Old Barn Garden Centre

Upcoming events at Old Barn Garden Centre

Workshops & Classes

Monthly Mornings: How To Feed & Water Your Garden with the Environment in Mind

Keeping the environment in mind is an important part of gardening. Join us as we dive into the world of plant feeds and watering techniques and learn about the different types of garden fertilisers, how they work, and discover when and where they can be most effective. You’ll also learn how to make your own natural liquid fertilizers at home, with a demonstration on creating nutrient-rich nettle feed. And since no meal is complete without a drink, we’ll also explore practical tips for keeping your plants hydrated through those long, hot summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this workshop will equip you with the tools to nurture your garden in a greener, more sustainable way. You will learn: what fertilisers are – organic/inorganic, liquid, and granules about fertilisers and the environment when and how you should feed your plants how to make your own liquid feeds including a demonstration how to reduce the need for watering your garden how to water pots and borders effectively how to keep your garden watered during a period of drought Who are the workshops for? People who want to get to know their gardens better, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience but want to develop your skills and knowledge. The Venue: Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham.

Fri 5 Jun11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Nature & Outdoors

Colourful Planting Design - Understanding a Gardener's Palette

Welcome to our talented designer Rachel Owens 2026 garden workshop series. These workshops will teach you everything you need to know about creating the garden you have always dreamed of. This course explores the way colour is used in the garden and how we can create our own unique planting pallets by understanding the relationships between different combinations. The morning will start with creating a personal colour wheel from paint samples and playing with the relationship between certain colour combinations. We will work through colour selections to include analogous, harmonious, complementary, split-complementary, triadic schemes. After lunch we will look at the way these relationships can work outdoors and how these combinations can be used to select plants for a scheme. We will look at examples by working garden designers and see how their ideas have adopted these schemes. Once we have analysed the chosen examples, we can start to think about what colour combinations we would like to transfer to our own gardens. Subjects Covered: Painting pallet work using different colour combinations Exploration of established colour combinations Exploration around colours and how this could relate to plants Examples of existing planting schemes Ways to use colour theory to start planning our own spaces The Venue: Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham.

Sat 6 Jun11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

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Workshops & Classes

Planting Design for Future Climates – Workshop Day

Welcome to our talented designer Rachel Owens 2026 garden workshop series. These workshops will teach you everything you need to know about creating the garden you have always dreamed of. The morning will start with the current environmental trends we have seen over the last few years and a discussion around the future of garden creation and care. We will look at the needs of plants and how they have adapted to cope in a range of environmental conditions. After lunch we will look at the types of plants that can cope with a changing climate and can work with the extremes of fluctuating weather patterns. We will look at possible plant combinations that share similar water needs and how the combination of plants can reduce water loss. We will also look at the basics of water conservation and solutions around water management in gardens. Subjects Covered: Current thinking about weather patterns and prediction for the future Current thinking about garden design and changing climates A look at the needs of plants and how they can adapt to environmental factors Plant combinations and examples for specific areas Water conservation techniques and water management examples for small spaces The Venue: Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham.

Sun 21 Jun11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Workshops & Classes

Sketching Summer Flowers - Morning or Full Day Workshop

Spend the day learning to sketch and watercolour inspired by seasonal blooms. Take some time out to enjoy nature through sketching. Using pencils and fine-liner pens we will create expressive sketches of plants and flowers and learn techniques that you can use to engage with nature wherever you are. The course is more about the simple enjoyment of observing than having to produce a masterpiece and there is no pressure to perfom. In the afternoon (optional) we will really bring the sketches to life, adding watercolour. Weather permitting, we will take advantage of the many lovely plants at Oak Barn and sketch outside. All materials will be provided except a sketchbook. Please bring a hardback sketchbook. If you are staying for the afternoon, it should have a minimum paperweight of 160gsm. Morning only or full day option: Morning only – 10am-1pm: pencil and fine liner drawing Full day extension – 1:30-3:30pm: including watercolour (please note, the additional afternoon workshop is only for morning attendees) Subjects covered: Looking at flower shapes and forms Looking at capturing the character of plants Using expressive lines to make sketches full of life Adding bright, colourful watercolour washes to the drawings to really bring them to life (full day only, optional) Who is the course for? Anyone welcome, beginners included! We will hopefully be sketching outside for part of the day so consider bringing a sun hat.

Fri 26 Jun11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Workshops & Classes

Monthly Mornings: How to Keep Your Garden Blooming Yearly

If you are struggling to keep your garden looking glorious throughout the summer months, this workshop is for you! Learn how to deal with gaps left when the spring bulbs have died back, manage sprawling perennials, keep your roses in good health, tackle heat waves, and ensure continuous blooms throughout the season, on this morning gardening workshop. You will learn: which plants can be cut back and will come again which plants benefit from dead heading how to deal with gaps in your borders how to get the best from your roses best plants for repeat flowering tips for gardening in a heatwave how to keep your plants from flopping Who are the workshops for? People who want to get to know their gardens better, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience but want to develop your skills and knowledge. The Venue: Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham. Our dedicated space for courses, is a light airy and spacious place to learn. The Group: Jenny teaches in small groups which ensures everyone gets the opportunity to practice, and time to ask questions.

Fri 3 Jul11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Workshops & Classes

Expressive Paper Flower Art - Creative Practical Course

Join Issy to pick up your crayons, pencils, ink, paint brushes — or anything that makes a mark — and draw with the freedom you had as a child. As we age, the freedom of creativity is often replaced by expectations. We are taught that art must follow rules, master techniques, and strive for perfection in order to be considered valuable. What was once playful and instinctive becomes overshadowed by theory, technique, and the pressure to create “serious” art. This workshop gently shifts away from those ideas. Issy will guide you through a series of playful, intuitive drawing and painting exercises using abstract ink and paint techniques, leading towards the creation of a vibrant flower bouquet image. These exercises are designed to help you loosen up your creative practice and rediscover the simple joy of making art for art’s sake. You will be encouraged to tune into yourself, enjoy the expressive process of mark-making, and connect with your present self — returning to the carefree creativity of youth. Plan of the day: You’ll be welcomed with a hot drink before Issy gives an introduction to a range of art techniques using a variety of art materials. The morning will be spent mindfully experimenting, playing and exploring the freedom of mark-making to create a range of abstract papers. After a lunch break, you will come back to the workshop to start arranging your abstract flower vase artwork.

Sun 5 Jul11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Workshops & Classes

Design Your Small Garden - 2 Day Garden Design Course

“A really worthwhile course I’d recommend to anyone looking to redesign, or tweak a small garden. It was such good fun & really useful.” Chris This 2-day step-by step design course, led by multi-award winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant, will take you through the process of designing your own small garden. The course is happening across two Wednesday’s 8th July & 22nd July Day 1, 8th July – CONCEPT & CONSTRAINTS Subjects covered: Drawing inspiration from your surroundings Developing your brief The design concept Efficient use of space Treatment of boundaries Neighbours and the law Managing small level changes Day 2, 22nd July – DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION Subjects covered: Drainage in a small town garden Detailing your design Choosing hard landscaping materials Logistics & practicalities The design documents Contracts & engaging a contractor By the end of the course you will: – a basic labelled, scale drawing of your own design – considered suitable hard landscaping materials – an understanding of the legal requirements & responsibilities – confidence to instruct & engage a contractor to build your garden – a scaled planting area outlined (a follow-on planting design day course will run on Wednesday 13th May 2026) The course includes: 20% of Voucher in the Café 20% Off Plants voucher to spend at Old Barn Nurseries Pre-course video instructions for preparation An illustrated booklet to work through, with comprehensive notes Step-by-step guidance from ‘concept to...

Wed 8 Jul11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Nature & OutdoorsWorkshops & Classes

Planting a Prairie Garden Large or Small - Planting Design Course

Come and be inspired on how you can design your own prairie-style garden. With illustrated talks and planting exercises, award wining garden designer Juliet Sargeant will explain how to design similar schemes for your own garden. Whether you have a large or small space, the natural, relaxed and wildlife-friendly planting style of prairie garden design can be achieved with the right combination of plants and colours. Subjects covered: What is prairie planting and what are the benefits? Maintenance of a prairie style planting scheme The best plants for that winning prairie style How to combine the plants, even in a small area You will achieve: An understanding of prairie style planting and its suitability for your garden The best plants to achieve prairie planting How to design a prairie style scheme The course day includes: Complimentary refreshments on arrival Illustrated handouts Step-by-step guidance Paper and drawing equipment Tutor: Juliet Sargeant is a multi-award winning garden designer. She has been delivering entertaining and informative workshops and courses for more than 15 years. Venue: Old Barn Garden Centre is one of the largest nurseries in Sussex.

Fri 24 Jul11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Talks & Lectures

Dry Sandy and Chalky Soil Survival Guide - Gardening Talk

Many of us are gardening in difficult soil conditions, and poor, chalky or sandy soil can make it challenging for plants to thrive. But Juliet has a wealth of experience to share to help you to manage and improve your soil, and also which plants to choose for the conditions you have. Subjects Covered: What makes for a poor, chalk, or sandy soil? A brief guide to understanding your soil structure and composition. How to improve your poor, chalky, or sandy soils, and manage it going forward. Juliet’s favourite thriving plants for poor, chalky, or sandy soils. Who is the talk for? Beginners and garden enthusiasts are welcome. By the end of the talk you will have: an understanding of what constitutes as a poor or challenging soil a brief understanding of soil structure and chemical composition and how this affects how good or bad your soil is. an understanding of how to improve your poor chalk or sandy soil and manage it going forward. a list of Juliet’s favourite plants that will continue to thrive in poor conditions. The Tutor: Juliet Sargeant is a multi award-winning garden designer and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. She has been teaching gardening to professionals and enthusiasts for over 15 years. Juliet has a relaxed teaching style, with plenty of illustrations, discussion, and opportunities for you to ask questions. The Venue: Old Barn Garden Centre is one of the largest nurseries in Sussex.

Wed 5 Aug11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Community

The Dry, Sandy and Chalk Soil Survival Guide PLUS The Windy or Coastal Garden Survival Guide - Gardening Talks

Join us for two gardening talks that will support you as you garden in challenging conditions, whether that be because of your soil, or a windy or coastal situation. Relax in to a day of learning with multi-award winning garden designer and soil expert Juliet Sargeant. Morning Talk – The Challenging Soil Survival Guide Many of us are gardening in difficult soil conditions and poor, chalky, or sandy soil can make it challenging for plants to thrive. But Juliet has a wealth of experience to share to help you to manage and improve your soil, and also which plants to choose for the conditions you have. Subjects Covered: – What makes for a poor chalk or sandy soil? – A brief guide to understanding your soil structure and composition. – How to improve your poor chalky or sandy soils and manage it going forward. – Juliet’s favourite thriving plants for poor chalky or sandy soils. Afternoon Talk – The Windy or Coastal Garden Survival Guide Fed up with battling against the elements in your coastal or windy garden? Join Juliet to discover our top tips on designing a garden able to sustain the exposed conditions, and feel inspired by our favourite plant combinations that will thrive in your blustery location. Subjects Covered: – The challenges of maintaining a coastal or windy garden. – A brief guide to managing poor soils, challenging elevations in coastal locations. – A brief introduction to design principles, with particular focus on structural planting, wind breaks and plants that...

Wed 5 Aug11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Talks & Lectures

The Windy or Coastal Garden Survival Guide - Gardening Talk

Meet the challenge of a windy or coastal garden and create a garden that will thrive Fed up with battling against the elements in your coastal or windy garden? Join Juliet to discover our top tips on designing a garden able to sustain the exposed conditions, and feel inspired by our favourite plant combinations that will thrive in your blustery location. Subjects Covered: The challenges of maintaining a coastal or windy garden. A brief guide to managing poor soils, challenging elevations in coastal locations. A brief introduction to design principles, with particular focus on structural planting, wind breaks and plants that will thrive. Juliet’s favourite plants that are happy in coastal and windy conditions. Who is the talk for? Beginners and garden enthusiasts are welcome. By the end of the talk you will have: an understanding of the challenges that coastal and windy gardens bring and their affect on plants. a brief guide to managing poorer soils and challenging elevations in coastal locations. an understanding on structural planting and using windbreaks in design to help manage the exposed site. a list of our favourite plants that are happy in coastal and windy conditions. The Tutor: Juliet Sargeant is a multi award-winning garden designer and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time. She has been teaching gardening to professionals and enthusiasts for over 15 years.

Wed 5 Aug14:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Talks & Lectures

Making Hay! Meadow-Planting & Lawn Alternatives - Gardening Talk

Discover sensational lawn alternatives to create a more natural and relaxed feeling in your garden, whilst attracting pollinating insects and increasing bio- diversity. In this session Juliet will share her experiences and explain all you need to know about creating a meadow, no matter how small in your garden, our favourite and most reliable mixes to use and alternatives options to enhance your existing lawn. Subjects Covered: – What is meadow planting and the two main types of wild flower meadows. – How and when to prepare for planting a meadow. – Choosing the right mix for your soil type and location, and our favourite meadow mixes. – Other lawn alternatives and enhancing your existing lawn. Who is the talk for? Beginner and experienced gardeners alike By the end of the talk you will have: – Understanding the types of wild flower meadows available and their benefits. – Understand how and when to prepare and plant your meadow. – Juliet’s Top 5 meadow plants and favourite meadow mixes/ turfs. – Inspiration for other lawn alternatives or enhancing your existing lawn. The Tutor: Juliet Sargeant is a multi-award-winning designer and regular panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time, with over 20 years of experience in designing gardens and also teaching about them. She has a relaxed teaching style, with plenty of illustrations, and discussion. The Venue: Old Barn Nurseries is one of the largest nurseries in Sussex.

Wed 19 Aug11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Nature & Outdoors

Making Hay! Meadow Planting PLUS 'Re-Wild' Your Garden - Gardening Talks

Making Hay! Meadow Planting and Lawn Alternatives (10.30am – 12Noon) and ‘Re-Wild’ Your Garden (1.00 – 2.30pm) Morning Talk – Making Hay! Meadow Planting and Lawn Alternatives Discover sensational lawn alternatives to create a more natural and relaxed feeling in your garden, whilst attracting pollinating insects and increasing bio- diversity. In this session Juliet will share her experiences and explain all you need to know about creating a meadow, no matter how small in your garden, our favourite and most reliable mixes to use and alternatives options to enhance your existing lawn. Subjects covered: What is meadow planting and the two main types of wild flower meadows. How and when to prepare for planting a meadow. Choosing the right mix for your soil type and location, and our favourite meadow mixes. Other lawn alternatives and enhancing your existing lawn. By the end of the talk you will have: Understanding of the types of wild flower meadows available and their benefits. Understanding of how and when to prepare and plant your meadow. Juliet’s Top 5 Meadow plants and favourite meadow mixes/ turfs. Inspiration for other lawn alternatives or enhancing your existing lawn. Afternoon Talk – ‘Re-Wild’ Your Garden Discover the principles of re-wilding and how you can give nature a hand by creating the right conditions in your own garden to support nature and wildlife.

Wed 19 Aug11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Nature & OutdoorsTalks & Lectures

‘Re-Wild’ Your Garden - Gardening Talk

Discover the principles of re-wilding and how you can give nature a hand by creating the right conditions in your own garden to support nature and wildlife. Juliet will be sharing her top tips on how to plant and garden for wildlife in your outdoor space. Subjects Covered: What is re-wilding? The benefits of rewilding on wildlife, nature, humans and our environment. What makes a wildlife friendly garden? How to re-wild in your own gardens, including our Top 5 plants Juliet’s top tips for re-wilding a small space By the end of the talk you will have: an understanding of what re-wilding actually is and the key principles of re-wilding an understanding on the benefits of re-wilding on wildlife, nature, humans and the environment understand how you can create a wildlife friendly garden, and our top tips for achieving this. a list of Juliet’s top wildlife friendly plants Who is the talk for? Beginners and garden enthusiasts are welcome. The Tutor: Juliet Sargeant is a multi-award-winning designer, with over 20 years of experience in designing gardens and also teaching about them. She has a relaxed teaching style, with plenty of illustrations, and discussion. The Venue: Old Barn Nurseries is one of the largest nurseries in Sussex.

Wed 19 Aug14:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Workshops & Classes

Monthly Mornings: How to Take Plant Stem Cuttings

Taking stem cuttings is both fun and satisfying, offering a fantastic way to create new plants for free! In this gardening workshop, you will learn how to take soft and semi-ripe cuttings from a variety of plants. This interactive session will provide hands-on experience, allowing you to try it yourself. By the end of the workshop, you will have potted up your own cuttings to take home, increasing your plant stock. Join us and discover the joy of propagation! You will learn: the different between soft-wood cuttings and semi-ripe cuttings what sort of plants you can take cuttings from? how to collect suitable cutting material how to take softwood and semi-ripe cuttings how to care for your cuttings until its time to plant out in the garden The Venue: Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham. Our dedicated space for courses, is a light airy and spacious place to learn. The Group: Jenny teaches in small groups which ensures everyone gets the opportunity to practice, and time to ask questions.

Fri 4 Sept11:00Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Nature & OutdoorsTalks & Lectures

Plants for Autumn Interest & Choosing Bulbs - Gardening Talk

Discover how you can bring late seasonal interest into your garden to extend the planting season through winter into spring. Subjects covered: Keri’s top plants and design tips for autumn colour Keri’s top selection of plants to help wildlife during the late season and into winter How to choose bulbs to extend the season through winter and into spring Who is the talk for? Beginners and garden enthusiasts are welcome. By the end of the talk you will have: Understand how you can bring spring interest into your garden to extend the season The knowledge to help you choose bulbs for successional displays Understand the role plants can play in supporting wildlife early in the season and what plants can help you achieve this The Tutor: Keri Fitzpatrick studied garden and landscape design at the University of Brighton, and has exhibited at RHS Hampton Court as well as Gardener’s World Live. Keri has travelled extensively and brings this experience to her garden planting and inspiration. The Venue: Old Barn Nurseries is one of the largest nurseries in Sussex. The talk will be held in their purpose-built studio ‘The Garden Room’.

Wed 7 Oct11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

Nature & Outdoors

Plants for Autumn Interest PLUS The Winter Garden and Wildlife Survival Guide - Gardening Talks

Plants for Autumn Interest & Choosing Bulbs (10.30am-12Noon) and The Winter Garden and Wildlife Survival Guide (1.00 – 2.30pm) Morning Talk – Plants for Autumn Interest & Choosing Bulbs Discover how you can bring late seasonal interest into your garden to extend the planting season through winter into spring. Subjects covered: Keri’s top plants and design tips for autumn colour Keri’s top selection of plants to help wildlife during the late season and into winter How to choose bulbs to extend the season through winter and into spring By the end of the talk you will have: Understand how you can bring spring interest into your garden to extend the season The knowledge to help you choose bulbs for successional displays Understand the role plants can play in supporting wildlife early in the season and what plants can help you achieve this Afternoon Talk – The Winter Garden and Wildlife Survival Guide Twiddling your thumbs and itching to get out in the garden? … Join Keri to discover what gardening jobs you can do over winter to get a head start for the new season, and identify how you can help Wildlife continue to flourish during the dormant season. Subjects covered: An easy and practical list of key gardening jobs – when, why, what, how? How to plan for refreshed planting borders for the coming year Identifying what support wildlife needs to thrive in your garden over winter and what you can do to support them By the end of the talk you will have: An understanding on the...

Wed 7 Oct11:30Old Barn Garden Centre

via Old Barn Garden Centre

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