The Artful Garden
“Making a garden with heart, art and story."
Discover Courses
What to expect
Through each chapter, we explore the ingredients of a beautiful and immersive garden, and how to bring these qualities into your own.
- Discover how to grow a garden that settles gently in place, while reflecting the story of those who live within.
- Get to know your garden as a community – a place that well and feels like home.
- Ponder the pleasures of slow, seasonal and sensory gardening and how to embrace them in a creative and practical way.
- Understand the importance of garden ‘bones’, and how to use them as the frame and canvas for your garden.
- Discover plants as a creative medium, and learn how to grow a diverse and abundant garden filled with beauty, life and joy.
- Explore the magical elements that bring a garden to life, and how to capture them.
- Step through the process of designing a home garden and drawing a simple garden plan, to help you clarify and achieve your garden vision.
Thoughts from the wonderful bunch of past course participants…
“It’s not run of the mill, it has soul and life and substance as well as being hugely informative and practical. A perfect combination . It has felt like an exsquisite treat to be able to take partin it…. something to savour, like a piece of good chocolate.“
“You have been such a wonderful, generous teacher. What an abundance of inspiration and information. I knew it would be great, but it was GREAT! Literally volumes of thoughtful, heart-felt advice, combined with practical, pragmatic experience. I have learned so much and enjoyed it so much. Thank you.”
“For the past two months I’ve been blessed to be part of the Storytelling Garden Workshop. A beautiful heartfelt space complete with wise words, not only of how to design a meaningful and personal garden (practical too), but also a gentle reminder to consider how we connect with the landscape and life around us. It has been so much more than I hoped. Thankyou Colleen, it’s just what I needed.”
“Thankyou Colleen, I have loved being part of The Storytelling Garden group! You have shared so much of your heart and knowledge, and you’ve inspired me on my gardening journey. Being part of this group has given me valuable knowledge and the confidence to plan my own garden. Thankyou for your generosity in sharing so much.”
“The joy of opening my parcel and discovering all the gardening goodness inside!! Love all your thoughtful little touches Colleen.”
“I am deeply thankful that I got to be part of this workshop and to have met you! I can’t believe I have been able to put together a plan, all thanks to you and The Storytelling Garden. I had no idea where to start and you have given me a toolkit to think through solutions and pull together ideas. Thankyou!”
“I’m so grateful to be part of the first group of storytelling gardeners. I have learned so much, and you have been so so generous with your knowledge. Everything is so well put together and inspiring.”
“Absolutely loved it Colleen, thankyou so much.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a traditional gardening course?
No - It's not a technical horticulture course. It is a creative and thoughtful exploration of garden making, design principles and developing your own garden style.
Will this teach me how to create a perfect garden?
The goal is not perfection. Gardens are living, evolving spaces. This workshop helps you create a garden that feels personal, meaningful and connected to you.
Do I need experience in gardening?
Not at all. The courses are designed for gardeners at all stages, whether you are starting from scratch or looking for fresh inspiration.
Will I learn practical garden design skills?
Yes. You’ll explore practical principles including garden structure, composition, planting ideas and creating a simple garden plan.
Is this suitable if I don’t want to become a professional garden designer?
Absolutely. This is about growing your confidence as a home gardener and creating your own garden story.
Is Full Bloom an online course?
The Full Bloom course includes online gatherings and resources, but it is intentionally different from a self-paced digital course. The experience is built around conversation, reflection, community and connection.