Hone your gardening skills

Learn to speak fluent spinach via step-by-step guided lessons.

This year the Botanical Gardens are once again running its garden skills programs – cost effective gardening for the home, community or farm. Hands on learning with professional experts.

$15 per person, per session. Bookings are essential, so please confirm your place. Ph 6236 3050

Here’s a calendar to mid April

January 27
Maintaining plants in pots (special repeat session)
Do you want to keep plants alive in tubs? What are the secrets behind container success? Our expert will demonstrate the simple techniques that will help you to have fantastic container gardens. This session includes a practical root pruning activity with an advanced tub plant.

February 3
Budding roses and small fruits for the home garden
Join us for a special insiders look at the secrets of budding plants through this practical presentation. What you need to get started and do it yourself. ‘t’ budding to chip budding; with a special look at cutting grafts.

February 10
Propagating seed using a soil blocker
Learn the facts about the fantastic tools known as seed blockers and how they can provide you with a cost effective and sustainable vegetable seedling future. Practical and hands on for all.

February 17
Practical guide to keeping orchids in Tasmania
Investigate the simple principles of keeping orchids at home. Practical tips and tricks with our expert.

February 24
Building the vertical garden; DON’T MISS THIS !
Practically build a simple and cost effective vertical garden structure using recycled materials. This is the ultimate garden for those with limited space, or for the person who just wants something different. Tips and tricks on everything you need to get started.

March 2
Practical pest identification NEW!
Join us for a hands on journey of discovery with our expert entomologist and teacher Laurie Miller, to uncover the fascinating world of pests and predators in the garden. A must for all gardeners!

March 9
Practical hot composting (by demand)
Actually build a free standing hot compost heap and learn the truths about real compost for your own backyard.

March 16
The basics of dry stone walling NEW!
Learn how to create a dry stone wall with our expert onsite. This old world technique can really lift the appearance of a garden or rural property. This session will be a practically applied activity.

March 23
Discover the basic skills of identifying plants.
Our expert horticulturist / botanist will guide you through all you need to know about identifying plants both in the Garden and in the wild. Discover plant names, identifying features and plant keys.

March 30
Practical bee keeping; maintaining a hive
Special Times / 1pm till 3:30pm cost $20 pp
Understanding bee hive set up maintenance and management. How to get started and what you do to maintain a hive. Participants will investigate real hive on site at the Gardens.

April 20
Building a roof garden; DON’T MISS THIS!
What a fantastic way of using a wasted space!
Learn the basics of small scale roof gardens, how
they are made and what you need to create your
own successfully at home.

April 27
Maintaining your berry crops in autumn and
winter
All you need to maintain your berry crops to ensure
bumper crops for the seasons to come. Autumn
maintenance, pruning and practical requirements.