Ponds – Formal and for Wildlife

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Adding water into a garden is an effective way to boost biodiversity, as well as to add interest, movement, structure and ambience to your garden.
 
Considering the examples of different types of pond at RHS Rosemoor, seek inspiration for your own garden. Learning about the benefits and limitations of different types of water feature and pond; consider how to maximise their positive impact for wildlife; and address some of the challenges you may encounter.
 
Ian Smith, RHS Advisor, will give you some ideas for simple construction, and introduce you to some key plants that you might like to include in your pond and at its margins.  

 

• 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 and studied many aspects of horticulture including the RHS Master of Horticulture in 2015. Ian has taught horticulture and garden design with Bicton College and the RHS, is an RHS Horticultural Advisor at RHS Rosemoor and the RHS Flower Shows, and is a trustee for the Devon Gardens Trust. He has an interest in historic gardens, their research and future development, and is keen to inspire more people to garden. 
• Location and arrival information: The workshop will take place in the Peter Buckley Learning Centre and 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.
  • Clothing suitable for being indoors and outdoors, appropriate to weather on the day.
  • Closed-toed shoes (not sandals or flipflops).

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