Demystifying planting design

Date: 06 February 2025

Time: 15:00 - 18:00

With: Anna Ribo

Please note that this event will be recorded and will be made available to delegates after the event. For more information on recording and privacy please click here. Once you have booked onto the event an invitation register to the Zoom meeting will be sent via email, including information on how to join the meeting.

Overview

At this down to earth course, we will look at the basics of planting design and how it is translated into reality. 

What do we actually mean by structure in the garden? How do we create appealing contrasts, long term interest and what exactly do we mean by complementary, contrasting and harmonious colours?  

Through looking at different plants' visual character, we will explore what's meant by planting combinations that include, fluff, structure, uprights, domes, spires etc. We will look at mixing 'good doers' with plants that add brief but beautiful interludes and think of what to do with gaps when certain plants go over. There will be a discussion of dos and don'ts of self-seeders and we'll touch on bulbs as well as plants that keep the show going into the autumn. 

But none of the above works if the plants don't like where they are growing so we will also discuss the importance of choosing plants that like similar conditions in terms of soil, nutrients and water and where to start when it comes to selection these.

The course is aimed at anyone who feels they lack the basics of planting design or who feels stuck with a limited palette of plants. The aim is for participants to get greater confidence in choosing plants and be inspired to broadening their planting choices. 

Participants will need a pen/pencil and paper for some simple exercises.