Gardening: Cuttings: Conservation piece

THE Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies at the University of York is also the centre for the study of conservation of gardens. Peter Goodchild, lecturer in conservation studies, arranges a regular series of lectures and seminars at the Institute, and on 6-7 Jan you can learn about historic planting design (fee: pounds 132). 'The Care and Upkeep of Old Gardens' is the subject of the course on 10-12 January in which Stephen Anderton (who looks after English Heritage's garden at Belsay Hall), Peter Thoday and others will consider some of the practical techniques involved. Points to be covered will include conservation of garden plants, maintenance and renewing planting schemes (fee: pounds 200). For further information, contact the Institute at King's Manor, York, YO1 2EP (0904 433987).