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Talks and Events 2008

Talks cost £6 (£5 for Friends) including tea and biscuits. To reserve a place please telephone the nursery on 01462 675858

Winter Gardening
The garden in winter is not just hellebores and coloured bark. A look at the plants that are at their best at this time of year, lifting the spirits during the winter gloom. How to grow them and how to use them in the garden.
Saturday 2nd February 10am-11.30am

Growing Plants from Seed
A short introduction to sowing seeds: composts, containers, sowing techniques, and how to grow seedlings into strong plants.
Saturday 23rd February 10am-11.30am

The Vegetable Garden in Spring
An introduction to vegetable growing: advice on how to start, which varieties to grow, and how to incorporate them into the garden.
Saturday 1st March 10am-11.30am

Gardening in a Small Space
Making the most of a small garden or patio. Design and plant ideas and planting techniques.
Saturday 29th March 10am-11.30am

Re-discovering Alpines
Long-maligned by association with Edwardian rockeries, alpines are robust plants that bring delicacy and interest into the gardens. Tips on how and where to grow them and what plants to consider.
Saturday 5th April 10am-11.30am

Summer Flowers from Seed
Annuals and perennials that flower in their first year can transform the garden in summer, filling gaps until slow-growing plants become established. The talk will cover unusual varieties as well as established favourites.
Wednesday 16th April 6pm-7.30pm

Plants for Shade
Many gardeners struggle with shady areas in the garden. Ideas and suggestions of plants that will thrive in shade and how best to use them.
Wednesday 14th May 6pm-7.30pm

Using Colour
Colour in the garden can be used to calm, energise, create space or intimacy. A look at the way colour works and how to use it. Guidance on planting schemes with year-round interest that exploit colour in different conditions and settings.
Wednesday 28th May 6pm-7.30pm

Fragrant Flowers
Scent is as important in the garden as form and colour. Ideas for perfumed plants and how to create a year-round fragrant garden.
Wednesday 11th June 6pm-7.30pm

Making a Cuttings Garden
Advice on using part of the garden to produce cut-flowers. Suggestions of types and varieties of plants to grow. The talk will look at the cut-flower area of our stock beds.
Wednesday 16th July 6pm-7.30pm

Using grasses effectively
Ornamental grasses have become very popular in recent years. Advice on cultivating them and using them in the garden.
Wednesday 3rd September 6pm-7.30pm

Extending the season
The garden can begin to look sad at this time of year. Tips for extending the flowering season and suggestions of plants that will perform through the autumn.
Wednesday 10th September 6pm-7.30pm

The Vegetable Garden in Autumn
A time of mellow fruitfulness, but also the time to prepare for next year and to plant winter crops. The talk will also look at unusual vegetables and salads that can be grown throughout the winter.
Saturday 20th September 10am-11.30am

Summer Cuttings Course

Late summer is the ideal time to make cuttings of many garden plants. Learn how to produce new plants from cuttings. We will look at suitable plants, composts, containers, and how to look after your cuttings. You will be able to take home a tray of cuttings. Cost £50 including light refreshments and materials.
Sunday 7th September 10am-1pm

Winter Propagation Course

The winter is a busy time for propagating plants. We will look at root cuttings, hardwood cuttings, division and other techniques. Course participants will prepare cuttings to take home. Cost £50 including light refreshments and materials.
Saturday 1st November 10am-1pm

Friends’ Seasonal Talks

Each season John and Nick will discuss seasonal highlights, new plants, unusual plants, techniques and gardening gossip.
March 8th, June 14th, September 14th and January 17th 2009 10am-11pm

Friends’ Opening Evening

An opportunity to visit the garden and stock beds on a midsummer’s summer evening with a glass of wine, canapés and entertainment. Non-friends £10
Saturdat June 21st 6pm-8pm