Learning
Education is one of the primary charitable aims of the Gardens Trust. As an organisation we run or promote a range of learning options, which include courses, lectures, conservation training for volunteers, academic study and activities for children. The topics covered include all aspects of the history of gardens and gardening, landscape gardening and horticulture.
Adult courses
Garden History Grapevine organises a number of courses for adults in association with the Gardens Trust. These include 12 week courses, most recently on Plants in Garden History, and a one-day introduction to garden history. Profits from the courses are donated to the Gardens Trust.
The courses page also includes details of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in garden and landscape history, and Continuing Education courses. See Courses for more details.
Training
Through the Historic Landscape Project, the Gardens Trust provides free training for its volunteers and those of the County Gardens Trusts. This capacity-building programme, which is partially funded by Historic England, enables volunteers to take a proactive role in the conservation of historic landscapes by learning skills such as:
- researching and recording historic landscapes
- writing Statements of Significance
- commenting on planning applications
- understanding planning policy
- how to appeal against a planning decision.
Find out more about the Historic Landscape Project, or check the Garden Trusts Events section for forthcoming training events.
Informal learning
The Gardens Trust organises an annual series of lectures in London, and sometimes in other cities, which are listed in the Gardens Trust Events section.
We also host details of other garden history events organised by other organisations, such as one-off lectures and study days, in the External or Campaign Events section.
Schools and children
The Schools page provides some resources to help schools make a garden, apply for grants, grow vegetables or start a garden club.
Also, our events programme includes fun events specifically aimed to encourage families and children to enjoy and learn about historic gardens.