Workshops & Courses

We run a lively programme of workshops and courses for visitors throughout the year.

These can vary from drop in sessions to look at plants and pond life down powerful microscopes to University accredited courses in botany. In between, we offer chances to learn about basket weaving, plant propagation, digital photography, plant illustration, herbal remedies and a whole host of other activities linked to environmental education.

Have a look at our monthly listings below. If you would like to know more, ring 01558 667150.

Courses and talks should be booked in advance with the education department -  Tel: 01558 667150.   or e-mail:  education@gardenofwales.org.uk  or book directly with partner Adult Education Centres (as stated).

Courses and Talks 

Flower Arranging Workshops

Title:	Spring Fever
Description:	Creative designs inspired by March winds and April showers bring forth beautiful arrangements.
Date:	Saturday 9th April 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 2.30
Tutor	Gloria Davies
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:	Outdoor Living
Description:	When the sun shines directly on us it sets the ambience of the alfresco scene.
Date:	Saturday 7th June 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 2.30
Tutor	Gloria Davies
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:	Postcards with an Edge
Description:	Popular idea from across the pond. Fabric postcards using a variety of techniques, appliqué, overlaying, cutback to start the list. Machine or hand equally successful, make two and post one.
Date:	Saturday 5th April 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 4
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:	Woodland Hangings
Description:	Woven hangings incorporating found objects, hang indoors or out for a sense of mystery and fun.
Date:	Saturday 10th May 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 4
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:	Flower scented treats
Description:	Use lavender and rose petals and fill delicate bags and sachets, use embroidery and patchwork techniques to    add charm.
Date:	Saturday 14th June 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 4
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:	Inspired by William De Morgan
Description:	Using the designs housed in the Victoria & Albert Museum we will make a reverse appliqué panel, choose Hares, Cranes, Turtles or any of a host of beasts to make a stunning hanging or maybe a cushion.
Date:	Saturday 5th July 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 4
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:	The Flower Strewn Quilt  (over 10 weeks)
Description:	Each session will see a different technique, block patchwork, Broderie Perse, appliqué, Japanese folded to name but a few. Over the 10 weeks, these will build into a stunning quilt, the techniques are easy to master and allow you to practice a wide range of styles with confidence. Using flowers as our design, will give a lifelong reminder of the delights of the garden.
Date:	Starting  Tuesday 25th March.
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	2.30 – 4.30 pm
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Seasonal Sampler   1 weekend, 4 times a year.

Title:	Patchwork
Description:	Sampler hanging with four appliqué panels each depicting a different season, The Winter panel will complete the quilt just before Christmas.
Date:	8/9 March   7/8June   13/14 September   6/7 December
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 4
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Title:
Description:	This raised embroidery lends its self beautifully for this sampler, mistletoe and holly, elder berries, primroses and dog roses are speckled about with butterflies, snails and fuzzy caterpillars
Date:	15/16 March    21/22 June    20/21 Sept.   13/14 Dec
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	10 - 4
Tutor	Chris Hammacott
Contact:	01558 667150

Working with Willow

Title:	Basket Making
Description:	Learn a traditional craft and make a willow basket to take home with you at the end of the day.
Date:	either Sunday 30th March or Sunday 20th April
Time:	10.30 – 3.30 pm
Tutor	Jo Steadman
Contact:	01558 667150
	Suitable for complete beginners or those with more experience. Please wear comfortable clothing.             Tools (secateurs) are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Title:	Willow Structures for the Garden
Description:	Learn traditional willow weaving techniques and create a fence panel, plant support or sculptural feature for your garden.
Dates:	6th April or 27th April
Time:	10.30 – 3.30 pm
Tutor	Jo Steadman
Contact:	01558 667150
	Suitable for complete beginners or those with more experience. Please wear comfortable clothing.            Tools (secateurs) are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

 

Plants for Health

Title:	Hedgerow Pharmacy
Description:	Spend a day in the Botanic Gardens exploring the use of wild plants as medicine. With focus on traditional native welsh recipes and remedies still used by locals today. Learn how to make your own herbal tonic wine and keep the tradition and knowledge alive.
Date:	Tuesday 15 April 2008
Time:	10 – 4 pm
Where:	The Apothecaries Hall
Tutor:	Lara Bernays
Contact:	01558 667150

 

Swansea University

Title:	Botanical Fieldwork and Conservation
Description:	Visiting speakers from various conservation bodies            *(15 credits at level 1)
Dates:	Monday 14th April 2008, plus 20th April & 18th May           (10 wks + 2 Sundays)
Time:	7 - 9pm
Where:	Principality House, NBGW
Tutor:	Michael Isaac and Kevin Davies
Contact:	Swansea University 01792 295786                                   or email - m.isaac@swan.ac.uk

 

Title:	An Introduction to Geology of South Wales
Duration:	6 weeks
Dates:	Wed. 6th February - 12th March 2008
Time:	6.30 - 8.30pm
Where:	Principality House, NBGW
Tutor:	Samuel Freeth
Contact:	Swansea University 01792 295786

 

Title:	Photoshop Techniques 2
Duration:	7 weeks
Dates:	Saturday, 15th March - 26th April 2008
Time:	10.30 - 1.30
Where:	Principality House, NBGW
Tutor:	H. Jones / S. Francis
Contact:	Swansea University 01792 295786

Title:	Digital Camera Taster
Duration:	2 weeks
Dates:	Saturday, 3rd May - 10th May 2008
Time:	10.30 - 1.30
Where:	Principality House, NBGW
Tutor:	H. Jones / S. Francis
Contact:	Swansea University 01792 295786

Title:	Using your Digital Camera
Duration:	7 weeks
Dates:	Saturday, 17th May - 28th June 2008
Time:	10.30 - 1.30
Where:	Principality House, NBGW
Tutor:	H. Jones / S. Francis
Contact:	Swansea University 01792 295786

The Welsh College of Horticulture

Title:	Organic Gardening
Description	General Introduction to organic gardening
Duration:	6 weeks
Start Date:	Monday, 25 Feb - 14 April 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	2.30-5.00pm
Contact:	0800 074 9133

Title:	Start Garden Design
Description	A look at basic garden design principles
Duration:	9 weeks
Start Date:	Monday, 21 April - 14 July 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	2.30-5.00pm
Contact:	0800 074 9133

Title:	Garden Design: Exploring the Gardens
Description:	Exploring the design principles used at the National Botanic Garden and Aberglasney
Duration:	6 weeks
Start Date:	Thursday, 5 June-10 July 2008
Where:	Aqualab, NBGW
Time:	2.30-5.00pm
Contact:	0800 074 9133

 

Aberystwyth University

Title:	Creative Textiles
Description:	Exploring simple hand weaving techniques and exploration of pattern and material. Suitable for those who enjoy working witha variety of materials in a creative manner.
Duration:	4 weeks
Start Date:	Friday, 16 May - 13 June 2008    (half term 30 May)
Time:	10 - 3
Tutor:	Elizabeth Brickell
Contact:	01970 621580

 

Orchid Study Group Talks

Title:	Cultivating Cool-Growing, Himalayan Dendrobium.
Description:
Date:	Saturday 12th April 2008
Where:	Principality House
Time:	11am
Tutor	Dr Kevin L. Davies
Contact:	01639 843314

Title:	The Orchids of Carmarthenshire
Description:	Talk by Mr R. Pryce (Ex-president of the Botanical Society of British Isles and plant recorder for Carmarthenshire)
Date:	Saturday 10th May 2008
Where:	Principality House
Time:	11am
Tutor	Mr R. Pryce
Contact:	01639 843314

Title:	Growing Orchids My Way
Description:	An illustrated talk
Date:	Saturday 19th July 2008
Where:	Principality House
Time:	11am
Tutor	Mr Christopher Squire
Contact:	01639 843314

Title:	Starting from Scratch
Description:	Establishing the orchid collection at the National Botanic Gardens Of Wales.
Date:	Saturday 16th August 2008
Where:	Principality House & Tropical House, NBGW
Time:	11am
Tutors:	Ann Maloney & Peter Hoare
Contact:	01639 843314