Get to know your Soil

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The soil in our gardens is so important to gardeners, to help to work out what to grow and how to grow it. This afternoon you will discover what soil features it helpful to know and why.

Tutor Ian smith, RHS Advisor, will guide you through the theory and some basic soil science, then demonstrate and you can try out  practical ways to work out the texture and pH (acidity) of your soil. 

• Tutor: Ian Smith has over 20 years horticultural experience in a variety of creative, practical and educational roles and has a passion for gardening. He has designed a range of gardens for clients, from compact spaces to large country estates.
  With a background in engineering project management, Ian went on to study many aspects of horticulture including the highest Royal Horticultural Society’s qualification, an MHort (RHS) in 2015. Having designed and maintained many gardens in Devon, he then began inspiring other gardeners working as a lecturer of horticulture and garden design with Bicton College and the RHS.
  Ian is a horticultural advisor for the RHS based at RHS Rosemoor and at RHS Flower Shows, and is a trustee for the Devon Gardens Trust. He has a keen interest in historic gardens, their research and future development.
• Location and arrival information: The workshop will take place mostly in the Peter Buckley Learning Centre, with some time also spent 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.
• For this workshop you will need:
  • Your booking reference number to show to the team at the Garden Entrance. 
  • A notebook and pencil to make notes.
  • Bring a sample in a sealed glass jar.
  • Clothing suitable for being indoors and outdoors, appropriate to weather on the day.
  • Closed-toed shoes (not sandals or flipflops).

Skill Level: Beginner – I am eager to try growing, keen to learn, and to develop my experience and confidence.