Propagation - Myths and mysteries of the dark art of propagation. Success with seed collection, sowing, germination and growing on. Recognising cuttings material and how to deal with them. Assessing which herbaceous material is suitable for division. Marina will be bringing propagation sundries and an eclectic range of hand tools for sale, together with some plants.
Forget about air miles when bringing fresh flowers into the house.Eileen and Tim Tordoff introduce us to the rewards of growing our own flowers to pick and enjoy at home. Which are easy, which need careful nurturing, tips and advice and stories of some of the adventures they’ve had in starting up a cutting nursery in the middle of Suffolk. We hope to arrange a visit to their nursery in the summer.
Who can resist the heady scent and glorious colours of sweet peas? Chris Wiley is obsessed with them, and in 2022 won the Best New Plant Award at Chelsea, which to his amazement was presented to Queen Elizabeth 11. Chris takes us on his journey developing his variety, explains how to grow and nurture sweet peas, and recounts their history. Chris founded the Sustainable Plant Store to sell eco-friendly alternatives to popular plants, and will bring some to sell.
Timothy Walker is the hugely entertaining and sometimes controversial former Director of Oxford Botanic Garden, who brings a new angle to every subject. For many people pollination begins and ends with bees, but it is in fact carried out by all kinds of creatures, from bats (for night flowering species) to snails (for plants with time on their hands). Timothy looks at the huge variety of pollinators, and explains why knowing about them is so important for gardeners.
Dr. Ian Bedford, entomologist, of the John Innes Centre and resident bug expert on BBC Radios Suffolk and Norfolk. Many plants such as garlic and French marigolds attract or repel bugs. Ian reveals how to use them in our gardens to create a natural balanced eco-system for attracting nature and keeping pests under control. There will be environmentally friendly garden products for sale.
Juliet Sargeant, RHS gold medallist and Gardeners’ Question Time panellist, challenges you to take your soil seriously. She introduces no-dig gardening, Hugelkultur and rain gardens, and growing mediums such as hydroponics and sand gardens. Her book 'Start with Soil' will be for sale.
FREE FOR MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS - £6 payable on the door
We're very sorry to announce that the talk by our Celebrity Speaker Matthew Biggs on Saturday March 21 has been cancelled due to Matthew's ill health. Everyone who has bought tickets will be contacted to arrange a refund.
Greg Venesse of The Front Gardeners Nursery is dotty about delphiniums, and will explain the difference between the old Elatum varieties and newer examples, how to sow them from seed and take cuttings, and choosing the right delphiniums to suit your garden. Wildlife-friendly plants for sale.
FREE FOR MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS - £6 payable on the door