Description
About the Venue:
More than 200 years ago, Ushaw was born in secret, as a religious community for training priests. Ushaw’s forefathers built an historic house, chapels and gardens and created a new Catholic seminary (school for priests). Much of the design, architecture and craftsmanship on show at Ushaw is the work of Augustus Pugin, his sons and grandsons. Pugin was the grand designer of his time, architect to the great and good of Victorian England, with works including the clock face of Big Ben and interiors in Westminster’s Houses of Parliament.
Ushaw’s gardens comprise thirty acres of beautiful park, gardens and woodland. The wider estate is 540 acres in total which includes a large collection of long established rhododendrons.
About the Tutor:
Ady Davis is Head Gardener at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens. Having grown up on a plant nursery, he subsequently studied both landscape design along with plant sciences. After a 30 year career in the NHS, he began his own landscape design business in 2019 and then subsequently joined Ushaw in 2023, working as Head Gardener.
About the Practical Skills Day (PSD):
On arrival, members will be met by Ady. The day will provide an opportunity to learn the principles and practice involved in the pruning of rhododendrons. Which ones you can and cannot prune, how to reduce large rhododendrons, and how to undertake subsequent shaping pruning in subsequent years. Initial instruction will be provided, along with a demonstration of pruning techniques. Attendees will then be encouraged to use their newly acquired skills to help prune the extensive collection of rhododendrons on site. After the PSD ends at 3.00pm, attendees will be free to explore the rest of the grounds, hall and chapels.
Timings:
10.00am – 3.00pm
Food/Drink:
Please bring your own packed lunch and refreshments.
Special Instructions:
Attendees should be suitably dressed for outdoor practical pruning work, and potential inclement weather, including suitable footwear, waterproofs, and if the sun shines, sunscreen and a sun hat if required.
Cost:
Members: £40
An e-ticket will be emailed to the address that you booked your place with, and a copy can be found in the ‘Tickets’ section of your Working for Gardeners account.
Booking Cancellations:
Cancellations received 15+ days out from an event date will qualify for a 50% refund.
Cancellations received 14 or less days out from an event date do not qualify for a refund.
Tickets are non-transferable.
Terms and Conditions.
