Workshops
I love running workshops - we all have such a jolly time! Sharing and learning together, having a good natter about gardening, plants and our grand schemes.  We do all sorts of lovely things - Click here to find out what we are doing and when in 2016. 

I can adapt the content of any of the two-day courses listed on the 'Courses' page into workshops - just let me know what you have in mind.

I can also run bespoke events - Get in touch here, or contact me at jo@reallyusefulgardens.co.uk if you would to talk to me about running a workshop - either for your gardening club or group of friends, or at your cafe or other venue.

Here are a few of the workshops I offer:

A Calendar of Really Useful Plants

A really enjoyable morning where we explore twelve plants that can be used for lots of different things - to make pampering gifts, food and drinks, feed wildlife, craft with etc.  
You will make some simple pampering gifts to give away or keep for yourself, taste some delicious teas and cold drinks made with herbs and flowers and receive a handout with recipe and project ideas and growing tips.
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The Floral Kitchen 
A stimulating and inspiring day for anyone who loves to cook, bake and play about in the kitchen.
You will  learn how to grow and use some of the most well known and loved garden herbs and flowers.  We will tickle our taste buds and delight in the scent, colour and texture of some beautiful flowers that make delicious edible treats.  Examples of recipes: Floral Pesto, nasturtium flower vinaigrette, lavender and honey ice cream, sunflower petal bread

​Home-Grown Christmas 
Learn to make gifts and festive goodies from your garden. Your garden is a treasure trove of raw materials that can be used to make gifts, Christmas decorations and festive treats.  In this workshop we will have fun making a gift from the flower garden that you can take home and there will be a demonstration of some suggestions of gifts from the kitchen garden. 

The Wildlife-Friendly Garden - creating a 'des res' for beneficial wildlife
One of the keys to successful organic and sustainable gardening is to create a balanced system whereby beneficial predators control unwanted pests.  In this workshop we will identify some of the most garden friendly wildlife and explore how to encourage them into your garden and keep them there.

The Self-Sustaining Garden - creating a garden that takes care of itself (more or less)
The ultimate in sustainable gardening - a garden that grows its own food!  In this workshop we will discover the best plants to grow as green manures and how to make liquid plant food.  We will learn about making compost and we will explore the principles of forest gardening - an approach to gardening that is low maintenance, highly productive and eco-friendly. 

Your Garden in a Vase - growing and arranging your own cut flowers
A vase full of seasonal blooms looks wonderful in any room and is lovely to give or receive - especially when the flowers have been grown and arranged by the giver.  In this workshop we will discover some of the flowers that are easy to grow, look great and last well in a vase. Find out how to make flower arrangements that are informal, rustic, exuberant and gorgeous.  

Making Healthy Home-made Chocolates
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Learn how to make fabulous and delicious healthy raw chocolates flavoured with flowers and herbs that you can grow in your own garden.  We use lavender, mint, ginger, nuts and fruit to make a very personal and unique gift for friends or just to treat yourself.

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Short Talks
My range of short talks is gradually expanding. 
Current list of talks available includes:
Gardening for Wildlife                                                 
Planet Friendly Gardening
Companion Planting
The Floral Kitchen 
The Healing Power of Gardens
Why I love Trees
Home-Grown Christmas
Your Garden in a Vase
A Calendar of Really Useful Plants

A Happy Customer
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"I have attended two chocolate workshops with Jo.  The first was Healthy Home-made Chocolate   (level 1)  in November 2015 where we learnt how to mix cacao powder and cacao butter to make raw chocolate and what to add to customize the finished results.  The additions were plant based, lavender, nuts, etc.  For me, it was important the chocolate was suitable for vegans and it is.  Jo also ensured there were suitable refreshments for me as well.
The second workshop in February 2016 was an advanced version of the first.  We learnt how to temper the chocolate which gives it a more professional finish.  I’d hoped to learn how to make homemade raw chocolate and I did.  The workshop exceeded my expectations because I learnt how easy it is to do at home and that really anyone should be able to make ‘healthy’ chocolate.

The extensive information provided by Jo when I first contacted her allayed any doubts I may have had.  I arrived feeling confident and was made to feel very welcome.  I had a great time at both workshops.  The workshops are good value for money.  We have Jo’s time and expertise, plus refreshments and Jo even provides the lovely gift bags and closers to carry home the finished chocolates we have made.

I’d recommend these two workshops to absolutely anyone.  Even if you are not confident in the kitchen you can make raw chocolate, and who doesn’t like chocolate!  If you get the chance to attend one of Jo’s workshops you should treat yourself because it will be a treat indeed."  

​Paula Marley (Sheffield). ​

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