it was a good introduction to beekeeping. In a beautiful setting of the house and gardens may I add. CONSERVATION DAY - My friend Kate and myself attended the day on behalf of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. The visitors we talked to displayed an interest in bumblebees and notwithstanding the rain and wind we managed to find agod range of bumblebee species visiting the abundant flowers in the garden. Vanessa was very welcoming and enthusiastic, and we would like to thank her for her hospitality. We also enjoyed the cup of good quality tea (served in very elegant crockery and delicious cakes. Alison Reboul.26/6/12 With 7 friends we all weaved away under the excellent direction and supervision of Rachel. We all achieved the goal of making 2 amazing obelisks which we proudly took home. I can highly recommend this event and we are nw booking for the wreath making in September. Fiona Royffe 9/4/13 We had a fantastic time on yesterday’s willow weaving course. Your lovely welcome of fresh coffee was truly appreciated The course was great, fun and achievable. I’m very proud of the climbing structures I made. Will be booking on to the September course. Please pass my thanks on to Rachel too. Vicki Pope 9/4/13 Thank you for another fun workshop. Rachel is a very gentle anbd easy teacher and I really enjoyed the morning. Very proud of my obelisks. As you say it is nice to have something to take home with you for your efforts and everyone did really well. I would love to do the Christmas one if there is enough room on that still. Jo Smakman. 9/4/13 Well wow. What a great course delivered by John.Hands on and most interesting. As a fairly new keeper of now 4 hens, I read the books before the course but the information supplied was fab. I would highly recommend it to new or anyone thinking of having chucks. Gary Scaife 8/4/13 Very warm welcome. Had a fantastic day. John was very knowledgeable. He had an answer to every question. The hands on with the chickens was great because we got to learn how to look for mites and any poultry related illness. I would highly recommend this course to anyone thinking of getting chickens, as John makes it so easy to understand. David Graves 7/4/13 Thank you for a wonderful morning! I found John’s warm, imformative, honest and enthusiastic style inspiring and I learned a huge amount. Books are great but you can’t beat hands-on demonstration....really glad I came :-)  Sally Caless 6/4/13 2013 Lecture Topics In addition to the workshops, Vanessa Cook (RHS and HPS registered lecturer) is available throughout the winter to give illustrated talks throughout England in the following topics. Please contact Vanessa on 01904 728506 for more details.  Topics could include:  My garden throughout the year  Hardy Geraniums  Pulmonarias  An Introduction to Hardy Geraniums and Pulmonarias  Foliage is better than Flowers?  Growing more unusual Perennials  My Garden in Spring and Autumn