This can be on a one-to-one basis for individual help: or for small groups of up to four persons. Sessions are normally a 3-hour afternoon, or a 2-hour evening session, and will include whatever level of instruction you require - from complete beginners, to those who know the basics but perhaps need a little encouragement or confidence to deal with topiary, roses, etc.
If you have recently taken an interest in gardening, but really don’t know which are the weeds, or how to tackle the roses, this is a good way to learn, at your own pace, in your own garden. A beginners’ session can start with the absolute basics of real gardening: how to weed, how - and when - to hoe, how to tackle shrubs and climbers, how to prune those roses; and will cover when and why, as well as how. Learn about compost, mulching, propagation, and have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish. I can’t guarantee that I will know all the answers, but I will certainly try!
Some of the many subjects which can be included are:
Kind and friendly tuition, fully hands-on, with the chance to see how a professional does it, then to have a go yourself.
| Who is it for? | Complete beginners, or people with a little experience: people who haven’t gardened for while and think they have forgotten how to: or people who are just a little unsure how to tackle specific problems. |
| What does it cost? | £75 for a 3-hour afternoon, £50 for a 2-hour evening session. |
| What do I need to provide? | Just the location, and whatever tools you already have. |
| Can I choose what subjects you will cover? | Of course you can. Just assemble a list of what topics you would like to talk or learn about. |
| Are you terribly efficient and full of latin words? | Well, yes I am terribly efficient, but I won’t rush you, we will go at your pace. I won’t force you to learn any latin, although I might possibly tell you why it's a good idea to learn just a little bit... |
| Can I have my neighbour along as well? | Of course. The rate is the same for one of you, or for up to four of you. Obviously, the more of you there are, the less attention you each get! |
| How far will you travel? | I am based in Wantage, so anywhere in and around that area. |
| How do I book you? | Send me an e-mail using one of the links or direct to rachel-the-gardener@ntlworld.com. Tell me what sort of things you would like covered, whether it’s just you, or a small group, and if you would prefer an afternoon or an evening session. I will get back to you with a suggested date. |
"You've really given me the confidence to tackle these shrubs myself."
"Now I can sharpen my own secateurs!"
"It's true that a picture is worth a thousand words - and seeing exactly how to make the [pruning] cuts has been worth every penny."
"You do realise that after you spent the afternoon with my wife, there is nothing in my garden taller than two feet now?" (nb I think he was exaggerating for comic effect, ha ha, thank you Steve.)
If you want to contact me about anything on this website, do please feel free to e-mail me.
