Services/Bookings
TALKS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND COURSES FOR 2010
General information:
Talks and demonstrations can be given during the day, evening or weekend; at your venue or at our workshops and garden where groups of all sizes can be catered for and light refreshments are available.
I am happy to travel to any location, charging overnight expenses if over 50 miles from Longworth.
Charges:
Talks and demonstrations up to 45 minutes are charged at £50.00.
Talks and demonstrations up to 90 minutes are charged at £75.00.
In addition travelling expenses at £0.50p per mile are to be added.
Overnight expenses at cost if over 50 miles from Longworth.
Group visits to our workshops and garden are charged at £50.00, for a morning, afternoon or evening visit. Tea and coffee is included.
Whole day visits, group courses, schools, clubs etc. quotation on request.
Practical courses in our workshops and garden are run as half or full day modules, you can choose to come for a single module or run several days together.
Whole day courses include refreshments and a light lunch.
A basic course (maximum of 14 people) is £50.00 per person per day.
A Masterclass (maximum of 6 people) is £75.00 per person per day.
Short courses are of 2-3 hours duration costing £20-30.00.
They can be morning, afternoon or evening courses and can be run together to make a whole day.
If you have any other requirements, individual tuition, special needs etc please contact us to discuss how we can best help you.
GARDENING:
We work closely with the WI, Garden Organic and the Heritage Seed Library, as well as schools, local environment groups and councils.
We have grown organically for over 30 years and open our no-dig organic vegetable garden and allotment to the public, where we also run courses. We have exhibited demonstration and show gardens at RHS and major garden shows (Gold medal winner in 2007) and I am a “Master Composter” for Oxfordshire.
Although all my talks are informative and popular I have marked those which seem especially so with **
GENERAL GARDENING INTEREST
GROWING VEGETABLES IN CONTAINERS **
Even if you only have a window cill, balcony or porch it is possible to grow fresh vegetables and herbs. If you have more space it can still be beneficial to grow in containers, providing special conditions and concentrated care, allowing more to be grown in a small space.
We will discuss types of container and compost, siting, feeding and general maintenance. We will also look at special requirements, which varieties are most suitable and how to maximise yield from a small space,
cut-and-come-again and micro-greens
A demonstration is available.
GROWING FRUIT IN CONTAINERS
Many fruit varieties prefer specific conditions to perform well, which growing in a container can provide, giving healthier plants and bumper crops.
We will discuss types of container and compost, siting, feeding and general maintenance. We will also look at special requirements, which varieties are most suitable and how to maximise yield from a small space. A demonstration is available.
COMPOSTING **
Anyone can and everyone should make compost. Even the smallest garden can accommodate a compost area, transforming garden and kitchen waste into a valuable plant food and soil conditioner.
We will cover the importance of recycling and making compost, discussing techniques, types of container and wormeries. We will look at what can and what should not composted, how to use the compost and common problems.
A “Can you compost it” game is available, either as a competition or a teaching aid.
AUTUMN PLANTING **
If you want to enjoy an early spring display of flowers and foliage then autumn is the right time to plan and prepare for it.
Concentrating on bulbs and containers for a spring display, we will look at types of containers and compost, how to plant bulbs correctly to give a succession of blooms, feeding and general maintenance. We will also look at bulbs in the garden and discuss the best varieties for different locations. A demonstration is available.
SPRING PLANTING
Concentrating on bulbs and bedding plants for a summer display, as well as planting in containers for filling gaps in the summer border.
We will look at types of containers and compost, how to plant bulbs correctly to give a succession of blooms, feeding and general maintenance. We will also look at bulbs and bedding plants in the garden and discuss the best varieties for different locations. A demonstration is available.
HANGING BASKETS
Hanging baskets, properly made and planted can transform your house from spring until autumn, and can even be productive with herbs, fruit and vegetables.
We will discuss types of basket available, what compost and additives to use and which plants are most suitable. How and when to plant them and how to look after them to give the longest productive period with the least maintenance. A demonstration is available.
GROWING VEGETABLES **
Whether growing in the garden or on an allotment, growing your own will provide fruit and vegetables of superior taste, freshness and variety, while offering healthy exercise and an opportunity to save money on your food bill.
We will discuss how to identify and improve your soil type, planning and cultivation, requirements of different types of vegetable, propagating, planting, harvesting and storing your crop.
(Please note, this is an extensive subject, shorter talks will have selected topics)
SMALL GARDEN DESIGN
Discussing ideas for the smaller garden to ensure you get what you really want from the space.
How to maximise the space available, utilising basic design principles, innovative ideas and planting suggestions.
GARDENING COURSES
We have been giving talks, demonstrations and running practical courses for over 25 years.
Although our 1 acre site is run on organic principles we will discuss non-organic methods.
New courses are being planned for 2009, including joint courses with Garden Organic and the WI.
If you would like advanced details please either email robert@theOGP.org or telephone 01865 820206.
Topics covered include:
Principles and practice of organic vegetable growing
Growing vegetables in containers
Sowing and growing for beginners
Plant propagation
Growing under cover
Composting and wormeries
Small garden design
Fruit juicing
Preserving and bottling
Seasonal cookery
Non-gardening courses include corn dollies, woodturning, general woodworking skills, basic DIY, dolls houses and miniatures.