Do you love being outdoors in the fresh air? Come and immerse yourself in the surroundings and gardens here @:Toolerstone. You will make your own wooden vegetable planter and learn the basics of planting, composting and sowing seeds of the season. This one day workshop is run by our Head Gardener, Simon. You can work at your own pace and enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We will provide the Toolerstone treats and wood fire pizza lunch – there are endless mugs of tea, always a bonus!

A bit more detail about the workshop

Using our tools and materials here @:Toolerstone you will make your own rustic wooden planter in our outdoor space. No prior DIY skills necessary – just come along and enjoy the fresh air as you go through the step by step instructions with our Head Gardener, Simon. The skills learned in building the veg boxes can be easily transferred to building raised veg beds at home.

After feeling pride in your wood work skills, you will then learn how to prepare the soil and sow various vegetable seeds on your hand made vegetable planter. Simon will teach you how to care for your vegetable plants, including organic growing methods. Send us a progress report photo of your veg.

About the tutor

Simon has been the Head Gardener at Toolerstone since December 2012. Previously, he was an estate gardener looking after the grounds and gardens for a large country estate. Simon has always had a passion for gardens, planting and the outdoors . During his twenties he decided to take that interest to the next level and enrolled at college to study Horticulture and Garden Design at RHS level 2.  Simon has run his own gardening business and has a passion for teaching. We are thrilled to have Simon on board with us here @:Toolerstone sharing his knowledge and expertise.

Timetable of the day

09:30   A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with a mug of tea & toasted tea cakes
10:00   Introduction & techniques used for woodwork
10:15   Time to start the fun bit, using the tools and making your planter
11:00   Coffee will be served
11:30   Continue with the workshop and work at your own pace
13:00   Delicious homemade wood fire pizza in the Kitchen Garden
14:00   Compost, soil  and sowing veg seeds.
16:30   Workshop ends but, you can take your mini veg garden home with you

What is included?

• All materials & tools
• Aprons are provided for the day
• Refreshments & a delicious pizza lunch
• You can take your veg planter home with you

What do I need to bring?

It is advised that you wear clothing suitable for gardening and not your Sunday best! Dress for the weather, Cheshire can be unpredictable no matter what the season. Have a waterproof and wellies ready just in case! If we are lucky enough to have a sunny day it is recommended that you bring sun cream, a sun hat and sunglasses as you will be outside most of the time.

Gardening gloves would be of benefit.

Experience level

We welcome all levels of experience from beginners to the enthusiastic professional!