Read From Jimi's Past Students
Brilliant! Jimi himself, being in his garden through the seasons, visiting the outside gardens he chose and the course notes he provided and also the company of the other course participants, is an amazing recipe. Thanks to the course, I have reconfigured my existing garden and am excited again about reimagining the acre in a whole new way.
Ann Eyres
Living over two hours away by car, I was unsure whether I could commit myself to the plants person course, but I am so glad I did. It was such a great experience not only in terms of the learning as Jimi is a truly inspirational teacher, but also being able to meet similarly minded plant enthusiasts. I highly recommend the course, and I would do the journey to Hunting-brook again with absolutely no hesitation.
Christine Reid
Over the year-long Plantsperson course, I have learned an incredible amount. Jimi is such a great teacher, calm, thoughtful, and incredibly knowledgeable. There isn’t a plant name he doesn’t know. He has made me appreciate plants I would not have looked twice at before, and for that I’m grateful. I am genuinely so sad that the course has come to an end. Any course you take with Jimi will not be a disappointment, trust me.
Emily Moorecroft
Only 6 spots left!
Starts February 23rd, 2026!
Spend a year learning from Jimi Blake in person at Hunting Brook Gardens - Ireland’s largest private plant collection.
10 monthly sessions covering 700+ plants, exclusive garden visits, and the industry-recognised Plantsperson's Certificate. Running for 17 years straight!
10 monthly sessions
February to November 2026
One Monday per month
10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
50+ Hours
Advanced gardening lessons throughout the year
Hunting Brook Gardens, Wicklow, Ireland
Course Location
Course Structure - Duration & Commitment
Whether you are an aspiring horticulturist, garden professional, horticulture student, or passionate plant enthusiast, this course will equip you with the confidence and expertise to transform your understanding and enjoyment of plants.
2026 Session Dates
23rd February
23rd March
20th April
11th May
22nd June
6th July
10th August
7th September
12th October
9th November
Course Curriculum
Expert-Led In-Person Sessions
Learn Jimi’s unique philosophy and techniques that have made Hunting Brook Gardens legendary.
Spectacular plant combinations
Discover how to create adventurous colour schemes and pairings that work in Ireland's unique climate
Structure, form & texture in design
Master the use of repetition, layering, and architectural elements in planting schemes
Planting schemes for any situation
Learn adaptable plant design that work in sun, shade, wet, dry, and everything in between
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Layered planting techniques
Understand how to create depth and interest in both sunny and shaded areas
Planting for year-round interest
Design gardens that perform beautifully in every season
In-depth propagation methods
Learn hands-on techniques for propagating a wide variety of plants throughout the year
Right plant, right place philosophy
Develop the expertise to select plants that will thrive, not just survive
Creating spectacular containers
Master container design and planting for maximum impact
Industry-Recognised Certificate
Limited To 25 Students
50+ Hours of Learning
Advanced Level
Frequently asked questions
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Explore Hunting Brook
Trusted by Dublin Parks who sends their staff members every year
Limited To 25 Students
Running successfully for 17 years
Alumni working in gardens, nurseries, and landscape design across the world
Is This Course Right For You?
Important! This is an advanced-level course. Please read carefully before applying.
This course is perfect for:
Aspiring horticulturists ready to turn passion into profession
Garden professionals seeking to deepen plant knowledge
Horticulture students wanting practical, real-world experience
Passionate plant enthusiasts with foundational gardening knowledge
Garden designers who want to master plant selection and combinations
Those with a year-long commitment to attend monthly sessions
Ireland-based students or those willing to travel monthly to Ireland
Not a Good Fit
Complete beginners with no gardening experience
Casual hobbyists looking for basic tips
Those who cannot commit to the full 10-month schedule
Anyone seeking an online or remote learning option
Those outside Ireland without the flexibility to travel
Invest In Your Gardening Future
€1,200 for year-long access to Ireland's most comprehensive plant education
Total Course Fee: €1,200
Choose Your Payment Option:
Meet Your Instructor
Learn From Ireland's Most Celebrated Plantsman
Jimi Blake is the creator and head gardener of Hunting Brook Gardens - a 20-acre paradise featuring Ireland's largest private plant collection. With over 30 years of hands-on horticultural experience, Jimi has become one of Ireland's most respected voices in gardening.
For 17 years, Jimi has been running the Plantsperson's Course, training professionals and passionate enthusiasts in the art and science of plants. His teaching style combines deep botanical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience.
His achievements include:
Best-selling author of "A Beautiful Obsession"
International speaker at major gardening events worldwide
TV personality featured in the BBC, The Guardian, The Telegraph and more
Mentor to 20,000+ gardeners through his programs and courses
