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Description
The Hut on the Green is an exciting new arts project nestled within the heart of Gosforth Central Park. Opened in September 2024, this innovative space is housed within the former Ladies Bowling Club Pavilion, transforming it into a vibrant hub for creative expression and cultural enrichment. This comprehensive session is designed for horticulture enthusiasts and professionals looking to deepen their expertise in creating stunning herbaceous and annual plant displays. It will provide a structured approach to assessing, designing, planting, and maintaining these displays, ensuring long-lasting beauty and ecological sustainability. Participants will gain knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:
1. Assessing Planting Suitability
- Understanding site conditions such as light availability, wind exposure, and microclimates.
- Evaluating soil texture, structure, drainage, and pH, and learning how these factors influence plant health and growth.
2. Soil Management
- Testing and amending soil to meet the needs of selected plants.
- Improving soil structure for optimal drainage and fertility.
3. Design Principles for Plant Displays
- Mastering the art of selecting complementary plants for aesthetic appeal, colour harmony, and seasonal interest.
- Incorporating design principles such as balance, proportion, structure and focal points to create dynamic displays.
4. Planting Techniques
- Learning best practices for planting herbaceous perennials and annuals, including spacing, depth, and groupings.
- Techniques for transplanting and reducing transplant shock.
5. Establishment and Maintenance Plans
- Creating a step-by-step plan for plant establishment, including watering schedules, mulching, and pest control.
- Long-term maintenance strategies to ensure thriving displays, such as deadheading, pruning, fertilization, and seasonal care.
Ross Pearson is a Professional Horticulturist and Garden Writer www.rosspearson.org based in Northumberland, with a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and an enduring love for gardening. Ross began his career cultivating his expertise as the First Gardener at the renowned Alnwick Garden, one of the UK’s most celebrated public gardens. He then dedicated himself to education, serving for several years as a Lecturer in Horticulture at Northumberland College, where he trained aspiring horticulturists to meet the highest industry standards. Currently, Ross works as an Outdoor Education Leader, inspiring young minds to engage with nature and embrace gardening. Alongside his educational endeavours, he has established himself as a freelance garden writer, contributing to both national and local gardening publications.
Trainees should bring relevant study material and a packed lunch. Tea/coffee/biscuits will be provided. Be aware, this day will comprise a theory only approach to herbaceous border establishment and maintenance and will not include any practical outdoor work. Please arrive at 09:30 ready to start at 10:00.
The cost of the day is £65.00 for WFGA members and £85 for non-members.
