Gardening workshops launched as Spread Eagle Hotel links with National Trust neighbour

To celebrate the seasonal awakening of our gardens, one historic hotel has joined forces with its National Trust neighbour.

Midhurst’s Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa has launched gardening workshops for its guests at Woolbeding Gardens.

On select Thursdays through summer 2015, the masterclasses will allow green-fingered guests to enjoy a behind-the-scenes insight into the immaculate gardens.

Each workshop will focus on a different part of life at Woolbeding and, in turn, a different gardening focus.

Led by the Head Gardener, the demonstrations will include practical demonstrations and plenty of hints and tips. Guests can take a look at greenhouse gardening amid the bananas, palms and orchids in Woolbeding’s Conservatory Greenhouse (14 May), learn how to work with colour in the Fountain Garden (2 July) or maintain herbaceous borders in the West Borders (23 July). There is also the chance to learn tips on growing vegetables for the table (13 August) or master late flowering perennials in the Entrance and Mary’s Garden (17 September).

There will be time to discover the rest of the gardens at a leisurely pace before a Sussex Cream Tea with scones and home-made cake in The Orangery with the Head Gardener, on hand to answer any gardening-related questions.

The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa is one of the oldest coaching inns in England, dating back to the 15th century with an impressive guest list including Queen Elizabeth I.

Advance booking is essential on 01730 816911.