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Description
Hill House started life in the 1870’s as the woodsmen’s cottages serving the once extensive Braydon Forest, which is said to include some of the 7 oldest stands of oaks in England. Most of the ongoing project of developing the gardens in the 12-acre property started around 20 years ago.
Your tutor is Andrew Tolman who is now in his 42nd year as Professional Gardener having working in both the public & private sector including 11 years as a Senior Gardener at Highgrove and has now spent the last 12 years self employed working in various gardens & projects mainly in the Cotswolds & North Wiltshire but also in Devon, Somerset & Shropshire.
The day will begin with some instructional talks about the ‘trained’ fruit that we will be working on. The reasons we prune, techniques for pruning, how and why we prune in the way we do for each type of fruit. The day covers follow-on summer pruning to pip fruit; pruning stone fruit. We will also look at fan training of new nectarine and follow-on pruning of espaliered apricot. If there is time we will also look at pruning of kiwi fruit which is similar to grape pruning. After lunch (please bring your own) you will get to practice your new or enhanced skills in the beautiful kitchen garden.
The garden owner will happily show you around the rest of the garden, which includes a large greenhouse and raised bed vegetable gardens, as well as a number of plants hinting at his New Zealand roots: various varieties of kiwifruit as well as feijoas, tamarillos and Reinga Reinga (Matapouri Bay) lilies raised here from seed.
Timings:
Starts: 9:45am
Ends: 4pm
Please Bring:
Secateurs, loppers, gardening gloves, and appropriate all weather clothing.
Refreshments:
Tea, coffee, water and biscuits will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch.
Cost:
Members £55 | Non-members £75
Please read our Terms & Conditions for important information relating to our Standard Cancellation Policy.
