Garden styles: Improving shady borders

This course is available for enrolment.

Registered before? Sign in and enrol

Course code: SCP13

A short and informal course on what you can do to make difficult shady areas an asset rather than a chore. We will look at both damp and dry shade and consider the techniques available to improve the growing conditions. We will also consider which shrubs, perennials and grasses would grow together

when: From 21 Mar 2026
Sat 10:00-15:00 One day
Tutor: Christine Pritchard

where

Stoke Lodge

Stoke Lodge Centre, Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1BN

fees

full fee for this course £42.00, concession fee £26.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

Ideas and tips on improving shady borders: ideas for plants that will transform your difficult borders, plus techniques on how to improve the growing conditions.

What can students expect?

A short and informal course on what you can do to make difficult shady areas an asset rather than a chore. We will look at both damp and dry shade and consider the techniques available to improve the growing conditions. We will also consider which shrubs, perennials and grasses would grow together to give you maximum pleasure with minimum maintenance.

This will be classroom based but will include a walk in the gardens at Stoke Lodge (subject to the weather).

Previous experience required?

No – absolutely no knowledge of Latin plant names is required.

What is the progression route?

Students might like to join the other ‘garden styles’ courses which each focus on one aspect of gardening.

Are there any extra costs?

No

What should students bring?

A pen and note book

Outdoor clothes for walking on potentially muddy paths

A packed lunch

Cash for the tea/coffee break

Teaching method/style?

We will look at and share our experiences of relevant plants brought to the classroom.

There will be slides of plants. We will walk into the garden and discuss plants, compost making and similar subjects suggested by the learners.

Equipment Required

No

Refunds and cancellations

Course Cancellations by Us 

<ul>
<li>
If we cancel your course, your fees will be refunded in full. 
</li>
<li>
We cannot reimburse the cost of any materials you may have purchased.
</li>
</ul>

Cancellations by You 

<ul>
<li>
If you cancel 7 days or more before the course start date: Refund issued minus a 20% administration fee. 
</li>
<li>
If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: No refund will be issued. 
</li>
</ul>

Transfers 

<ul>
<li>
Transfers must be requested at least 7 days before the course start date. 
</li>
<li>
A 10% transfer fee applies. 
</li>
<li>
Transfers due to our cancellation of your original course are free of charge. 
</li>
</ul>

Illness and Absence 

<ul>
<li>
No refunds are available for non-attendance due to sickness or ill health. 
</li>
</ul>

How Refunds Are Issued 

<ul>
<li>Refunds are returned via the original payment method: 

<ul>
<li>
Booked online or by phone - Refund to the card used. 
</li>
<li>
Paid in person at Stoke Lodge - Please bring your payment card to the office. 
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Online Course Access 

<ul>
<li>
Learners are responsible for ensuring they have suitable internet access and equipment before the course begins. 
</li>
<li>
No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer. 
</li>
</ul>