Victoria Ennion
Learning can and should be both exciting and enjoyable. I love to engage in a dialogue with students, so that they are actively involved in their learning.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?I’d like to think that they will go home with an enquiring and questioning eye, a clear set of guidelines on a topic and ‘thinking tools’ they can take home and use.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I use images as a basis for lively discussion and to present concepts. These are then backed up by practical workshop sessions and walkabouts in the grounds of West Dean to see the concepts in action.
What inspires your own work?Great art and architecture, as well as the natural world. And not forgetting, of course, other people’s gardens.
Where did you gain your training/experience?I trained in horticulture and garden design at Capel Manor College, gaining practical experience at the Chelsea Physic Garden and Syon Park. I started up my own garden design and maintenance business in 1998. I now trade as Crowsfoot Gardens and focus solely on design.
What teaching experience have you had?I taught horticulture to adults at Capel Manor College for five years, and now give lectures and workshops for local horticultural societies and other groups, such as U3A.
Have you written any books/had articles published?Articles in the Hardy Plant Society magazine and The Country Gardener.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societites?I am member of the Hardy Plant Society.