Landscape Gardening Services
Landscape Gardening Workshops With Susa
At Susa’s Gardening Sanctuary I am conducting workshops from sustainable plant design to garden care and all things edible.
My garden is my living classroom which connects people to nature improves mental well being and teaches hands on science. Lessons and activities are broken down into manageable stages, enabling participants to absorb knowledge in a clear and engaging environment. Workshops run for one and a half hours with refreshments and are seasonal. I offer small groups for easier engagement so I can answer all questions in this hands-on session. You can book individual, or I take group bookings which run on a Saturday afternoon or Thursday morning.
Edible Gardening in a Small Space
During this workshop I will demonstrate how to grow an edible garden within a planter. If you are stretched for space and would like to have fresh organic vegetables, then this is the workshop for you. Success begins with understanding how different plants grow and how they interact when cultivated in proximity of each other. We will discuss the importance of the growing medium that suits the life cycle of the plants. Compatible plant species that will be grouped together to encourage healthy growth and enable a sustainable harvest.
Designing a Habitat Garden That Works With Nature
Designing a garden with minimal environmental impact requires careful planning and the adoption of sustainable practices. This workshop we will address design strategies that consider site orientation, we will assess soil conditions and identify native plant species best suited to our local environment. Planting at the right time and watering strategies are the key to success. We will look at propagating native plants, learn how to take cuttings and plant seeds.
Learn the Fundamentals of Soil and Composting
Creating a successful garden always starts with healthy soil it’s the foundations for growing success. Our soils are either sandy or heavy with clay; to grow food we need rich organic soil with compost that’s friable. I will demonstrate the fundamentals of soil by using three simple methods, we will determine what soil you have and discuss the amendments. We will also take a further look at composting where I will demonstrate how to use all your household waste.
Companion Planting
This workshop will give you a further understanding into designing and planning a companion garden. This session will give you the core principle of companion planting and plant guilds. Together we will learn how the relationship between veggies and flowers live and work together. This method increases soil nutrients, improves growth and enhances the flavour of your fruit and veg. It also disrupts patterns deterring pest and disease by bringing in the beneficial insects and birdlife, which will boost your year-round harvest.
I will guide you through a simple method of crop rotation by growing a different crop of plants successively in the same soil.
Build a Veggie Patch from the Ground Up
Growing veggies at home must be one of the most rewarding experiences you can learn, not only will you be picking lots of healthy veg you will be learning the skills to teach your children. Growing food at home offers food security which is readably available that’s fresh and chemical free. I will guide you through location, setting up, what soil and which irrigation suits our climate. We will look at implementing shade for summer that suits a veggie patch. We will look at the veggie plants and discuss their seasons and relationship between each other.
Seed Bombs and Seed Planting Activities for Children
In this activity, children will have the opportunity to create flower and vegetable seed bombs. The process involves mixing clay and seeds together to form small, compact balls. Children can also pot up recycled pot with seeds. Once the seed bombs and pots are ready, they will be placed in the garden when the rain arrives, to watch them grow. This hands-on activity encourages sustainability and creativity by reusing materials while learning about seed planting.
Build a Native Bee Hotel
Building a bee hotel is a fantastic activity suitable for both children and adults, offering hands-on engagement with nature while supporting local pollinators. Not all bees live in hives; many solitary bees are important pollinators and require places to nest. By constructing a hybrid bee hotel using natural materials such as sand and clay, you’ll help create a welcoming habitat for these champion pollinators. As a result, your garden will become a happier, healthier space with more blooms and increased bee activity, helping to boost pollination throughout the year.
Create a Wildlife Garden
A wildlife garden aims to attract and support a diverse range of native animals by providing habitat, shelter, and food sources. By incorporating native plants, water features, and natural materials, you can encourage birds, insects, frogs, and other creatures to visit and thrive in your garden. We will create a wildlife-friendly space I will show you the plants and materials needed to do so. Bringing in wildlife enhances biodiversity but also helps with pollination and pest control, leading to a healthier garden environment. By using sustainable practices and minimising chemicals, you create a safe haven for wildlife.
Grow Your Own Tomatoes – From Seed to Harvest
This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn the skills for homegrown harvest year after year. Discover the amazing life cycle of a tomato seed in this fun hands-on session. It’s all about the timing for best results and how to get started. I will show you where and how to sow seeds in the right growing mix. How to prick out seedlings, how to grow the plant, tip prune depending on what hybrid you are growing. We will look at how to water your plants and keep them disease free. Finally let’s pick and I will show you how to save your seed and store for the next growing season.
My Garden Consultations
Initial garden counsels are offered on an hourly rate. I will visit your property where we discuss your goals and any trouble shooting questions. I will then make an assessment, I look at the aspect of the land and what you have growing, I will test the soil and offer the amendments you need to make. We would discuss plants and what species would grow considering the above factors. During this session you will need to decide what you would like to grow be it Edibles like fruit trees or vegetables. Mediterranean plants or Cottage Garden or maybe a garden for Habitat. We will look at the watering requirements and discuss how we group plants together and the accessibility you have to water. Once the assessment has been discussed I will send you a written report with a strategy plan so you can move forward.
Consulting on gardens of all shapes and sizes
The clients I work with vary; my services are available and not only accessible to that listed in the grid below.
Clients who have moved into a property where their garden is need of some renovation, or areas that need to be modified or not growing well.
We look at how we can remove plants or weeds in an environmental way. We discuss plants and their replacements, and which type of species would suit their garden. We will take into consideration the amount of time you like to spend working in your garden. Perhaps you’d like to spend time outside relaxing and enjoying the ambience.
Clients that would like to have a garden that brings in lots of wildlife and easy to care for.
I can set you up with a sustainable garden using the core principles for a habitat native garden. I will guide you on plants that are local endemic species and provide you with a list suitable for your growing area. This garden will be eco-friendly and reduce maintenance care and make the garden water wise.
Clients who have moved into a new house with a brand-new area to plant.
We will look at the size and discuss your expectations and goals. We look at what type of plants you like to grow, what trees might be required and how you care for them. New houses with a new garden are often left with builders’ rubble which is high in alkaline, plants do not grow in this media. I will test the soil in three to four locations of the site and run a percolation test. I will discuss the correct process to amend the soil so we you can begin planting your garden.
Clients who wish to set up their own edible garden.
I offer my services on how to set up an edible garden in your own home. Food security starts at home especially as we are living in an ever-changing world. If offer hands-on advice on the positioning of your vegetable garden. We look at what materials to use and build a patch, best soil to fill it and how to plant with the seasons. We cover reticulation and what system suits vegetables I will also advise on summer shade.