Practical gardening workshops with Dan Ori
Hands-on horticultural learning, clearly explained
Develop practical gardening skills through expert-led workshops delivered by Dan Ori MHort (RHS), MCIHort.
Dan combines more than 30 years of horticultural experience with current scientific understanding, clear demonstrations and guided practical learning.
Workshops are available for gardening clubs, horticultural societies, community groups, allotment associations, charities, estates, education providers and organisations seeking practical horticultural training.
Available across the UK, with many workshops particularly suited to small groups and community projects.
Learn by doing
Practical horticultural skills are often best developed by seeing a technique demonstrated, trying it for yourself and receiving guidance as you work.
Dan’s workshops combine explanation, demonstration and supervised practical experience. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, examine plants and tools closely, and understand why a particular technique is being used.
The aim is not simply to copy a process.
It is to help participants develop the knowledge and confidence to make good decisions when they return to their own gardens, allotments or community spaces.
Scientifically supported, practically proven and clearly explained.
Why book a workshop with Dan?
Professional knowledge with genuine practical experience
Dan has worked across tree surgery, landscaping, estate and head gardening, plant nurseries, horticultural retail, community gardening, orchards and specialist horticultural education.
He holds the prestigious Master of Horticulture qualification from the Royal Horticultural Society and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
Participants receive
Clear demonstrations
Techniques are broken down into understandable stages before participants begin practical work.
Practical participation
Where the venue and subject allow, participants work directly with plants, tools and materials.
Science-based guidance
Advice reflects current horticultural understanding while recognising the variation between gardens, plants and growing conditions.
Individual support
Dan can observe participants, answer questions and help them correct techniques as they develop.
Skills that can be used again
The focus is on knowledge and confidence that participants can take back to their own gardens and projects.
Gardening workshop subjects
Winter fruit tree pruning
Learn how to assess established apple and pear trees, identify suitable pruning cuts and improve tree structure, health and fruiting potential.
The session can include discussion of overcrowded growth, damaged wood, crossing branches, vigorous shoots and the gradual renovation of neglected trees.
Summer fruit tree pruning
Explore how summer pruning can be used to manage growth, encourage fruiting and maintain trained or restricted forms of apples and pears.
Participants learn how timing and pruning decisions can influence the balance between vegetative growth and fruit production.
Soft fruit pruning
Develop practical skills in pruning and caring for soft-fruit plants.
The workshop can be adapted to the plants available at the venue and may include currants, gooseberries, raspberries or other established fruit crops.
Ornamental shrub and tree pruning
Learn how to assess ornamental plants before making a cut.
This workshop explores plant form, flowering habits, timing, renovation, damaged growth and the differences between pruning for health, appearance and control.
Rose care and pruning
Understand the principles behind pruning different types of roses and maintaining healthy, productive plants.
The session can include pruning demonstrations, plant assessment, dead and damaged growth, shaping, general care and common mistakes.
Introduction to propagation
Discover practical ways to produce new plants.
Depending on the time of year, available facilities and chosen format, the workshop may introduce methods such as cuttings, division, seed sowing or other appropriate propagation techniques.
Participants learn not only what to do, but also the conditions that help successful establishment.
Tree and shrub planting
Learn how to assess a site, prepare the planting area and establish trees and shrubs successfully.
The session can cover plant handling, planting depth, root systems, staking, watering, mulching and aftercare.
The emphasis is on giving plants the best possible start rather than simply placing them in the ground.
Tool care and tool sharpening
Well-maintained tools make gardening easier, safer and more effective.
This practical workshop introduces cleaning, routine maintenance and sharpening techniques for commonly used gardening tools.
Participants can develop greater confidence in caring for their own equipment and recognising when a tool requires repair or replacement.
Community orchard planning
A practical planning session for groups developing or improving a community orchard.
Dan can guide participants through site assessment, tree selection, spacing, planting, establishment, maintenance and long-term community involvement.
This workshop can be adapted to an existing orchard, a proposed site or a group still exploring the initial idea.
Bespoke practical horticultural training
A tailored workshop can be developed around the needs of your group, site or project.
Bespoke sessions may combine several horticultural skills or focus on a particular practical challenge.
Possible audiences include:
Community gardening volunteers
Estate and grounds teams
Gardening clubs
Charities and community-interest companies
Allotment groups
Education providers
Organisations responsible for public planting
Beginner or developing gardeners
Workshop formats
Sessions adapted to your group
Most practical workshops are delivered in one of the following formats:
Two-hour session
Suitable for a focused introduction, demonstration or shorter practical activity.
Four-hour workshop
A typical half-day session combining instruction, demonstration and practical participation.
Six-hour workshop
Suitable for more detailed training, larger groups or subjects requiring extended supervised practice.
Eight-hour workshop
A full-day programme providing more time for practical work, questions and developing confidence.
The most appropriate format will depend on:
The chosen subject
The number of participants
The venue and available plants
The experience of the group
The practical outcome required
Tools and materials
Basic tools and materials are normally included where practical and agreed in advance.
For example, a pruning workshop may include enough tools for each participant when final attendance numbers are supplied before the event.
Specialist equipment and significant consumables are not normally included. These may include:
Large quantities of compost
Seeds
Plants
Trees and shrubs
Specialist tools
Protective equipment required for a particular site
Venue hire
Any additional requirements and costs will be discussed before the booking is confirmed.
Who are the workshops for?
Practical workshops can be adapted for:
Gardening clubs
Horticultural societies
Allotment associations
U3A groups
Community gardens
Orchards
Charities
Community-interest companies
Local authorities
Estates
Nurseries and garden centres
Colleges and education providers
Volunteer teams
Environmental organisations
Sessions can be developed for complete beginners, enthusiastic gardeners, volunteers or people with existing horticultural experience.
Workshop fees
Clear and straightforward pricing
Practical workshops and training
£150 per hour
Typical workshop formats include:
Two hours: £300
Four hours: £600
Six hours: £900
Eight hours: £1,200
These figures exclude any applicable travel, mileage, venue costs or significant materials.
Travel time
Travel time beyond 30 minutes from Seaford is normally charged at:
£50 per hour
Mileage may also apply.
Travel-time charges may sometimes be waived for bookings of four hours or more. This can be discussed when requesting a quotation.
Professional assurance
Dan holds:
Public Liability Insurance to £10 million
Employer’s Liability Insurance to £10 million
An Enhanced DBS certificate covering adults and children
Organisations are encouraged to maintain suitable insurance for their own venue, participants and activities.
Workshops can be delivered during weekdays, evenings and weekends, subject to availability.
How to book
A straightforward booking process
1. Choose a subject
Select an established workshop or request bespoke practical training.
2. Describe your group and venue
Provide the proposed date, location, participant numbers, experience level and available facilities.
3. Agree the format
Dan will recommend an appropriate session length and discuss tools, materials, plants and practical requirements.
4. Confirm the booking
The date, fee, travel arrangements and any additional costs will be confirmed in writing.
5. Prepare participants
You will receive information about clothing, equipment or preparation that participants may need before attending.
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