Coolings Garden Centres - Located in Kent and Sussex

Sustainable Environment
Sustainable Environment
We support alternatives to single use plastics
Consumption & Conservation
Consumption & Conservation
We harvest rainwater from our on-site reservoirs
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Reduced Carbon Footprint
With 80% of bedding plants grown onsite
Composting & Recycling
Composting & Recycling
We recycle over 90% of our on-site waste
£795
1 Year
Booking Form

Exclusive to Coolings! Garden Horizons: Plants, Pioneers, Gardens & Gurus

Course Length: 1 Year (AM or PM) Tutor: Tessa Allen

Course dates, time and price

COURSE SCHEDULE:

This course consists of 30 weeks of tuition, to be held on Thursdays, with a choice of either a morning (9.30 am – 12.30 pm) or an afternoon (1pm – 4pm) class.

Commencing 18th September 2025

COST:

£795

About the course

A course that is exclusive to Coolings!

Relax and have fun, learning in the company of fellow gardeners.

No exams, no pressure, no need for any prior course attendance.

Suitable for anyone with a love of gardening, this exciting and informative course covers a fascinating range of topics.

This course includes 10 full-day visits to gardens and places of horticultural interest. The days of the visits will run from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

The price includes all coach trips, but not entry to the gardens.

TRIPS TO INCLUDE:

  • West Green House
  • West Dean
  • Hever
  • Wisley
  • Savill Gardens

 

What you will learn

TOPICS TO INCLUDE:

  • Plant identification
  • Plant hunters through the centuries
  • Garden designers of the 20th and 21st century
  • Planting for soil types and microclimates
  • Origin of many of our garden plants
  • Growing vegetables and fruit in small spaces
  • Jobs for your garden through the year

Classroom days will include practical demonstrations.

About the tutor

Tessa Allen has taught horticulture for over 35 years and the RHS Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture for the last 23 years. Throughout, Tessa has had a high achievement and retention rate, which she puts down to the friendly but organised classroom atmosphere.

How to apply

To apply for this course please complete the Booking Enquiry form by clicking the ‘Booking Form’ button on the top right hand-side of this page.

Should you have any further queries relating to this course, please complete the Booking Enquiry form or telephone Lesley Webster at Coolings on 01959 532269 or email lesleywebster@coolings.co.uk.

If you are interested in any of our courses that are currently full please contact us to join the waiting list.  If there is sufficient interest then we will always consider running another course.

Please note, courses will only be cancelled if not viable to run.

Where the course is held

All courses are held in the education centre at Coolings The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Kent, TN14 7NN

The benefits of learning at Coolings

We provide a fantastic learning atmosphere in our purpose-built education centre, just a stone’s throw from our production nursery, display gardens and garden centre that holds the biggest selection of plants in the South East.

Other benefits include:

  • 15% discount for students at all Coolings Garden Centres for the duration of your course (exclusions apply).
  • Celebratory evening for students and tutors upon completion of your course where drinks and canapes or a light buffet will be provided (excluding Planting Design for Beginners course).
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Tea and coffee provided.