Events And Classes
Discover the way to a beautiful garden with great environmental credentials
Over 70 events take place in the garden this year. Alongside wildlife and lifestyle walks and workshops, a range of new horticultural events and Masterclasses will mark owner Neil Lucas’s 25th year at Knoll Gardens. 2019 also sees Knoll’s first Festival of Grasses, celebrating the garden’s stunning autumn colour.
In addition to holding regular events and classes at Knoll Gardens Neil Lucas, the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses, also talks and lectures across the UK and overseas.
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February
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Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
March
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Willow Workshop; Plant Climbers with Tracy Standish
Join Tracy in the garden to learn about simple willow weaving techniques as you create your own plant support to use in your garden this spring.
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Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
April
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Bat Walk with Jan Freeborn
Familiarise yourself with the garden’s layout before taking a special evening stroll as you search for Knoll’s most elusive night-time visitors. Using the latest technology and years of experience, Jan will help you identify the bats you see and hear, and attempt to attract them down for a closer look.
For every ticket purchased £2.50 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation and £2.50 to the Dorset Bat Group
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Camera Clubs
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local camera clubs to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
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Beginners Guide to close-up & macro photography
Join Dave Peckham, a commercial photographer of over 30 years, and who now now runs Lightroom and Photoshop courses as well as passing on his photographic knowledge. An opportunity to benefit from his experience, find out how to get the best out of your camera for close-up work and learn about the equipment available to improve your shots by trying out some of Dave’s photo kit.
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Guided Walk – Local Landscapes
Join Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Nicky Hoar and Knoll Gardens’ Neil Lucas as they take you on a guided walk across Ferndown Common to Knoll Gardens, part of The Great Heath Living Landscape. Discover the similarities of the landscapes as well as their differences as you understand more about the horticulture and wildlife of this glorious part of east Dorset.
Meet at Knoll Gardens, Stapehill Rd, Hampreston, Wimborne BH21 7ND.
Limited numbers so booking essential.
To book; contact DWT on 01202 692033 or nhoar@dorsetwildlifetrust.org
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Changing Seasons in the Garden
This is the first of a series of four bimonthly garden walks which offer a unique opportunity to spend time with Neil Lucas as part of Knoll’s 25-year anniversary celebrations. Each individual walk will focus on the garden’s changing seasonal highlights; from spectacular individual plants to mass plantings of Knoll’s acclaimed grasses, and the rare and unusual trees and shrubs that form the backbone of the garden. On route you’ll also find out a little more about Neil’s 25 years at Knoll, his aim to have a flower in bloom on every day of the season, and how he is looking after the garden’s wildlife.
Book on to all four walks to have the further opportunity of experiencing at first hand the spectacular seasonal changes that take place every year at Knoll, watching grasses come from ground level to five or six feet high in a matter of weeks and enjoying the garden’s annual journey from the first spring shoots of bright greens to the stunning glow of autumn colour.
-
Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
Plants, Gardens & Wildlife: Talk and Wildlife Gardeners’ Question Time
The Knoll Gardens Foundation is delighted to have awarded it inaugural Community Lecture to the Dorset Wildlife Trust as the basis for this event.
As part of its 2019 campaign Get Dorset Buzzing, DWT welcomes Neil Lucas, expert plantsman and owner of Knoll Gardens, who shares the story of how his naturalistic planting style has opened the door to wildlife. Bring your wildlife gardening questions, pick up tips and get all you need to get your garden buzzing. Event kindly sponsored by the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
To book visit www.theallendale.org or ring 01202 887247.
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May
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Foundation Friday; Volunteer Recruitment Open Morning
Based in the garden at Knoll, the Knoll Gardens Foundation is a charity set up to promote a sustainable, wildlife friendly gardening style which can create stunning effect whilst requiring little maintenance. This special open morning is your chance to understand more about what the charity does and how you can get involved. Foundation volunteers will be in the garden to talk about their role, and explain more about the ethos of the garden and there will also be the opportunity to talk to trustees about the volunteering opportunities currently available.
You can find out more about the charity and volunteering with us at www.knollgardensfoundation.org
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Garden Bee Walk
Join Knoll’s bumblebee surveyor (and Knoll charity trustee), Rowena Jecock in the garden to discover more about the fascinating world of our bees, begin to identify some of the species you are most likely to find in your own garden and what you can do to help them thrive.
For every ticket purchased £4 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
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Indoor Gardening with Laura Hall
Create a closed terrarium. This adult course takes you through the history of the terrarium as you learn the step-by-step processes of planting out your own sealed demi-john to take home. All materials, including demijohn provided.
To book email; interiorbotanical@gmail.com
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Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
June
-
Bat Walk with Jan Freeborn
Familiarise yourself with the garden’s layout before taking a special evening stroll as you search for Knoll’s most elusive night-time visitors. Using the latest technology and years of experience, Jan will help you identify the bats you see and hear, and attempt to attract them down for a closer look.
For every ticket purchased £2.50 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation and £2.50 to the Dorset Bat Group
-
Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking: Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Foundation Friday; We value our Volunteers
In celebration of National Volunteers Week Knoll Gardens is offering free garden admission to everyone who gives up their valuable time to volunteer in any capacity. Meet up with our own volunteers in the morning or simply relax as you enjoy a stroll around our naturalistic garden. We welcome new volunteers at Knoll and a member of the Knoll Gardens Foundation team will be around to provide more information.
Please bring some proof of your volunteering status to gain free admission. -
Saturday Special; Mosaic Workshop – 8th June 2019
Join artist and sculptor Sarah Moore in the garden at Knoll for this special one-day mosaic workshop. Participants are invited to bring along a special item of their own china, beads, buttons, shells etc to incorporate into their finished work to take home.
Booking essential as limited numbers; price includes materials.
To book call Sarah on 01202 877183 or email sarahmoore.sculptor@yahoo.co.uk
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Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking: Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Indoor Gardening for Children – with Laura Hall
Create your very own miniature bottle garden or ‘Terrarium’ in the garden at Knoll. Discover all about these fascinating mini worlds before being helped to create your very own miniature garden to take home. We will be gardening under the shelter of a marquee, so please dress appropriately for the weather and bring along your own jar, bottle or other vessel of your choice ensuring it has a lid so you can seal it up once you have planted your garden. All other materials are provided including soil, miniature plants, moss, toadstools, dinosaurs and maybe even a sprinkle of fairy dust!
Ticket price per child (age 7+) with one accompanying adult.
To book email Laura from Interior Botanical at interiorbotanical@gmail.com
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Designing in the Naturalistic Style
Join Neil Lucas for a walk around his acclaimed garden at Knoll as he explains his ethos and some of the concepts and techniques that have gone into the creation of this naturalistic, wildlife-friendly garden. With no staking, no spraying, and no deadheading Neil also points out the many benefits of the naturalistic style to the gardener, providing practical advice to help you bring Knoll’s stunning year-round effect to your own garden.
-
Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking: Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Foundation Friday; NGS Open Day
The National Garden Scheme is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country having donated over £50m to date. Your visit today will help its work.
No booking required; but normal admission charge applies which will be donated to the NGS.
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Foundation Friday; DWT ‘Get Dorset Buzzing Roadshow’
This year Dorset Wildlife Trust aims to get 1,000 gardens in Dorset doing at least one thing to help pollinators, whether it’s planting up some pollinator-friendly plants, building a bee hotel, or simply leaving a wild area. We are delighted to support this important campaign and welcome the DWT Roadshow to Knoll. With fun activities, tints and tips it is a great way to find out how to ‘Get Dorset Buzzing’ in your garden.
Free garden admission for members of DWT and anyone joining DWT on the day. Please show your membership card on arrival.
Normal garden admission price, no pre-booking required.
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Midsummer Outdoor Concert with Gerauschhersteller
A rare opportunity to experience the work of one of the greatest living composers of classical music performed by Dorset-based musical ensemble Gerauschhersteller in the glorious naturalistic setting of Knoll Gardens. Premiered in San Fransciso in 1964, this meditative work consists of 53 short repeated melodies in C major. However, every performance has a totally unique quality as how often the melody is repeated, or intensified is determined by each musician, providing no player is ever three melodies behind or ahead of the others. Since its first performance, In C created a new way of looking at making music – putting the musicians very much in control of the final piece as they react to each other, the ambiance of the performance and its setting.
Gerauschhersteller performed at Knoll last year. Their new CD features highlights of that performance. For this midsummer evening concert please bring rugs, blankets and a picnic to best enjoy this innovative meditative 1960s experience.
Gates open at 7pm and close at 9.30pm
For this special performance £7.50 of every ticket purchase will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
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Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking: Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Changing Seasons in the Gardens- walk with Neil Lucas
One of four new seasonal walks, Changing Seasons in the Garden offers a unique opportunity to spend time with Neil Lucas as part of Knoll’s 25-year anniversary celebrations. Each individual walk will focus on the garden’s changing seasonal highlights; from spectacular individual plants to mass plantings of Knoll’s acclaimed grasses, and the rare and unusual trees and shrubs that form the backbone of the garden. On route you’ll also find out a little more about Neil’s 25 years at Knoll, his aim to have a flower in bloom on every day of the season, and how he is looking after the garden’s wildlife.
Book on to all four walks to have the further opportunity of experiencing at first hand the spectacular seasonal changes that take place every year at Knoll, watching grasses come from ground level to five or six feet high in a matter of weeks and enjoying the garden’s annual journey from the first spring shoots of bright greens to the stunning glow of autumn colour.
This is the second of a series of four bimonthly walks. Each walk costs £10 or book all four for just £35. Seasonal walks take place on 25 April, 27 June, 22 August and 24 October.
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Art Groups
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local art groups to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
-
Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
July
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Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking: Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Horticultural Groups
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local horticultural groups to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
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Stone Carving Workshop – with Sarah Moore
Join sculptor and fine artist Sarah Moore in the garden at Knoll for this special one-day stone carving workshop. Working in local Bath stone you will learn basic stone carving skills as you create an original stone carving to take home. Ticket price to include materials.
Booking Essential
To book call Sarah on 01202 877183 or email sarahmoore.sculptor@yahoo.co.uk -
Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – BNSS
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes staff, members and volunteers of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but visitors are requested to show proof of membership or volunteering status on arrival.
For more info email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
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Garden Bee Walk – with Rowena Jecock
Join Knoll’s bumblebee surveyor (and Knoll charity trustee), Rowena Jecock in the garden between 11.15am – 12.15pm to discover more about the fascinating world of our bees, begin to identify some of the species you are most likely to find in your own garden and what you can do to help them thrive.
For every ticket purchased £4 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation
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Willow Dragonfly Workshop – with Tracy Standish
Learn the basic skills and techniques of willow weaving whilst creating a wonderful dragonfly to decorate your garden or pond. If time allows you can also make a smaller decorative item such as a snail or fish.
We will be weaving in the garden under the shelter of a marquee, so please dress appropriately for the weather and bring your own lunch. Drinks can be purchased from the refreshment cabin.Please bring secateurs if possible, although there will some available to borrow on the day.
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Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Butterfly Conservation
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes Butterfly Conservation members and volunteers to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but visitors are requested to show proof of membership or volunteering status on arrival.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
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Foundation Friday; Guided Butterfly Walk
In line with the nation’s Big Butterfly Count, dedicated lepidopterist Keith Powrie leads a walk around the gardens to help you identify the many butterflies to be found there. Keith has been recording butterfly sightings at Knoll for many years and brings an infectious enthusiasm to any guided walk.
For every ticket purchased £4 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation
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Neil Lucas at RHS Rosemoor Plant Centre
CANCELLED. As part of the plant centre events Neil Lucas will be at RHS garden Rosemoor on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July for a grasses weekend including a garden walk, talks and to help with advice on any aspect of using grasses in a garden setting; including overall design, choosing the right plants for your garden situation, and how to look after your grasses. Neil will also be happy to sign copies of his best selling book; Designing with Grasses.
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Designing in the Naturalistic Style
Join Neil Lucas for a walk around his acclaimed garden at Knoll as he explains his ethos and some of the concepts and techniques that have gone into the creation of this naturalistic, wildlife-friendly garden. With no staking, no spraying, and no deadheading Neil also points out the many benefits of the naturalistic style to the gardener, providing practical advice to help you bring Knoll’s stunning year-round effect to your own garden.
-
Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
-
Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
August
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Camera Clubs
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local camera clubs to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
-
Bat Walk – with Jan Freeborn
From 8.45pm familiarise yourself with the garden’s layout before taking a special evening stroll as you search for Knoll’s most elusive night-time visitors. Using the latest technology and years of experience, Jan will help you identify the bats you see and hear, and attempt to attract them down for a closer look.
For every ticket purchased £2.50 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation and £2.50 to the Dorset Bat Group
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Knoll Gardens Foundation; Annual Garden Wildlife Survey
Join wildlife volunteers and experts from the Dorset Wildlife Trust along with other wildlife enthusiasts, as they discover more about Knoll’s garden wildlife and help survey the garden. Suitable for all ages, beginners and experts alike, everyone is welcome to come along and get involved.
No booking required. For every full price ticket purchased £5 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
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Saturday Special; Art in the Garden – with Nikki Sheppard
Join practicing artist and lecturer Nikki Sheppard for this special day creating drawings and artwork inspired by Knoll’s glorious naturalistic style. Surrounded by the natural world you’ll engage all your senses with activities designed to allow your own creativity to flourish. From the basic elements of all drawing – line, shape, texture and tone – Nikki will lead you through more experimental pieces you can then develop into richly satisfying artwork. Please bring your own materials, drawings boards and a packed lunch, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Participants are welcome to stay on after the session until the garden closes at 5pm.
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Family Garden Wildlife Safari – with Tracy Standish
The garden is full of wildlife you just have to know where to look!
This special family-friendly workshop will help inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging children to get out and interact with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers. Depending on the weather, activities could include pond dipping, moth trapping and bug hunting.
Suitable for 5 – 10 year olds.
To book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk
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Changing Seasons in the Gardens- walk with Neil Lucas
One of four new seasonal walks, Changing Seasons in the Garden offers a unique opportunity to spend time with Neil Lucas as part of Knoll’s 25-year anniversary celebrations. Each individual walk will focus on the garden’s changing seasonal highlights; from spectacular individual plants to mass plantings of Knoll’s acclaimed grasses, and the rare and unusual trees and shrubs that form the backbone of the garden. On route you’ll also find out a little more about Neil’s 25 years at Knoll, his aim to have a flower in bloom on every day of the season, and how he is looking after the garden’s wildlife.
Book on to all four walks to have the further opportunity of experiencing at first hand the spectacular seasonal changes that take place every year at Knoll, watching grasses come from ground level to five or six feet high in a matter of weeks and enjoying the garden’s annual journey from the first spring shoots of bright greens to the stunning glow of autumn colour.
This is the third of a series of four bimonthly walks. Each walk costs £10 or book all four for just £35. Seasonal walks take place on 25 April, 27 June, 22 August and 24 October.
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Foundation Friday; Volunteer Recruitment Open Morning
Based in the garden at Knoll, the Knoll Gardens Foundation is a charity set up to promote a sustainable, wildlife friendly gardening style which can create stunning effect whilst requiring little maintenance. This special open day is your chance to understand more about what the charity does and how you can get involved. Foundation volunteers will be in the garden to talk about their role, and explain more about the ethos of the garden and there will also be the opportunity to talk to Trustees about the volunteering opportunities currently available.
You can find out more about the charity and volunteering with us at www.knollgardensfoundation.org
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Beginners Guide to close-up & macro photography
Join Dave Peckham, a commercial photographer of over 30 years, and who now now runs Lightroom and Photoshop courses as well as passing on his photographic knowledge. An opportunity to benefit from his experience, find out how to get the best out of your camera for close-up work and learn about the equipment available to improve your shots by trying out some of Dave’s photo kit.
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Grass Masterclass
A rare opportunity to join Neil at Howard Nurseries in his first offsite masterclass in 25 years.
From maintenance to design, Neil will share his wealth of knowledge and personal experience, providing plenty of practical advice to take home. There will be an opportunity to buy some plants from this exclusively wholesale nursery. -
Professional Grass Masterclass
A rare opportunity to attend Neil’s first offsite professional masterclass in 25 years.
Join Neil at Howard Nurseries as he shares his extensive horticultural knowledge together with the practical hands-on experience that helped him to create Knoll Gardens’ stunning naturalistic style. -
Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
September
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Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
-
Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Grass Masterclass
Spend the afternoon with the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses as Knoll Gardens owner, Neil Lucas shares his wealth of knowledge and draws from personal experience and Knoll’s stunning autumn displays to provide practical advice. From maintenance to design, Neil covers all you need to know about grasses and how to use them in a garden setting.
To obtain special RHS MEMBERS PRICE of £28 please phone nursery direct and quote membership number.
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Foundation Friday; Dorset Wildlife Trust Members Day
Meet up with representatives of Dorset’s largest conservation charity and discover how Knoll’s naturalistic gardening ethos continues to create a garden that welcomes wildlife as well as providing year-round beauty.
In recent years, Knoll’s charitable arm, the Knoll Gardens Foundation has been working very closely with Dorset Wildlife Trust. On this special day DWT members and volunteers can visit the gardens free of charge on production of a valid DWT membership card or proof of volunteering status. And, anyone joining DWT on the day will have their garden admission charge refunded.
No booking required. Normal garden admission charges apply to all non DWT members.
On this special day for every full price ticket purchased £5 will be donated to the garden’s charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation.
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Better plant and garden photography workshop with Philip Smith
Join professional photographer Philip Smith, founder of International Garden Photographer of the Year on this special course starting with the magic of the early morning light in the garden. A tutor with the Royal Photographic Society, Philip will help you gain the skills and techniques to move out of your comfort zone to take great pictures. Topics covered include lighting, composition, exposure and macro photography as well as help to ensure you are getting the best out of your existing equipment. All levels of experience welcome.
Following a short practical demonstration of Philip’s approach to garden photography, you will have a unique opportunity to photograph the garden for yourselves with Philip on hand to offer one-to-one guidance and help. The day will conclude with an illustrated lecture providing practical ideas and principles for you to integrate into your own photography.
Please note this is a practical workshop. All levels of experience are welcome, but basic familiarity with your camera kit is assumed as well as a willingness to experiment with ideas and techniques.
Ticket price includes coffee and cake.
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Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Professional Grass Masterclass
Exclusive ornamental grass course for Garden Designers and other Trade Professionals.
Nationally recognised for our ‘specialist subject’, join this special masterclass as Knoll’s owner, Neil Lucas, the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses, shares his extensive horticultural knowledge together with the practical hands-on experience that has helped him to create Knoll Gardens’ stunning and constantly evolving naturalistic style.
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Foundation Friday; By Invitation only – Art Groups
The Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes local art groups to the garden free-of-charge as part of the charity’s drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
No admission charge but groups are requested to book in advance.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
-
Outdoor Yoga
Come and enjoy outdoor yoga in the tranquillity of Knoll’s glorious naturalistic garden before it opens to the public. Dependant on the weather the class will either by on mats on the lawn if warm and sunny; a yoga walk around the gardens if a little chilly; or under the marquee if a little wet. With 18 years of experience, Yoga Therapist Jackie Hayfield may include flowing movements with the breath, standing postures, breath work, guided relaxation and meditation in the garden. Booking essential.
More information and booking:Jackie Hayfield 07955 587772 or Jackie.hayfield@sky.com
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Foundation Friday; NGS Open Day
The National Garden Scheme is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country having donated over £50m to date. Your visit today will help its work.
No booking required; but normal admission charge applies which will be donated to the NGS.
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Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
October
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Grass Masterclass
Spend the afternoon with the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses as Knoll Gardens owner, Neil Lucas shares his wealth of knowledge and draws from personal experience and Knoll’s stunning autumn displays to provide practical advice. From maintenance to design, Neil covers all you need to know about grasses and how to use them in a garden setting.
To obtain special RHS MEMBERS PRICE of £28 please phone nursery direct and quote membership number.
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Professional Grass Masterclass
Exclusive ornamental grass course for Garden Designers and other Trade Professionals.
Nationally recognised for our ‘specialist subject’, join this special masterclass as Knoll’s owner, Neil Lucas, the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses, shares his extensive horticultural knowledge together with the practical hands-on experience that has helped him to create Knoll Gardens’ stunning and constantly evolving naturalistic style
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Gardens Illustrated Grass day with Neil Lucas
Spend the day with the UK’s leading authority on ornamental grasses as he explores the use of grasses and perennials in the modern garden to provide stunning design, easy maintenance and hugely enjoyable green spaces.
This event sees him expand upon his specialist subject to include the major role that perennials can play in the garden: their vivid colour and vital food for pollinating insects providing the perfect foil to the tactile nature, movement and lithe beauty of grasses. This day will provide practical advice and inspiration as participants come to understand how grasses and perennials can form a near perfect partnership, providing robust planting schemes able to suit most growing conditions and mimic nature to spectacular effect.
For more information and to book
or email; gardenmasterclass@gmail.com
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Autumn Glory; Celebration walk with Neil Lucas
Join Neil Lucas for a special walk around his acclaimed garden at Knoll, as he looks at some of Knoll’s spectacular autumn trees and shrubs and explains how he has planted thousands of glorious grasses and perennials throughout the garden to create maximum effect at this time of the year – stretching way into the winter months. With practical advice and years of experience this walk celebrates Neil’s 25th year at Knoll, and provides real inspiration and techniques for year-round effect in your own garden.
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Designing in the Naturalistic Style
Join Neil Lucas for a walk around his acclaimed garden at Knoll as he explains his ethos and some of the concepts and techniques that have gone into the creation of this naturalistic, wildlife-friendly garden. With no staking, no spraying, and no deadheading Neil also points out the many benefits of the naturalistic style to the gardener, providing practical advice to help you bring Knoll’s stunning year-round effect to your own garden.
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Saturday Special; KGF Teachers Open Day
Everyone has a special teacher they remember for going that extra mile and providing inspiration that will last a lifetime. On this special day the Knoll Gardens Foundation welcomes teachers to the garden free-of-charge. We want to acknowledge the valuable work teachers do every day, and hope to inspire them in turn to get involved in our drive to promote wildlife friendly gardening with the ‘wow factor’.
We have a primary school programme ready to run, and would welcome school visits from older children. Our Education Volunteer will be in the garden throughout the day to answer any queries.
No admission charge but please be ready to show proof of teaching status on arrival.
Call the nursery on 01202 873931 or email foundation@knollgardens.co.uk
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Changing Seasons in the Garden
One of four new seasonal walks, Changing Seasons in the Garden offers a unique opportunity to spend time with Neil Lucas as part of Knoll’s 25-year anniversary celebrations. Each individual walk will focus on the garden’s changing seasonal highlights; from spectacular individual plants to mass plantings of Knoll’s acclaimed grasses, and the rare and unusual trees and shrubs that form the backbone of the garden. On route you’ll also find out a little more about Neil’s 25 years at Knoll, his aim to have a flower in bloom on every day of the season, and how he is looking after the garden’s wildlife.
Book on to all four walks to have the further opportunity of experiencing at first hand the spectacular seasonal changes that take place every year at Knoll, watching grasses come from ground level to five or six feet high in a matter of weeks and enjoying the garden’s annual journey from the first spring shoots of bright greens to the stunning glow of autumn colour.
This is the last of a series of four bimonthly walks. Each walk costs £10 or book all four for just £35. Seasonal walks take place on 25 April, 27 June, 22 August and 24 October.
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Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
November
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Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk -
December
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Saturday Special; Succulent Wreath Workshop
Create a stunning succulent wreath in time for Christmas with Laura Hall and Tracy Standish. Tracy will guide you through weaving a simple wreath from willow before Laura, from Interior Botanical,
helps you turn it into a beautifully unique festive decoration using moss, ivy and succulents. The wreath will partially be covered allowing the willow hoop to show through.Your wreath will need a few days to ‘sit’ before it can be hung, allowing the succulents to bed into the moss, and the moss should be kept damp over the festive period. In the new year you can remove the succulents and pot them up whilst the wreath can be dried out and used again the following year.
Please note we will be working under the shelter of a marquee, so please dress appropriately for the weather. -
Bugs and Buds
Organised by the garden’s charity – the Knoll Gardens Foundation, our Saturday morning monthly toddler club aims to inspire a love of nature from a young age, encouraging interaction with the garden’s many wildlife inhabitants as well as its trees and flowers.
To check availability and book please email; education@knollgardens.co.uk