Getting Started with a New Build Garden

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Owning a new-build house with a new garden can be intimidating and presents its own set of unique challenges. However, there are also many benefits and opportunities, and at the end of the day, it is a blank canvas for you to develop. 

Ian Smith, RHS Advisor, will discuss the benefits of a new build garden and suggest some easy ways to add initial interest and good design into your new outdoor space.

This half-day session is aimed at those new to gardening and is specific to new build gardens. It could also be a precursor to one of the longer, 2- or 4- day garden design courses that Ian delivers at RHS Rosemoor through the year.

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 has studied many aspects of horticulture including achieving the MHort (RHS) in 2015. He is a trustee for the Devon Gardens Trust, and has a keen interest in historic gardens, their research and future development.

Ian is passionate about encouraging gardeners at all levels, including those new to gardening. He previously worked as a horticulture and garden design lecturer for Bicton College, teaching the RHS level 2 and 3 qualifications. Ian has been teaching at RHS Rosemoor for several years and is also a member of the RHS Garden Advisory team, offering advice to garden visitors and at RHS Flower Shows.

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. You are welcome to visit the onsite 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 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:​ Beginner – I am eager to try growing, keen to learn, and to develop my experience and confidence.