Join renowned landscaper Mark Whyman and his team for this hands-on workshop making bespoke garden vessels as seen in Sarah Price’s 2023 Chelsea garden and more recently at Cedric Morris’ Benton End garden.

This is a rare chance to learn the custom recipe originally created by Local Works Studio, who designed and produced the brick paving at The Exchange.

Mark and the team will guide you through how to adapt the colour, shape and texture for your own designs and the finished vessels can be used decoratively or with purpose: as plant pots, shallow bird baths, or small water sources for birds and insects. At The Exchange, we’ll be placing them among the planting to add texture, character and habitat value to the garden.

Mark will be demonstrating two techniques, one using the excavated cast option (digging), and one using the exposed cast option (mounding). Whichever site you are working on, you should be able to make one of these in-situ.

During the workshop, we’ll create several large vessels for The Exchange garden. You’ll also make a smaller vessel of your own design, ready to collect from The Exchange once it has cured two weeks later. If you’d prefer not to keep it, we’d be delighted to use it here in our garden.

Everyone is welcome — gardeners, landscapers, makers and curious beginners alike. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to get hands-on. Come solo or with friends but places are limited so book soon to secure your spot!

£50 | Book your spot!

Our Garden Room Shop & Coffee Bar will be open from 10am - 4pm on the day, selling drinks, snacks, baked treats and local ice cream, but please bring your own lunch if you don’t have time to eat beforehand.