Discover Your Passion: Plumpton College Open Event at One Garden Brighton

Discover Your Passion: Plumpton College Open Event at One Garden Brighton

On Saturday 29th March, we’re welcoming visitors to One Garden Brighton to tour our beautiful walled garden, meet expert tutors, and discover a range of horticulture, floristry, dog grooming, and Forest School courses available right here. This event is all about exploring opportunities—whether that’s a complete career change, a side passion, or simply learning something new for the joy of it.

How to attend:

The event is completely free, but please register your interest here before booking. 

Saturday 29th March, 2pm – 4pm | One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park

Learning in a Unique Setting

One Garden Brighton is more than just a place to visit—it’s a living, breathing classroom. Managed by Plumpton College, it offers a hands-on learning environment where students can work directly with plants, flowers, and landscapes, gaining practical experience in a setting that brings learning to life. The walled garden is a constant source of inspiration, whether you're studying horticulture and garden design or exploring floristry techniques in our dedicated studio space.

For those interested in dog grooming, this is an opportunity to gain professional training in a career that combines creativity, skill, and care for animals. Whether you're looking to run your own business, work in a salon, or simply develop a deeper understanding of grooming techniques, Plumpton College provides the knowledge and support to build confidence and expertise.

A Place to Grow: Horticulture at One Garden Brighton

Horticulture is one of the largest industries in the land-based sector, and for good reason—it blends art, science, and nature in a way that few other careers do. Whether you’re interested in growing plants, designing outdoor spaces, or learning about sustainable gardening practices, a background in horticulture can open doors to a wide range of careers, from professional gardening and landscaping to botanical garden management and urban greening projects.

At One Garden Brighton, students have the chance to work directly with plants, learning essential skills in propagation, garden maintenance, and plant care. Courses like the Know Your Garden - City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture provide hands-on training in everything from seasonal gardening techniques to soil health and composting. Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to build on existing knowledge, learning in this kind of setting is both rewarding and deeply immersive.

Floristry: Creativity in Bloom

For those drawn to colour, texture, and design, floristry is a career or hobby that offers endless creativity. Working with flowers is about more than just arranging bouquets—it's about storytelling, crafting mood and atmosphere, and bringing joy through natural beauty. Whether you want to create wedding florals, large-scale installations, or delicate everyday arrangements, floristry is a skill that combines artistry with technique.

Plumpton College offers a range of courses designed to introduce students to floral design principles, arrangement techniques, and industry best practices. The Floral Designs for Beginners Short Course is an ideal starting point for those wanting to explore the basics, while the Floral Installation Workshop offers hands-on experience in creating striking, large-scale displays. These courses not only develop practical floristry skills, but also provide a foundation for anyone considering a career in the floral industry or looking to enhance their creativity.

Dog Grooming: A Career with Four-Legged Clients

For animal lovers, dog grooming is a fulfilling and in-demand profession. It requires patience, skill, and an eye for detail, as well as an understanding of different coat types, styling techniques, and breed-specific grooming needs. The industry has grown significantly, with many groomers choosing to start their own businesses, work in salons, or even specialise in competition grooming.

Plumpton College’s Level 3 City & Guilds Dog Grooming qualification provides comprehensive training, teaching students everything from safe handling and coat care to styling and customer service. Students have even gone on to compete and win awards in national grooming competitions, proving just how valuable and versatile these skills can be.

The Benefits of Studying with Plumpton College

Studying with Plumpton College at One Garden Brighton means learning in a real-world environment, with access to expert tutors, practical experiences, and strong industry connections.

As one of the UK’s leading land-based colleges, Plumpton offers:

• Hands-on training in stunning, real-world settings
• Industry-recognised qualifications that open career opportunities
• Flexible learning options for adults, from full-time study to short courses
• A supportive and experienced teaching team

Learning in the heart of the South Downs National Park also means studying in a place that is both inspiring and practical, where every course is designed to blend theory with hands-on experience.

Visit the Open Event and Explore Your Next Step

If you’re curious about what’s possible, come along to the Open Event and see for yourself. Tour the gardens, chat with tutors, and explore the courses on offer. Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to gain new skills, or simply want to explore a passion, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step.

The event is completely free, but please register your interest here before booking. 

Saturday 29th March, 2pm – 4pm | One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park

We can’t wait to welcome you!