An In-Person Workshop at Bellevue Botanical Garden

April 16th 2026, 1pm-3.30pm

How often have your struggled to understand why an area of your garden isn't quite working? Do you keep adding more plants hoping that you've finally got it "right" only to be disappointed?

Designing a garden is rather like telling a story: there needs to be an introduction that draws you in, an understanding of the key characters as they weave through each chapter and a satisfying conclusion.

Would you like to understand how to write your garden's story?

Let me show you how

With over 20 years of experience designing gardens for others and over 60 years playing with plants I'd love to share my "designer's eye" with you in this half day, in-person workshop.

Where and When?


Workshop Schedule 

  • 12.45pm-1pm: Check in at the Gathering Place, at the garden entrance
  • 1pm-2.15pm: Karen will lead a walk and talk through the gardens to assess and discuss key garden scenes and design tenets 
  • 2.15pm-2.45pm: short break + photo/sketching design assignment explained
  • 2.45pm-3.15pm Complete assignment
  • 3.15pm: Group discussion and close

Who is this workshop for?

  • Home Gardeners

    Gardeners of all levels who wish to improve their home landscapes.

  • Design Students

    Anyone with an interest in expanding their understanding of design principles

  • Garden Travelers

    Those who love to travel to new places yet know they are not making the most of the gardens they see because they can't get beyond the "Can I grow that?"

What should I bring?

  • This is a rain or shine event so wear comfortable, waterproof shoes and a rain jacket. Umbrellas may not be used during our group 'walk and talk'

  • Bring your cell phone or an Ipad for taking photos plus a small notepad and pencil for simple sketches

  • A water bottle and snack

  • You'll need both hands free; use a small backpack to carry everything

  • Meet Karen Chapman

    Instructor Bio:

    Specializing in creating artistic landscape and container plant combinations with a four season foliage framework, functional outdoor living spaces and deer resistant designs, I'm delighted to now be able to offer a number of online learning opportunities. With a lifetime’s gardening experience in England and the U.S.A., training as a Certified Professional Horticulturist, and over 20 years as an award-winning designer, author, and presenter, I'd love to share my knowledge and love of gardening with you.

    Karen Chapman

    Instructor

    Karen Chapman

Featured in:

Karen's articles and designs have been

  • Garden Design
  • Country Gardens
  • Country Gardens
  • Sunset
  • Better Hones & Gardens

What are you waiting for?

There are only 25 places available - don't miss out
Sign me up!

Pricing

Got a coupon code? Use it at checkout

FAQ

  • Is this an online event?

    No, this is a one-time, in-person event

  • Will I be able to hear you in the garden?

    This workshop is limited to 25 participants and I will use a portable microphone. I will ask the group to gather together at various locations as we walk so that you can all hear me

  • Will we be walking the whole time?

    You must be comfortable walking on uneven ground at times although we will endeavor to keep to easy paths. You should be able to walk at a moderate pace for an hour and be able to stand unaided as we chat. There will be an opportunity to sit during the break, however.

  • Will there be a handout?

    I would prefer you focus on listening and looking than either taking or studying notes. There will not be a handout.

  • What is your refund policy?

    A full refund will be offered up to midnight on April 12th. No refunds will be given after that time, and no refunds will be offered for no-shows on the day of the event.

You might also like: