Petersham Nurseries Launches Urban School of Garden Inspiration

As Petersham Nurseries launches the Urban School of Garden Inspiration at its new Covent Garden site, Head of Horticulture Thomas Broom-Hughes shares some of his top tips on indoor plants and how to style them

Words: Emily Manson & Victoria Purcell

The Urban School of Garden Inspiration is in addition to the School of Garden Inspiration that runs at Petersham Nurseries’ Richmond site, a 360-degree programme of workshops and masterclasses that encompass horticultural creativity, learning and guidance for both the experienced and novice gardener.

‘These new classes are a lot more to do with floristry and how to create beauty within your home with cut flowers and displays, but in a Petersham way,’ says Head of Horticulture, Thomas Broom-Hughes. ‘It’s all about being inspired. We’re not just talking at you, we’re there to inspire you.’

upcoming GARDENING Classes, 2018

Urban School of Garden Inspiration, Covent Garden

Spring Floral Bounty – The Petersham Way
Wednesday 30 May from 10.30am-12.30pm, £150

Arranging With Edible Flowers – The Petersham Way
Tuesday 12 June from 10.30am-12.30pm, £150

Autumn Wreath Making
Wednesday 26 September from 10.30am-12.30pm, £150

School of Garden Inspiration, Richmond

Spring Kokedama
Tuesday 17 April from 11am–1pm, £55

Stylish Summer Containers
Friday 11 May from 11am–12.30pm, £30

Stenciling with Nature (part of London Craft Week)
Saturday 12 May from 10.30am–12.30pm, £70

Edible Flowers
Friday 15 June from 11am-4.30pm, £150

All events can be booked at petershamnurseries.com/events

Thomas Broom-Hughes’
Indoor Plant Styling Tips

Go for the garden gathered look: It’s very much ‘the Petersham way’ to have a lot of one type of flower in a vase, as ‘people want this sort of effortless style that’s relaxing, but also stylish, so it looks like it’s thrown together, yet still looks chic.’
This spring it’s all about cherry blossoms: ‘Bringing cherry blossom into the home is a great way to create drama as well as enjoying their wonderful scent.’
Make the most of nature’s bumps and kinks: ‘If there’s a misshapen stem or branch, let it dominate the arrangement and allow it to shine.’
Think about the style of your property: ‘If you have a modern property or style, go for something structural and a big statement plant rather than something dainty. The Fiddle Leaf Fig is very “Elle Decoration” or Kentia palms are also very popular.’
Embrace the trend for cacti and succulents: ‘It seems to be a generation rent favourite, as they’re striking but low maintenance and can cope with neglect!’
Terrariums and kokedama – the moss ball alternative to hanging baskets – are also very en vogue in the indoor plant world right now