The Raymond Blanc Gardening School launches January courses

It is never too late to learn something new and gain skills you never thought you had and gardening has something to suit so many.  The Raymond Blanc Gardening School at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, is the first of its kind in the UK, and new courses start in January 2023.

Practical courses take place in the Hartley Botanic Glasshouse, in the heart of the gardens at Le Manoir, and are lead by August Bernstein, whose knowledge and passion for all things green fingers wow every guest who meet her.  

Working closely alongside Raymond, August has developed the course calendar to include themes such as seasonal pruning; offering a hands-on learning experience in the orchards at Le Manoir. There are also seasonal vegetable courses and the new ‘no-dig’ courses share tips on how to grow beautiful, healthy vegetables without equipment, fertilisers or feed.

As summer approaches, the garden school turns to growing your own cocktails; growing herbs and spices to create bespoke cocktail flavours as well as flower courses that share tips on growing an array of cut flowers to fill the garden and then getting the best vase life from beautiful blooms.

Guided by the values of provenance and sustainability, The Raymond Blanc Gardening School imparts insider tips and expert advice in a relaxed and creative environment, appealing to those with a new interest in all things botanical, or seasoned professionals.  Guests are encouraged to discuss gardening experiences with the team and take home ideas and inspiration guaranteed to transform natural spaces or feel energised to create a personal garden scape.

Raymond Blanc has always said that the gardens at Le Manoir are as much a part of the excellence as the two Michelin-starred food and The Raymond Blanc Gardening School is the perfect opportunity to enjoy learning more about the mystery of horticulture within a truly convivial environment. 

When guests arrive, their adventure starts in the organic kitchen garden, a magnificent two-acre vegetable and herb scape producing over 90 types of vegetables and 70 herbs and this is where the inspiration to create the first ever hotel gardening school originated.

Utilising tried and tested and more recent techniques, the team will offer tips on the whole process – from planting and growing to picking and cooking. The team champion sustainable produce, ethical farming and, through this, create dishes that enrich the palate.

For a full list of courses, visit here

One day courses will run from 9.00am to 3.00pm with refreshments throughout and a delicious working lunch priced from £285 per person.