Gardening Courses

Throughout the year we run practical gardening courses at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens. Our gardening workshops include hands-on courses such as apple tree pruning as well as workshops dealing with garden design. In keeping with the ethos of our garden they tend to look at ways to garden that encourages wildlife. These workshops are either led by garden owner, Vanessa Cook, or by visiting experts.

We also hold a variety of more creative arts and crafts courses using the garden as inspiration.

All courses include entry to the garden plus welcome coffee and biscuits. Unless stated, materials are provided and you will leave each workshop with plenty of reference information.

Please note that workshop fees cannot be refunded if cancelled less than 7 days prior to date of workshop.

To reserve your place/s please click on the event and use the Book Now buttons beside each workshop. Alternatively complete and return the downloadable booking form. 

Learning about gardening

We would recommend early booking as many courses sell out quickly.

Gardening Courses in 2025

Apple Tree Pruning Course

apple pruning
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

A hands-on apple tree pruning workshop.

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Grow the Best Possible Vegetables

a vegetable garden plot
March 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Want to learn how to grow vegetables and make the most of your vegetable garden in 2026? Join us for a fun, practical session led by organic gardening expert Tony…

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Photographs of previous gardening courses.

Testimonials

Today I have had a thoroughly enjoyable morning on Vanessa’s 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

"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

“I can highly recommend this course about growing vegetables organically, it answered all the queries I had thought of, including those I hadn’t! I came away knowing exactly to how set out my garden and with specific advice about what would grow at its latitude and elevation. After the course I spent a happy couple of hours looking around Stillingfleet Lodge gardens and came away with three plants from the nursery.”