Courses and Events
An abundance of new experiences to indulge in
Current Measures
All our courses are currently under review and will be postponed until further notice. If you have any further enquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Past Creative Maintenance Courses With Guy
Course Levels 1&2
In the past we have hosted two different levels of creative maintenance course.
The Level 1 course suited beginners and less experienced home gardeners. We looked at practise skills on potted plants on hard standing around the nursery at our site in Pulborough.
The Level 2 course suited those who had a bit more experience or were already working in the industry. Course attendees visited the first home of Architectural Plants in Nuthurst, and worked in the garden on established plants. After the course, they had time to make their way to the nursery, where we offered a 10% off plants and tools purchased on the day of the course.
See a video of one of our Level 2 courses here.
During the full-day course, Guy shared some horticultural tricks of the trade; demonstrating how to strip Trachycarpus, raise Bamboo, clip Cupressus, use a blow torch to manicure Cordylines, and lots more. Attendees also learned the delicate art of Niwaki pruning, and had plenty of opportunities to get their hands dirty and give everything a go under expert guidance and tuition.
We’ll also provided a slap-up lunch, complete with wine, to set everyone up for the busy afternoon. Attendees left with a host of new skills to try out in their own garden or to take back to work.
Niwaki Training & Clipping Course With Guy Watts
We have also hosted a specialist Niwaki training and Clipping Course. Course clippers learned how to create, train and maintain a Niwaki.
At Architectural Plants, we’ve been growing, training and planting our own Niwaki for over 20 years. We have our own style and we work with three plants; Myrtus apiculata, Phillyrea latifolia and Quercus ilex. These are all grown by us from seed or cuttings. It’s a long process that requires skill and patience, but it’s very rewarding.
The day course suits all levels. Tuition will be provided by owner, Guy Watts, and our in-house clipper and Niwaki expert, Linda Adames.
The Course Outline
10:15am:
Registration and coffee.
10:30am – 11:30am:
A short introduction and a tour of the nursery to discover the different styles we grow and sell.
11:30am – 1:00pm:
Tool choice and tool care. Then learn to train your own Niwaki from one of our juvenile trees. These can be
purchased after the course at a reduced price.
1:00pm – 2:00pm:
Lunch.
2:00pm – 3:45pm:
Clipping and aftercare of a finished Niwaki.
3:45pm:
Coffee, debrief and questions.
On the day of the course, our attendees got 10% off any plants or tools.
Our Seasonal Events
Christmas Farmers & Makers Fair
In past winters we’ve made space to hold Winter Fairs, clearing space to accommodate up to 80 unique stalls. See a video of one of our fairs.
A celebration of local produce, and gifts for the home and garden, we’ve had breweries, distilleries, farmers, co-operatives, potters, artists, metal and wood workers, seamstresses, chocolatiers, knitters, jewellers and more – all set within our 32-acre nursery grounds. All of your Christmas gifts in one place, and all from Sussex and the surrounding area.
There’s also been live music, and enough hot food and drink to keep you shopping for hours.
Next Fair Date TBC
Evening Sessions
We’ve held some splendid evening sessions under the palms at one of our late-night sessions.
The sessions were free and ran from 5pm until 8pm and took place in the spans.
We also supplied our finest selection of drinks, local food and nibbles to keep you going throughout the evening, all available from the cafe.
Session Dates TBC