Gardening Club for Beginners Ballynahinch, County Down
Gardening Classes near me - Hillsborough, County Down
12 people max – 4 x 1hr classes – just £18 per person per class – Adults only
Winner Best Tourism Business 2025. TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2026 plus hundreds of five-star reviews on Facebook, Google & TripAdvisor. See for yourself.
-
Suitable for Beginners
Our gardening club is suitable for novice gardeners. -
All Weather Area
The majority of our classes are under cover outdoors. -
Ask the Expert
Each session will include a gardeners Q&A at the end. -
Essential Wear
Please bring your own gloves and appropriate clothing on the day. -
Free cancellation up to 48hrs beforehand
We allow standard free cancellation up to 48hrs before.
Perfect for anyone new to gardening or looking to build confidence, our four-week Beginner’s Gardening Club covers the essentials of growing healthy, thriving plants at home. Through hands-on sessions and expert guidance, you’ll learn practical skills you can use straight away — with plants to take home and clear, jargon-free advice throughout.
Across the course we’ll explore propagation from seed and cuttings, understanding soil and containers, planning what to grow and where, everyday plant care, and gardening with wildlife in mind. Each session finishes with an informal Q&A, and you’ll receive printed take-home notes to support your learning between classes.
A relaxed, friendly introduction to gardening — practical, inspiring, and rooted in nature.
Basic Itinerary
Session Times: 11am to 12pm
April Classes
4th April
Propagation – starting from seed – we’ll trial 2 methods; using seed snails and regular seed trays to start some hardy annuals that the group can take home with them; pricking out seedlings that have already germinated and potting on, a quick introduction to taking cuttings and dividing herbaceous plants
11th April
Soil, pots and planning – looking at different composts, choosing right containers to grow in, the requirements for good growth and how to do a basic survey of your garden to find out what plants will grow where.
18th April
Maintenance – looking at plant nutrients and feeding, weed control, how to water correctly and some common pests and diseases.
25th April
Gardening for biodiversity – looking at the various ways in which we can encourage wildlife into our gardens by planting for pollinators and creating good habitat spaces.
Availability
Spaces are limited to ensure a personalised experience, so secure your place now and embark on a journey of gardening discovery.
Reserve your spot today and enjoy a relaxed, friendly introduction to gardening.
Expert Gardener
Oonah Stringer
A self-employed gardener based outside Downpatrick, specialising in garden maintenance and small planting plans with nature at their heart. Promoting biodiversity through gardens is central to her work. Formerly a gardener at National Trust Rowallane, Oonah brings practical experience and clear guidance to this four-week introduction to core horticultural principles.
Our location in County Down, Northern Ireland
About the area
Nestled in the stunning countryside of Northern Ireland, Ballyburren is an idyllic location offering a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Located just 25 minutes from Belfast and 15 minutes from the iconic Mourne Mountains, the area is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore scenic trails, charming villages, and local attractions like Castlewellan Forest Park, Tollymore Forest Park, and Silent Valley Reservoir. The nearby coast offers stunning beaches and picturesque seaside towns such as Newcastle, while Belfast provides vibrant city life, rich history, and cultural landmarks. Whether seeking peace or excitement, Ballyburren’s surroundings cater to every desire.
Suitability
- Ideal for complete beginners or those with limited gardening experience
- Suitable for anyone wanting to grow plants from seed and better understand basic garden care
- Perfect for gardeners with small or large spaces, including patios, pots, and raised beds
- Great for anyone interested in wildlife-friendly, sustainable gardening practices
Restrictions
- Minimum age: 18+
- Not suitable for those seeking advanced or professional-level horticultural training
- Some light physical activity involved (standing, potting, handling soil and plants)
- No pets allowed
More experiences
Trek & Treat: Halloween Alpaca Trekking
- Easy
- 2 hours
- £55
Samhain: An Evening of Fire, Foraging & Folklore
- Adults Only
- 2hrs
- 10
Children’s Meditation & Mindfulness Classes NI
- Children 6-10yrs
- 1hr 30min
- 12
Breathwork Classes for Adults NI
- Adults Only
- 1hr 30min
- 12
Nourish Day Retreat
- Everyone
- 5.5hrs
- 10
Immersive Reset Morning
- Everyone
- 3.5hrs
- 10
Adults Only Luxury Lodges Northern Ireland
- Luxury
- 1 day
- 2 Adults
Alpaca Trekking
Alpaca Trekking Near Me
Your mini adventure commences as you arrive at our meticulously landscaped car park, boasting a variety of amenities including toilet facilities, catering to the needs of all visitors, including those with reduced mobility and families with babies. Warmly greeted by our friendly alpaca trekking guides, you will be introduced to your very own alpaca companion. Under the guidance of your expert handler, embark on our distinctive trail, which typically spans around 30 to 40 minutes. Towards the end of the trail, your guide will ensure the alpacas are securely tied up, while you venture forth to the island oasis housing the coffee trailer and inviting picnic tables, offering an array of refreshments and snacks for purchase. For a truly indulgent experience during lunchtime slots, you have the option to pre-purchase a luxury picnic with alpacas. This exquisite hamper can be enjoyed at one of our picturesque picnic tables reserved for our luxury picnic experience. Please note that each time slot is strictly limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or 2 hours if you opt for the gourmet picnic hampers. It is imperative to arrive at least 10 minutes before your designated slot time to ensure a seamless experience, as the group will proceed without any latecomers. Join us on this extraordinary alpaca walking experience and let the tranquillity of nature and the companionship of these gentle creatures create memories that will stay with you forever.- Easy
- 1.5 hours
- 4 Max
Golden Hour Alpaca Trekking
- Easy
- 2 hours
- £45
Weekly Yoga & Meditation Classes
- All Levels
- 1hr 15min
- 15
Alpaca Meet & Interact Session
- Easy
- 1hr 30mins
- from £5
Foraging Walk & Bushcraft Cookery Course
- Beginner
- 3hrs 30mins
- 8 max
Group Days Out
- 🦙 Alpaca Trekking: Traverse scenic trails with our gentle alpacas.
- 🌲 Bushcraft Basics: Learn essential survival skills in the heart of nature.
- 🧘 Outdoor Yoga and Meditation: Find peace and serenity amidst natural beauty.
- 🥁 Drumming and Circus Skills: Channel your inner rhythm with tribal drumming and master basic circus tricks like juggling and plate spinning.
- 🌿 Foraging and Bushcraft Cookery: Discover wild edibles and cook up a delicious feast over an open fire.
- 🍽️ Optional Luxury Picnics: Indulge in a gourmet picnic amidst stunning surroundings.
- Easy
- Half or Full Day
- 8 Min
Little Explorers Fairy Door Trail
Welcome to our beautiful 1.4km scenic nature trail, a relaxing outdoor experience for parents and their babies to enjoy together. The trail winds through picturesque farmland and woodland, across wooden bridges and around tranquil ponds, offering a peaceful space to slow down and connect with nature.
Along the way, keep an eye out for over 20 magical fairy doors hidden throughout the trail, adding a sense of wonder for little explorers while you enjoy the surrounding countryside.
You’ll also have the chance to meet our friendly alpacas along the trail, and visitors can feed them using our alpaca feed vending machine. Simply bring a £1 coin if you’d like to give them a treat!
- Easy
- 1hr 30mins
- Free
Beginners Gardening Classes
- Beginners
- 1hr
- 12
Eco-Friendly Christmas Wreath Making Experience
- Easy
- 2.5 hours
- £60



