Throughout my studies, I was fortunate to meet many incredible individuals who would later become valued colleagues and mentors. These connections have enriched my journey and continue to teach me invaluable lessons. Driven by a desire to share my experiences and give back to the industry, I have dedicated myself to offering various talks and short courses on a regular basis.
Under the banner of Pip Probert Growing Passions, I am thrilled to present an extensive range of short courses. These include hands-on workshops and demonstrations for Grow: Garden Design, Create: Art Classes, and Bloom: Floristry.
Each course is designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants, whether they are complete beginners or looking to refine their skills. Join me in exploring your passions and unlocking your creative potential.
Inspiration will be on hand when attending classroom based courses, as I am excited to be presenting them at Ness Botanic Gardens , Neston, Wirral. A beautiful setting to stimulate the senses.
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Discounts available for Members of Ness Gardens.
IMAGINE: Design Your Own Garden
24-25th September 2026. 2 days, 10am – 3pm.
Here’s a fantastic opportunity for beginners to get hands-on with garden design! On Day 1, you’ll learn essential design principles, how to create a concept, and explore various materials. Day 2 is all about you working on your own plot, with Pip Probert right there to guide you and offer creative ideas for your garden space. You’ll have access to paper and a range of alternative materials to experiment with. This course is perfect for anyone keen to start transforming their garden with expert help and a friendly touch.
ROOT: Designing a Planted Border
18th November 2026. 1 day, 10am – 3pm.
A thoughtful, practical day exploring how to design a planted border that feels balanced, intentional, and beautiful throughout the year. Perfect for anyone starting a new border or wanting to refresh an existing space.
You’ll learn:
- How to assess and prepare the ground
- The role of structure, layers, and form
- How to plant with purpose and confidence
- Long‑term thinking for depth, resilience, and year‑round interest
You’ll leave with the knowledge to create a border that grows gracefully and stands the test of time.
THRIVE: One to One Mentoring
Unlock your potential with my specialised mentoring service designed to elevate your landscape gardening skills. This program provides one-on-one guidance to help you master the art of garden design and maintenance. Whether you’re looking to refine your techniques, learn new strategies, or gain valuable industry insights, my mentoring service offers personalised support to help you achieve your professional goals. Let me help you cultivate your skills and grow your career in landscape gardening.
FLOURISH: Garden Design, From Concept to Creation
Release Date March 2025. Online Course
This is a ‘learn the trade’ course tailored for absolute beginners. Starting from day 1, you’ll cover everything from client interactions to drafting plans, creating designs, and understanding materials and planting. Unlike the in-class version, there are no final assignments, but you’ll receive comprehensive information through visual presentations and PDF handouts. You’ll also get the chance for 1-to-1 video calls with Pip for any questions or project discussions you have. The total course time is 6 hours. By the end, you’ll have the essential knowledge to confidently create designs for clients and contractors.
Course documents and information will be released every three weeks over 15 months.
FLOURISH: Garden Design, From Concept to Creation
Starts 11-12th September 2025. 10am – 4pm.
Designed for complete beginners, this ‘learn the trade’ course covers everything from knocking on a client’s door to mastering design principles. On Day 1, you’ll learn how to draw up plans, create designs, and understand materials and planting. Day 2 offers the opportunity to design your garden and present your designs to a client. You’ll undertake exercises and assignments towards a final mark at the end of the course. By the end, you’ll confidently produce designs for clients and contractors.
This is a private course, with marks not accredited by a University. The course runs two days a month for 15-18 months, including holiday periods. Materials and equipment are required, with paper and alternative materials provided. £1,250 or £1,100 for Members of Ness Gardens.
SKETCH: Drawing in the Garden with Friends
2nd July 2026. 1 day, 10am – 3pm.
Here’s your chance to gather your pencils, clipboard, and explore the beautiful Ness Gardens. Together, we’ll wander through various garden areas and find inspiration for our sketches. You can draw whatever catches your eye, using your preferred medium. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with like-minded people, doing something you enjoy! Take a moment for yourself, gain tips and advice along the way, and most importantly, have fun.
Please bring your own materials. While pencils and pens are recommended, feel free to bring colour wash materials if you prefer. Let’s make it a creative and enjoyable experience!
WASH: Learn to Paint with Watercolours
15 October 2026. 1 day, 10am – 3pm.
Join us for a relaxing short course where you’ll learn the art of applying colour using watercolour paints. Over a few tranquil hours, we’ll explore the different forms of watercolours – tube, pan, and pencil – and introduce you to the basics of using these materials. You’ll learn how to apply a wash and add intricate details to your artwork.
Bring your own materials, and we’ll provide paper and some alternative materials for you to experiment with. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a serene and enjoyable experience.
SHADE: Learn to Colour with Pencils
Date to be Confirmed. 1 day, 10am – 3pm.
Join us for a delightful short course where we explore the art of colouring in. This relaxing experience allows you to enjoy a few tranquil hours, reconnect with your inner child, and enhance your skills. You’ll learn how to apply colour creatively and go beyond merely staying within the lines to create something truly unique.
Bring your own materials, and we’ll provide paper along with some alternative materials for you to experiment with. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, this course offers something for everyone.
BLEND: Learn to Colour with Pastels
Date to be Confirmed. 1 day, 10am – 3pm.
Join us for a relaxing short course where you’ll learn to colour using pastels and pastel pencils. Over a few tranquil hours, we’ll explore the techniques of applying pigment to create vibrant and beautiful artwork. While pastels can be a bit messy, they offer incredible versatility and a unique touch to your colouring projects.
Please bring your own materials, and we’ll provide paper along with some alternative materials for you to experiment with. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this course promises an enjoyable and creative experience.
TIE: Creating Wedding Flowers
18th July 2026, 11am – 12:30pm.
A beautifully detailed demonstration exploring the essentials of creating elegant, timeless wedding flowers. Ideal for brides, stylists, or anyone curious about the craft behind classic floral design.
You’ll see how to create:
- Buttonholes & Corsages – refined, balanced, and built to last
- A Bridal Bouquet – structure, shape, and choosing complementary blooms
- A Flower Wand or Bridesmaid Bouquet – charming designs perfect for younger attendants
You’ll leave inspired and equipped with ideas for bringing your own wedding flowers to life.
ELEVATE: Beautiful Hanging Displays
25th July 2026., 11am – 12:30pm.
Join Pip for a relaxed and inspiring demonstration on creating stunning hanging baskets. She’ll guide you through the full process, from using Wool Pots to support strong, sustainable growth, to selecting the right plants for colour, structure and long‑lasting appeal. You’ll also discover simple, effective techniques for prolonging interest so your display stays vibrant throughout the season.
Perfect for anyone wanting fresh ideas and expert tips without the need to get hands‑on.
STYLE: Seasonal Table Arrangements
A series of relaxed, demonstration‑led sessions. These inspiring demonstrations explore how to create beautiful, seasonal table arrangements using natural materials and simple, achievable techniques. Each session celebrates a different moment in the year, with its own colours, textures, and atmosphere.
WINTER
2 December 2026, 11am – 12:30pm.
A festive, Christmas‑themed demonstration full of evergreens, berries, and elegant seasonal details. Pip will guide you through creating a cosy, welcoming table arrangement that brings warmth and sparkle to winter gatherings. Expect classic Christmas textures, natural decorations, and simple techniques you can recreate at home.
POTS: Seasonal Planted Pot Arrangement
16 August 2026, Free to atttend
Learn how to create a stunning, long‑lasting seasonal container by starting with the strongest foundation possible: planting in WoolPots. In this demonstration, you’ll see how beginning your plants in these natural, biodegradable wool pots encourages healthier roots, reduces transplant shock, and sets up your arrangement for better performance throughout the year.
You’ll be shown how to build up a layered seasonal display step by step, starting with plants grown in WoolPots and then combining complementary colours, textures, and forms for interest that stretches across the seasons. We’ll explore how WoolPots help establish vigorous young plants, making it easier to create containers that stay fresh, balanced, and full of life for longer.
Perfect for gardeners of all experience levels, this session blends practical design guidance with sustainable planting techniques – leaving you inspired and ready to create your own resilient, year‑round container displays.
SPRUCE: Wreath Making Workshops
2026 Dates coming soon…
Join me this festive season for a hands-on wreath-making workshop where we’ll craft beautiful, professional Christmas wreaths together. I’ll guide you through each step using fresh greenery, seasonal accents, and your own creative flair. It’s a joyful, relaxed way to celebrate – and you’ll leave with something truly special to hang with pride. Don’t forget to bring secateurs and gloves!
