Garden design with Pip Probert
We’re thrilled to announce that renowned celebrity garden designer, Pip Probert, will be hosting exclusive garden design courses at Ness.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, these courses will offer invaluable insights and hands-on learning opportunities.
Imagine - design your own garden
This two-day course is the opportunity for a total beginner to learn some key elements in garden design to allow you to start working on your own plot.
Day 1 includes learning about design principles, creating a concept and about materials. Day 2 gives you the chance to work on your plot with the support of Pip who will be on hand to guide you and even help with ideas for your garden space. Paper will be available, as well as some alternative materials for you to try.
Dates and times
Thursday 20 March and Friday 21 March 2025, 10am-3pm.
Cost
£75 for members, £85 for non-members.
How to book
Shade - learn to colour with pencils
During this short one-day course, you'll learn some expert tips on how to colour with pencils. This is a very relaxing few hours, where you can do something you enjoy or even rekindle your youth.
It's not only about staying within the lines, but learning how to apply colour and create something more advanced than simply blocking in pigment! Please bring your own materials along. Paper will be available, as well as some alternative materials for you to try.
Dates and times
Tuesday 1 April 2025, 10am-3pm.
Cost
£40 for members, £45 for non-members.
How to book
Blend - learn to colour with pastels
During this short one-day course, you'll learn how to colour using pastels and pastel pencils. This is a very relaxing few hours, where you can do something you enjoy.
Pastels may be a little messy, but they offer many advantages to whatever you like to colour up. We'll learn how to apply pigment and make it work for you! Please bring your own materials along. Paper will be available, as well as some alternative materials for you to try.
Dates and times
Tuesday 22 April 2025, 10am-3pm.
Cost
£40 for members, £45 for non-members.
How to book
Wash - learn to colour with watercolour paints
During this short one-day course, you'll learn how to apply colour using watercolour paints. This is a very relaxing few hours, where you can do something you enjoy.
Watercolours can be used in tube, pan and pencil forms, all of which we can explore. This is just a short introduction to the subject and how to use the various materials. We'll learn how to apply a wash and discover different methods of adding detail. Please bring your own materials along. Paper will be available, as well as some alternative materials for you to try.
Dates and times
The date and time of this course are still to be confirmed. Please keep checking this page for updates.
Cost
£40 for members, £45 for non-members.
Sketch - drawing in the garden with friends
This short one-day course is the chance to gather your pencils, a clipboard and explore the gardens. Together, we'll go out into various areas of Ness Botanic Gardens and find some inspiration.
You can draw whatever you like, with the medium of your choice. It's an opportunity to be with like-minded people, doing something that you enjoy! The day is about making time for yourself and gaining tips and advice along the way.
Please bring your own materials and let's just have fun! Pencils and pens are recommended, but if you prefer to colour wash, then bring these materials too.
Dates and times
Wednesday 2 July 2025, 10am-3pm.
Cost
£40 for members, £45 for non-members.
How to book
Flourish - garden design - from concept to creation
This is a 'learn the trade' course for a total beginner in garden design. From knocking on a client’s door on day one, through to learning to draw up plans, create designs and learn about materials and planting. You'll have the opportunity to undertake exercises and assignments towards a final mark at the end of the course.
There'll be the opportunity to design and even present your designs to a client. By the end of the course, you'll be able to confidently produce a design for a client and contractor to work from. Please note, however, that this is a private course and that the marks provided are not accredited by a university.
You'll require a range of materials and equipment. Paper will be available, as well as some alternative materials for you to try throughout the course.
Dates and times
The course starts on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September 2025, 10am-4pm. Classes will run for two days each month for 15-18 months, including holiday periods.
Cost
£1,100 for members, £1,250 for non-members.
How to book
Flourish - garden design - from concept to creation (online version)
This is a 'learn the trade' course for a total beginner in garden design. From knocking on a client’s door on day one, through to learning to draw up plans, create designs and learn about materials and planting.
Unlike the face-to-face course, you'll not be undertaking assignments towards a final mark at the end of this online version. This course provides key information via visual presentations and PDF handouts. There is also the opportunity for you to hold one-to-one online video calls with Pip to discuss any areas you may need clarity on. Up to six hours of calls are included in the course.
By the end of the course, you'll have a range of information to help you confidently produce a design for a client and contractor to work from.
Dates and times
The course will be available from March 2025. Documents and information will be released once every three weeks for 15 months.
Cost
£850.