Horticultural Short Courses and Workshops
Upcoming HOOP HOUSE horticultural short courses and workshops are being discussed currently; possible themes for upcoming gardening courses and workshops in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys in Mid-Wales - near Llandovery, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Brecon, Tregaron, Rhayader and Lampeter.
1. THEMES: Sustainable & Regenerative Horticulture
No-dig: The principles of no-dig growing, including the methods and practicalities as well as benefits.
Agroecology: Tailored to the Welsh landscape, focusing on creating closed-loop systems and biodiversity.
Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration in Welsh Soils: Using biochar, composting, and cover crops specific to the region’s climate.
Low-Input Gardening for Wet Climates: Techniques suited for high rainfall and cooler temperatures.
Community Supported Agriculture/Horticulture (CSA) Design: Business models and crop planning for micro-farms.
Zero-Waste Gardening: Using waste streams for compost, mulch, and fertility.
Seed Saving & Local Seed Networks: Focus on heritage varieties adapted to Mid Wales.
2. THEMES: Nature-Based & Therapeutic Horticulture
Horticultural Therapy in Rural Communities: Practical training in therapeutic gardening for schools, elder care, and rehabilitation.
Rewilding Gardens: Blending ornamental horticulture with native species and wildlife corridors.
Designing Sensory Gardens for Well-being: Focused on mental health, with plants that stimulate all five senses.
Forest Gardening & Edible Landscapes: Creating Garden food systems.
Medicinal Herb Growing & Processing: Using native and naturalized species for herbalism that supports general health and well-being.
Forest Bathing: Experiencing the benefits of a closer connection to nature in an increasingly urban, intense, time poor and tech-driven world.
Forest School: Connecting children, young people and adults to the great outdoors through fun and playful learning experiences.
Bushcraft: An introduction to the broad topic of living and surviving in harmony with nature.
Gardening Practicalities: Creating gardens through a journey of exploration that balances the needs of the garden user, the ongoing gardening maintenance and external garden services appropriately.
Outdoor Sports and Therapies: Creating spaces and using spaces for health and well-being (such as walking, being, mindfulness, running, yoga, Pilates, wild swimming).
3. THEMES: Tech. & Innovation
Smart Greenhouses/Polytunnels & Automation in Horticulture: Affordable automation and climate control.
Vertical Gardening & Urban Agriculture: Even in small towns, introducing high-yield systems.
Drone & GIS Mapping for Garden Design and Farm Planning
Hydroponics: An introduction to hydroponics, aeroponics and hybrid systems; looking at pros and cons, how to get started and practicalities.
