Workshop Courses
Experience, Engage & Enjoy - learn from the Physic Garden
Would you like to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of plants, their place in history, or the ways in which they can transform your mind and body? Perhaps you are keen to cook with herbs, make your own first aid remedies, use their wonderful scent to make perfume or explore the mysteries of the folklore of magical trees. You can also practice your creative writing, mindfulness or simply connect with nature & music in the inspirational setting of the physic garden. Children can also join in with our new exciting Herbology Treasure Hunts over the summer.
Facilities for courses include use of our new Herbology House, WC and provision of resh Physic Garden Herbal Tea.
To book a Workshop Course from the list below please use the individual contact in the course details.
LEARN MORE with our exciting new diploma course – a Foundation in Plant Medicine - just visit our Foundation Course page to see more details and to book for the 2013 course – spaces limited to only 15.
Courses 2013
( Foundation Course in Plant Medicine participants: * = optional courses choice.
Select one optional course * from the list and book your space directly with the contact below.)
Download our pdf list of 2013 Workshops at Dilston Physic Garden.
Please note that some courses run on more than one date over the summer
MORNING WALKING: MINDFULNESS IN NATURE
With Kathy White-Webster
This course runs as a ½ day or a full day on the following dates:
- Wednesday 10th April 2013: 10am-1pm (½ day)
- Saturday 13th April 2013: 10am-4pm (full day)
- Wednesday 5th June 2013: 10am-1pm (½ day)
- Saturday 29th June 2013: 10am-4pm (full day)
- Saturday 10th August 2013: 10am-4pm (full day)
- Wednesday 21st August 2013: 10am-1pm (½ day)
- Saturday 31st August 2013: 10am-4pm (full day)
A morning of walking meditation; step out of the fast pace of life for a morning and learn to let go of stress. The intention of walking meditation is just to walk and let go of worries about the future or memories of the past. Walking meditation is a key mindfulness practice which helps engage fully with our lives. It is a practise which connects us to ourselves, to nature, to each other and to all of life. Dilston Physic Garden offers a sanctuary to learn simple mindfulness techniques to use in daily life. Medicinal plants border the pathways; nature supports us as we come back to our senses.
“When we practise walking meditation, we are not trying to get anywhere. It is sufficient to just be with every step, realising that you are just where you are. The trick is to be there completely.”
Give yourself the space to be here now and learn to let go of worries about the future or being caught up in memories of the past. Feel restored ready to return to the fast pace of life equipped with ways of being more present for ourselves, our family, our colleagues and our community. Techniques to be learned: walking meditation, sitting meditation, 3 minute breathing space to be used in the fast pace. The practices will be guided and take place whatever the weather. Please come prepared with outdoor clothing.
£30 ½ day course (10am-1pm). Hot drinks will be supplied.
£45 full day course (10am-4pm).
A £20 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on the full day course, the balance being paid on the day. Please bring a packed lunch, hot drinks will be supplied.
To book email Kathy k.whitewebster@btinternet.com (booking confirmed with fee) or phone 01434 683893.
ME Day – Mind Spa
With Kay Cooke
Wednesday 24th April 2013
Saturday 11th May 2013
Monday 12th August 2013
Wednesday 11th September 2013
9.30am-4.30pm
A day of relaxation, recharge, and rejuvenation whoever you are and whatever you do, this day will support you in many ways. Practical activities introduce you to improved thinking and communication skills; build internal resources and enhance resilience. Leave with sustainable strategies for de-stressing and re-balancing. We utilise NLP, Emotional Intelligence, Resilient Thinking, Neuro Hypnotic Re-patterning, Buddhist Psychotherapy, Whole brain and sensory-based learning and more …
£65 per person including VAT & refreshments. Booking essential – limited places available. You will need to bring a packed lunch and both indoor & outdoor clothes.
To book contact Kay Cooke Consultant, Coach, Trainer, Facilitator and Therapist
t. 07876 228157 e. kay@the-me-group.com w. www.the-me-group.com | www.the-me-room.com
AN EXPERIENTIAL INTRODUCTION TO AURIC ENERGY
With Lynne E Ridley (TIACE, BEH dip. BAF reg.)
Saturday 4th May 2013
1pm-4pm (half-day course)
The ability to sense energy by sight, feel, sound or smell is within us all and this ability can be easily awakened using some very simple exercises. This afternoon will be dedicated to enabling you to sense and begin to interpret the energetic qualities of trees, plants and each other. You will learn techniques to identify and clear congested areas allowing healing to take place. Aimed at beginners it is my intention that this workshop be empowering, enlightening inspiring and fun. www.bi-aura.com
£25
To book email lynne@bi-aura.com Text or Tel: 07899816862
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ANIMALS:
USING HERBS & HERBAL REMEDIES WITH OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS *
With Leigh Smyth
Saturday 18th May 2013
1pm-4pm
This course will help you to learn about how your companion animal (focusing mainly on horses, dogs and cats) has evolved using natural remedies. Learn which ones are useful for you to grow, and use with them for common ailments. Devised and presented by Leigh Smyth who works therapeutically with humans and animals using a number of healing modalities, including the use of herbs, essential oils and other natural remedies.
Leigh Smyth of ‘Essentials for Equilibrium’ is passionate about the medicinal/ healing properties of herbs, essential oils and other natural substances for our animal companions. Having trained at the Institute of Zoopharmacognosy, Leigh is keen to help as many animals as possible. Leigh is also a Registered Nurse and Reiki Master. She says all animals can and do heal themselves with the earth’s natural products,
£25 (less for Foundation in Plant Medicine participants).
To book contact Leigh on 01830 520098 / 07814822531 or email leigh@essentialsforequilibrium.co.uk
NATURAL FIRST AID FOR ALL THE FAMILY *
With Sarah Hughes
Wednesday 22nd May 2013
10am-3pm
Learn what to do and how to treat little disasters that happen daily in the home with simple natural remedies. From burns to bites, from cuts to conjunctivitis, from mouth ulcers to molluscum; Sarah will teach you how to make natural home remedies and give you countless tips for dealing with these daily mishaps with confidence. There is a wealth of first aid remedies in your garden and with a little know how these can be put to good use – avoiding nasty chemicals from shop bought products and saving you money in the process.
Sarah is a Medical Herbalist, Nutritional Therapist and part time university lecturer with many years experience treating adults and children alike.
£40. Please bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks will be provided.
To book contact Sarah on info@healthynewcastle.com or phone 07557 960422
www.healthynewcastle.com
SUSTAINABLE SOUNDS
With Michael Freeman
Wednesday 29th May 2013
10am-4pm
On this one day workshop participants will have the unique opportunity to explore and record the sounds of Dilston Physic Garden with local professional composer and sound artist, Michael Freeman. The second part of the workshop will involve making instruments from recycled objects, through which we can learn something about the magical world of sound, and how it affects our everyday lives. After improvising, creating and learning our own musical phrases, we will also record these. Michael will take all recordings back to his studio to mix & master into a composition, which will belong to all participants, and will be available for download from www.soundcloud.com/michael-freeman within two weeks after the workshop.
This exciting, unmissable workshop is limited to 20 participants, aged 8 upwards. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please bring your own lunch.
Adults £40.
Under 18's, over 60's & registered disabled £25.
Family group (up to 2 adults & 2 children,) £65 (includes tuition, materials & download):
To book email michaelnewmusic88@gmail.com
HERBS & NUTRITION FOR FEMALE HORMONAL ISSUES *
With Sarah Hughes
Saturday 1st June 2013
10am-3.30pm
As women we have a cycle that is ruled by hormones. This can run smoothly or have its ups and downs, especially at certain times of the cycle – the teenage years and towards the end – the perimenopause and menopause. There are many things that can be done using herbs and nutrition to ease irritating and downright debilitating symptoms of these tricky times. Sarah will look at these and give lots of herbal and nutritional advice for them as well as other conditions such as osteoporosis, headaches, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis and migraine.
Sarah is a Medical Herbalist, Nutritional Therapist and part time university lecturer who has treated hundreds of female patients with hormonal complaints.
£40. Please bring a packed lunch with you. Hot drinks will be provided.
To book contact Sarah on info@healthynewcastle.com or phone 07557 960422 www.healthynewcastle.com
CHILDREN’S “HERBOLOGY” TREASURE HUNT
With Davina Hopkinson - Medical Herbalist
Tuesday 11th June 2013
Tuesday 13th August 2013
Tuesday 20th August 2013
10.30am - 12.00pm
Enjoy a really fun treasure hunt through this amazing garden. Children will love solving the puzzles, learning fascinating herby facts and also using herbs to keep them safe on their journey.
£5. Suggested age: 7-11 years
To book or for more information contact Davina at davinaherbalist@gmail.com
Tel: 01661 842897
MOSAIC WORKSHOP
With Victoria Harrison
Saturday 15th June 2013
11am-4pm
As featured in BBC 2's Paul Martin's Handmade Revolution. Learn how to make mosaics with artist Victoria Harrison. Anyone can have a go - from beginners to advanced - no drawing or artistic skills required and you will be delighted by the results. You will take home a stunning piece of mosaic to impress friends and family. Please view my website: www.living-mosaics.com.
£45 includes all materials. Please bring your own lunch.
To book please contact Victoria on 07768 080947 or email v.a.harrison@btinternet.com
AN INTRODUCTION TO FLOWER ESSENCES *
With Phillippa Lee
Sunday 16th June 2013
Saturday 24th August 2013
11am-4pm
On this one day practical course led by Phillippa Lee you will be exploring the history of Flower Essences, connect with the Plant Devas and learn how to make your own Flower Essence. You will learn how to dowse for the right essence and how and when to take them.
Phillippa was first introduced to flower essences whilst living at the Findhorn Community in 2000. She then went on to co-create Aquarius Flower Essences in Northumberland and has since worked as a healer, flower essence therapist and artist.
£45 for the day including tea, cake and flower essence materials. Please bring your own lunch.
To book please contact Phillippa on connectingwithangels@gmail.com or phone 01434 607288
HEART CHAKRA BALANCE
With Christine Headland
Saturday 3rd August 2013
10am-3.30pm
Spend the day reconnecting with your own true sound and voice working with your heart chakra and the natural world. Including drumming chanting and toning.
Cost £30. Please bring your own lunch.
To book email headland.christine@yahoo.co.uk
BEES AT DILSTON
With Mike Lewis
Saturday 17th August
2.30pm – 3.30pm
A chance to find out about these fascinating creatures and dispel some of the myths that have arisen in recent times. Will bees survive? What can we do to help? How many are there in a hive? Where do new queens come from? How (and why) do bees make honey, wax and propolis? What is the difference between bees and wasps. What do they eat? How do they communicate in a dark hive? What is a swarm? What makes a good bee-keeper? How are the Dilston bees managed?
Free, but £5 donation to “Bees for Development” would be appreciated.
For enquiries, or to book please email bees@stamfordham.biz. Booking not necessary, but places will be limited to 20.
MAKING YOUR OWN PERFUME USING FRAGRANT ESSENTIAL OILS
With Christine Fisk
Saturday 21st September 2013
1pm-4pm
Spend an afternoon learning how to make Eau de Colognes, Eau de Toilette and Splash Cologne using fragrant essential oils. During the afternoon, you will learn basic blending techniques with Christine Fisk, Clinical Aromatherapist, so that you may create your own unique fragrance.
£35 (students and other concessions £30).
To book email info@ethos.uk.com or phone 01388 451886
'GARDEN' MEDICINE - HERBAL REMEDY MAKING WORKSHOP
With Davina Hopkinson - Medical Herbalist
Wednesday June 26th 2013
10am-3pm
There is a wealth of medicinal plants growing all around us in the hedgerows, woodlands, fields and gardens. Learn how to use the available plants to make simple remedies to use at home - such as tinctures, syrups and salves. All materials provided.
£40 including tea. Please bring your own lunch.
To book and for more information contact Davina at davinaherbalist@gmail.com or phone 01661 842897
HEDGEROW MEDICINE: Introduction to Herbal Medicine
With Ross Menzies
Wednesday 3rd July 2013
10am-4pm
This day is very practical and hands on. Learn how to identify a range of local medicinal plants, how to collect them and store them. You will discover how to make a range of herbal preparations, including an infusion, decoction, poultice, ointment and a tincture. Discover how local herbs can be used to treat a wide range of minor ailments and in first aid situations and gain the confidence to start using herbs at home.
Cost: £45 - a £20 non refundable deposit is required to secure a place, the full balance being paid on the day. Please bring a packed lunch, hot drinks will be supplied.
Please bring waterproofs or an umbrella if it is wet as the course will still run.
To Book phone 01434 606619 or email Ross Menzies rossmenzies67@tiscali.co.uk - www.the-herbal-clinic.co.uk
CONNECTING WITH NATURE
THROUGH SOUND, COLOUR, MOVEMENT AND MEDITATION
accompanied by Planetary Gongs, Tibetan Bowls, Vocal Toning and Drum.
With Johanna Sheehan
Wednesday 10th July
Saturday 27th July
12pm-4pm
Harmonise and balance your whole being. SoundTouch introduces a new experience for individuals, groups, businesses, schools and students with special needs, using a combination of sound, frequency and vibration of voice and various instruments to create a sense of calm and relaxation and opportunities for personal growth. By experiencing peace and inner harmony through sound we can gain a better understanding of the profound connection between ourselves, harmony with Nature, personal spirituality and wellbeing.
SoundTouch sessions, whether for an individual or for a group, also offers opportunities to connect with Nature by working outside at different venues and using the silence and sounds of Nature for connection, reflection and meditation. This approach encourages a deep respect for the beauty of Nature and our place in the world: "The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life and humility regarding the human place in nature" The Earth Charter. More details on website. www.soundtouchforlife.com
Cost: £40.
To book contact Johanna on 01434 606159
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH HEALING PLANTS *
With Jenny Blayney & Jill Schnabel
Saturday 13th July 2013
10am-4pm
Explore the Secrets of Healing Plants through close group observation and herb sampling, followed by a painting and drawing experience with a chosen plant. No previous art experience needed to take part. Jenny is an art therapist working out of the ideas of Rudolf Steiner and using Goethe's model of plant observation and metamorphosis. She is joined here by Medical Herbalist and herb gardener Jill Schnabel, one of the tutors on the Dilston Foundation in Plant Medicine.
Cost: £45 including teas and art materials. Please bring your own lunch.
To book please send £10 deposit to Jenny Blayney, 4 High Buston , Alnwick, NE66 3QH. T: 07909 910107. E: jennyblayney@gmail.com. W: www.magentaarts.co.uk
PLANT SPIRIT MEDICINE *
With Ross Menzies
Saturday 20th July 2013
10am-3.30pm
Plants have always been revered for their healing properties, in many cultures (and historically in our own) healers have had very close relationships with their healing plants and have often described having a communication with them as part of a healing process. This course will help develop the skills needed to sense the more subtle qualities of plants and to work with plants using their subtle energies to promote healing – physical, emotional and spiritual. Ross believes and has found that working with plants as living evolved and complex beings - coming to them from a place of deep respect and reverence allows a deeper healing to occur. Some basic kinesiology will also be taught.
Course tutored by Ross Menzies, a Medical Herbalist based near Hexham. He has been in practice for over 10 years and uses mainly native plants to treat many acute and chronic health imbalances. He is an experienced tutor and has a strong interest in wild foods as well as a deep belief that Nature can be a source of spiritual nourishment and inspiration, this is reflected in the course.
Cost: £45 (£40 for Foundation participants) - a £20 non refundable deposit is required to secure a place, the full balance being paid on the day.
Please bring a packed lunch, hot drinks will be supplied.
You may wish to bring a camera or sketch pad to help identification of plants after the course.
Please bring waterproofs or an umbrella if it is wet as the course will still run.
To Book phone 01434 606619 or email Ross Menzies rossmenzies67@tiscali.co.uk - www.the-herbal-clinic.co.uk
POETRY AND PLANTS WORKSHOP WITH AFTERNOON TEA
With Valerie Laws Writer in Residence
Wednesday 28th August 2013
1pm-3.30pm
Mind-altering magical herbs, poisonous and healing, grow here in this beautiful physic garden, rich in ancient myths and modern science. Create poetry or short prose, or kick-start that novel, from the sights, sounds, and scents of this wild garden of drugs and simples, rushing river and sighing trees, devise powerful spells to focus the mind – to change your mind, and even your life. The garden won’t be open to the public so we can spread out and expand our minds! Find inspiration in this creative writing workshop with Writer in Residence Valerie Laws (www.valerielaws.co.uk). Outdoor if possible, or in the Herbology House.
Cost £5 including revitalising fresh herbal infusions and homemade cake.
To book contact Valerie on valaws@yahoo.co.uk or 07949 956253
DEADLY NIGHTSHADES: Tea, Cake & Crime Fiction
With Valerie Laws Writer in Residence
Saturday 14th September 2013
1pm-3.30pm
Skulduggery in the herb garden, as we unleash the deadliest poisons and their evil effects on our imaginations! Learn about the powers of herbs grown to heal and to harm, how they work on the mind and body, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and have a go at committing murder – fictional of course! In this remote physic garden, with its wild waters rushing by and beautiful but potentially sinister woods and fields, anything can happen. Start something scary to continue at home, as you choose your poison!
Cost £5 including revitalising fresh herbal infusions and homemade cake.
To book contact Valerie on valaws@yahoo.co.uk or 07949 956253
TREE MEDICINE *
With Ross Menzies
Saturday 28th September 2013
10am-4pm
A day devoted to getting to know some of our wonderful healing trees. Learn how to identify them, discover some folklore around each tree and explore their many healing properties. Prepare an elderberry winter cold and flu tonic, an acorn antiseptic / antifungal rinse that can be used to stop bleeding and a medicine from willow that can act as a natural painkiller. The course will have a strong practical element – preparing remedies and getting out and about getting to know the trees.
Course tutored by Ross Menzies, a Medical Herbalist based near Hexham. He has been in practice for over 10 years and uses mainly native plants to treat many acute and chronic health imbalances. He is an experienced tutor and has a strong interest in wild foods as well as a deep belief that Nature can be a source of spiritual nourishment and inspiration, this is reflected in the course.
Cost £45 (£40 for Foundation participants) - a £20 non refundable deposit is required to secure a place, the full balance being paid on the day.
Please bring a packed lunch, hot drinks will be supplied.
You may wish to bring a camera or sketch pad to help identification of plants after the course.
Please bring waterproofs or an umbrella if it is wet as the course will still run.
To Book phone 01434 606619 or email Ross Menzies rossmenzies67@tiscali.co.uk - www.the-herbal-clinic.co.uk
PARENT COACHING
With Kay Cooke
Saturday 5th October 2013
9.30am-4.30pm
A day of practical activities that will introduce you to simple strategies, language patterns and non verbal clues for greater impact, improved behaviours and more harmonious relationships, with children of any age/ability. You will leave feeling more personally resourceful and resilient to the stresses and strains of parenting, caring for or working with children and young adults.
We utilise NLP, Emotional Intelligence, Resilient Thinking, Neuro Hypnotic Re-patterning, Multiple Intelligences, Buddhist Psychotherapy, Whole brain and sensory based learning and more …
£65 per person including VAT & refreshments. Booking essential – limited places available. You will need to bring a packed lunch and both indoor & outdoor clothes.
To book contact Kay Cooke Consultant, Coach, Trainer, Facilitator and Therapist
t. 07876 228157 e. kay@the-me-group.com w. www.the-me-group.com | www.the-me-room.com
BOTANIC BRAIN BOOSTERS *
With Elaine Perry, Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska, Nicolette Perry
Saturday 12th October 2013
1pm–4pm (half day course)
Discover plants that enhance your mind & mood. Looking mainly at those plants growing around us in the Physic Garden we will begin with the intriguing human brain and how plant chemicals interact with it. Then discover how plants actually improve our mind and our well-being - from memory & attention, mood & happiness to sleep & dreaming. Find out how plants have led to new discoveries of drugs used today and have even identified how our brain actually works. Suggested ways of taking the plants will be given, with a focus on herbal teas, essential oils and foods.
Course is run by neuroscientist and garden curator, Professor Elaine Perry; senior consultant psychiatrist in clinical practice and research at University of Newcastle Institute of Ageing & Health, Dr Elizabeta Mukaetova-Ladinska who will focus on medicinal and nutritional plants for brain power; and plant medicine researcher and garden director, Dr Nicolette Perry who will focus on essential oils to keep you calm and happy. There will be an exciting mix of powerpoint presented information and practical experience of the plants as they are growing, their essential oils and medicinal herbal teas & snacks.
Cost £15
To book please email Nic nslperry@gmail.com or telephone 077888 08822
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING COURSE
With Elaine McKenna
Saturday 30th November 2013
11am–3pm (half day course)
Learn the basics of making your own Christmas wreath and take away your finished product so that it can be proudly hung upon your door this festive season. The half day course will teach you how to apply the base to a wreath ring and how best to tie on your fir, holly, pine cones, berries and ribbons. All materials are included in the cost of the course together with basic gloves for application. However, as you will be using sharp instruments and handling foliage such as holly, fir, pine cones and berries some products may cause irritation, or feel uncomfortable to the touch. If you have your own gardening gloves which you feel are more suitable for you to wear on the day then please DO bring these along.
There is no lunch but if you wish to bring your own, please feel free to do so as we will be having a half hour interval between sessions to rest our fingers. Tea will be provided on the day.
Cost £20 (Maximum people per course – 10)
To book please email: emckenna2012@yahoo.co.uk or telephone: 01434 685687
More courses will be added as the year progresses, so please watch this space!
If you think you would like to run a course yourself
please email nslperry@gmail.com