The English Gardening School

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The English Gardening School

Conveniently based in Chelsea, with a practical learning garden in Hampshire, we offer Short, Distance and Diploma courses.

Over almost 30 years, The English Gardening School has built up an unrivalled international reputation for delivering a range of quality courses concentrating on the more serious aspects of gardening. Over 30 years, The English Gardening School has built up an unrivalled international reputation for delivering a range of quality courses concentrating on the more serious aspects of gardening.

21/08/2026

There are just a few places remaining on our four-day Planting Design course with Nick Bailey this autumn.

Held at Chelsea Physic Garden across October and November, this is an opportunity to spend four intensive days learning from one of the UK’s leading plantsmen and garden designers, exploring not simply what to plant, but the thinking that turns a collection of plants into a truly considered scheme.

Drawing on his own work and that of other leading designers, Nick will explore plant combinations, atmosphere, place and seasonality, alongside the unique varieties and unexpected choices that have come to define his approach.

Designed for keen gardeners and garden designers looking to push their planting further, the course moves between theory, real gardens and practical application.

📅 21 & 22 October and 18 & 19 November 2026 📍 Chelsea Physic Garden
Last few places remaining. Book via the link in our bio.

20/08/2026

The rules of gardening are changing.

After nearly 40 years growing more than 1,000 varieties of herbaceous perennials, EGS tutor and 24-time Chelsea Gold Medal winner Rosy Hardy has seen a dramatic shift in what thrives in British gardens.

As hotter, drier summers and increasingly unpredictable weather become part of the reality of gardening in the UK, Rosy believes resilience isn’t necessarily about abandoning the gardens and plants we love. It’s about questioning some long-held habits, understanding more closely how plants respond to their conditions, and making better choices about how and when we intervene.

“The traditional English garden is sustainable, but people have to change their expectations of what they’re going to get.”

On this weeks Substack, Rosy shares what four decades of growing has taught her about creating gardens resilient enough for a changing climate, from the gardening conventions she thinks we need to reconsider to the characteristics she now looks for in plants, and the varieties she believes will rise to the challenge.

19/08/2026

New for our Good Gardening Diploma.

We are delighted to be collaborating with The Serge Hill Project to introduce a new day of learning for our 2026–2027 students.

Founded by Tom and Sue Stuart-Smith, Serge Hill is home to an extraordinary Plant Library of more than 2,500 perennials and bulbs, offering a unique opportunity to study plants, their growing conditions and how they perform in the landscape.

Another exciting opportunity for our students to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience exceptional horticulture first-hand.

Limited places remaining for the Good Gardening Diploma, beginning September 2026.

Find out more via the link in our bio.

15/08/2026

Smart investment or poor prospect?

When it comes to hedging and topiary, some familiar favourites are proving better equipped for the future than others.

EGS tutor Eliot Barden shares his expert view on the plants worth investing in, and those that may struggle as our growing conditions continue to change.

Swipe through for Eliot’s smart investments and poor prospects.

14/08/2026

How do you bring intimacy to a large, open garden without over-designing it?

For EGS alumna Victoria Truman, the answer was to work with the landscape itself.

Swipe through to discover Victoria’s approach to the design.

13/08/2026

What should we be planting now for the gardens of the future?

In our latest Substack, EGS tutor Eliot Barden explores the trees he considers smart investments for a changing climate, which species he would approach with caution, and why resilience is about far more than simply heat and drought.

From hedging and topiary to trees for small gardens, seasonal interest and larger spaces, discover Eliot’s guide to creating a diverse and resilient treescape.

Read the full article via the link in our bio.

𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘏𝘚.

08/08/2026

How does a reflective pool transform a garden?

For Ben Pope, the starting point was the view beyond the garden. Inspired by the owners’ love of the framed field and a visit to Jardin Plume, the design evolved into a generous reflective pool that draws the landscape and sky back into the space.

From setting out the proportions with canes and string to refining the detailing so the grass meets the water cleanly, every decision was made to create a sense of calm, atmosphere and simplicity.

Swipe through to hear Ben explain the thinking behind the design.

06/08/2026

Thinking about learning with The English Gardening School?

From our internationally renowned Good Gardening Diploma to inspiring short courses in practical gardening and garden design, our upcoming programme offers something for every stage of your gardening journey.

Explore the courses and book your Information Session via the link in our bio.

05/08/2026

Geranium or pelargonium?

It is one of the questions EGS alumni Paul Vowles is asked most often while volunteering in the historic glasshouses at Chelsea Physic Garden.

In our latest Substack, Paul explains how to tell the two apart, explores the extraordinary variety of pelargoniums, and shares his advice for keeping them healthy and in bloom.
Read the full article via the link in our bio.

Address

66 Royal Hospital Road
London
SW34HS

Opening Hours

9:30am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+442073524347

Website

http://www.englishgardeningschool.co.uk/

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