Sandhill Farm House, Rogate, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 5HU
Telephone 01730 818373 or 0780 162 8673 or email

Talks and Masterclasses

Talks

Each of Rosemary's talks is illustrated with slides and lasts approximately one hour with a few minutes at the end for questions. PowerPoint talks are currently being developed. Notes to accompany the lectures can be supplied one week in advance. If you are interested in inviting Rosemary to present a talk, please telephone or email for further details.

A Tale of Two Gardens

A personal account of how two very different gardens were redesigned and planted. First discusses being a tenant of the National Trust, how the garden at Stoneacre in Kent was brought back to life, and how it has again changed under new ownership. Then the making of her new garden at Sandhill Farm House, now subject of many magazine articles and open several times per year. Although only one acre, there are seven different types of garden and planting within this small space.

Architecture of the Garden

An insight into both classic and contemporary methods of constructing paths, paving, steps, walls, trellis and fences plus water features, and includes choosing and using plants for structural effect.

Garden Design Today

A look at the work of today's designers, what materials and features are currently used and how contemporary plant associations vary from those of yesteryear.

Green is also a Colour

Foliage is the mainstay of any garden, the backdrop against which the more ephemeral flowers are set off. We look at suitable foliage for texture and form, then at how the huge variation of leaf colours enhance and intensify flower colours.

Colour in the Garden

Creating a garden through using artist's techniques, exploring vertical and horizontal planes such as pergolas and paving. Understanding the colour wheel and how to use it for choosing plants for hot, cool, contrasting and single colour effects.

Design your own Garden

A professional approach to the layout and planting of gardens. How to assess what already you have and through different materials and plant grouping, create the gardens of your dreams. Both small and large gardens are considered.

History and Design of Knot Gardens

From medieval times, knot gardens have provided an intricate decorative feature in classical gardens, but there is still a place for them in modern gardens where they provide a link between house and garden. This talk explains how patterns evolve, what plants to use and how to transfer a pattern on paper into the ground.

Principles of Design

An insight into the different stages of professional garden design, from survey, experimenting with different layouts or themes, looking at horizontal surfaces and vertical features, water, lighting and garden furniture.

Principles of Planting

A professional approach to planting a garden. Soil, light, sun, shade, damp and dry conditions influence what can be grown.How to make the most of these and choose complimentary plants that will thrive and give all year round interest.

Making the most of Garden Visits

How to get the maximum enjoyment and knowledge out of visiting gardens. How to research and what to look for when seeking inspiration for your own garden.(Given to the Tourist Board guides).

Roses and how to use them

An insight into climbers, ramblers, shrub and ground cover roses, looking at suitable varieties, how to use, grow and train or support them, plus plants that work well with them to give more impact or extend the flowering season.

Starting over

An overview of making and maintaining a garden - describes how to tackle a new or neglected garden, considering first the layout and structure, then looking at existing planting and what to keep, what to discard or replace and why. Seasonal changes, ecological issues and some aspects of attracting wildlife, with particular reference to the recent makeovers at the National Trust garden, Stoneacre in Kent, and at Rosemary's current garden in Hampshire.

Masterclasses

Rosemary organises these masterclasses as required. The format is interactive classes where participants can work up a design or planting plan for their own use, either individually or in small groups. Numbers are normally limited to 30 people. They can take one to three days depending on the intensity and depth of class work. If you are interested in setting up a masterclass with Rosemary, please telephone or email for further details.