Grow Eco-Friendly Cut Flowers: The Sustainability Centre Course

A one-day course titled "Sustainable Cut-flower Growing" is being offered at The Sustainability Centre in the Hampshire South Downs. Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this specialist, face-to-face course costs £85. It is designed for individuals with some gardening experience who are interested in cultivating an abundance of blooms for cutting.

The course aims to provide participants with the necessary knowledge to establish and maintain a cut-flower patch at home. A core focus is on growing wildlife-friendly flowers with a minimal carbon footprint. Horticulture teacher Jane Gleeson will lead the sessions, covering various aspects of sustainable flower cultivation.

Key topics include the importance of locally-sourced cut flowers, emphasizing their environmental benefits and positive impact on wildlife. Participants will learn practical skills such as designing a cutting patch, selecting appropriate plant varieties that benefit both the grower and local ecosystems, and understanding proper soil care and bed preparation techniques. The curriculum also encompasses the methods for cutting and conditioning flower stems to ensure longevity.

The course will delve into both annuals suitable for cutting and perennial options, including herbaceous and woody varieties. A significant portion of the instruction will be dedicated to ecological perspectives on cut flowers, highlighting how to create stunning displays while simultaneously enriching the environment with pollen and nectar-rich plants.

Upon completion, attendees are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design and create an effective cutting patch. They will also learn about optimal sowing times and the "cut and come again" technique, which promotes continuous blooming. The course will equip participants with the resources needed for successful cut-flower growing.

Each participant will receive handouts and seeds for sowing, enabling them to immediately apply the learned principles. The course structure includes both classroom instruction and practical outdoor sessions. Attendees are advised to bring gardening gloves, a notebook and pen, a camera, and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions, including sturdy footwear, warm layers, waterproofs, and sun protection. A water bottle is also recommended, and participants can either bring a packed lunch or purchase food from the on-site Beech Cafe.

The Sustainability Centre is located at Droxford Road, East Meon, GU32 1HR, United Kingdom. For inquiries, individuals can contact Wendy Turner via email at courses@sustainability-centre.org or by phone at 01730823166. There are no apprentice teacher positions available for this particular course.