Adult Learning Programme
Adult education courses at Great Dixter include study days, week-long Symposia, courses, lectures, and workshops.
Run by Head Gardener Fergus Garrett, as well as other Dixter staff and friends with an intimate knowledge of the garden, they will help people understand the ethos, methods, and plants that are used.
In this section:
Growing hardy annuals from seed
At Great Dixter, we use hardy annuals throughout the garden to fill gaps between permanent planting and create a strong early season in the garden. Hardy annuals bridge the June gap after bulbs have finished and before summer perennials have started flowering. This extra layer will be a vital resource of pollen and nectar for a…
21 October 2025 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam, TN31 6PH
The Long Season Border- A Practical Guide to Succession.
This 3-day course led by Fergus and the garden team will help you get to grips with gardening for succession in your borders. Using the garden at Great Dixter as an example, the course will teach you: How to choose hard -working woody and herbaceous plants, including grasses to create the permanent structure of your border and how…
27 October 2025 10:00 am – 29 October 2025 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Bulb Symposium-November 2025
Bulb Symposium – Saturday 1 November to Saturday 8 November 2025 This is a week-long, practical, hands-on symposium with a maximum of 8 attendees. 80% of the time will be outside in the garden and 20% indoors. Accommodation, meals, as well as transport to and from the hotel every day are included within the price…
1 November 2025 12:30 pm – 8 November 2025 8:00 amGreat Dixter House and Gardens, Northiam, TN31 6PH
Behind the scenes at Great Dixter – November
Great Dixter is a garden that delights and challenges. Our Behind the Scenes tours provide a special opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the garden when the garden is normally closed to the public. You will gain insight into the making of the Great Dixter borders with one of the garden team plus a view…
10 November 2025 1:30 pm – 4:15 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
Succession planting in the mixed border
Head Gardener Fergus Garrett will lead this Study Day held at Great Dixter House and Gardens. Refreshments and lunch are included, served in the Great Hall and we are offering a 10% discount on plant sales for attendees in the nursery on the day. Fergus will use the garden at Great Dixter to illustrate how…
24 November 2025 10:00 am – 4:00 pmGreat Dixter House and Gardens, TN316PH
