Success with Summer Containers

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Learn the basics of successful summer container planting and discover how to combine plants effectively for a balanced, attractive display. See examples around RHS Rosemoor to inspire your own creations.

Planting in pots and containers can be a great way to add seasonal colour and display to your garden, to try out different planting combinations and to grow plants that do not thrive in your natural soil type.

This workshop will talk you through how to choose the right container for your purpose and understand its requirements, such as size, drainage and positioning. Susie will share her horticultural knowledge and experience to talk you through plant selection for summer impact, considering colour, texture, and seasonal interest. There will be plenty of top tips on planting combinations.

You will learn about the ongoing care needed to keep your containers looking healthy and colourful throughout the summer, including watering, feeding and deadheading to encourage long flowering. Then head outside for a guided walk in the garden to see some of the summer-planted containers at RHS Rosemoor. You will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these as you view container displays in situ.

Tutor: Susie Hauxwell has been working in the horticulture industry for 25 years, including 15 years on the Curatorial Team at RHS Rosemoor. She has more recently been Programme Manager for the Horticultural Apprenticeship programme at Bicton College, and is currently running her own horticultural consultancy business. Amongst her horticultural qualifications, Susie has extensive horticultural machinery tickets, the RHS General, Advanced and Practical Certificate in Horticulture and the Master of Horticulture (RHS).

Location and arrival information: The workshop will be split between the Peter Buckley Learning Centre and outside in the garden. Please allow 15 minutes to park in the main visitor car park, enter the garden and get to the Learning Centre.  

Catering: Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available in the classroom at the start of the session. You are welcome to visit the on-site catering before or after your workshop. Full details of the available outlets and what they offer are on the RHS Rosemoor Food and Drink page of the RHS website.

For this workshop, you will need:

• Your booking reference number to show to the team at the Garden Entrance. 
• A notebook and a pencil to make notes.
• A camera to take photographs to support your learning.
• Clothing suitable for being indoors and outdoors, appropriate to the weather on the day, and closed-toed shoes.

Skill Level: Upskiller – I have mastered the basics of gardening and would like to build my horticultural knowledge and skills.