Lecture Programme

lively speakers and diverse topics make up our year-round programme

All our lectures are FREE for Friends of the Botanical Gardens to attend.

We offer a range of live lectures in the purpose-built Dorothy Fox Centre, near the Thompson Road entrance to the Gardens. Our sociable meetings are the perfect opportunity for Friends and visitors to hear an eclectic mix of professional speakers and to exchange news and knowledge, plus hints and tips about gardening and beyond. Specific details of upcoming lectures, including dates, times and topics are posted on this section of the website and brief details are also advertised in our regular newsletter News Shoots and via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Occasionally lectures are still offered via Zoom; these are indicated in the programme and links are emailed to Friends. We are also piloting recording events, with some Zoom and live lectures in the Centre being recorded and made available to Friends, via password-protected area of this website.

All our lectures are FREE for Friends of the Botanical Gardens to attend. Members of the public are also welcome to join us for both live and Zoom lectures, on payment of £5 - see individual lectures for details.

We have guidelines available for speakers and potential speakers about our audience, publicity and payment arrangements, plus some tips for those using Zoom.

For any queries on our lecture programme, please contact us on fobs.lectures@gmail.com.

Lectures calendar

Featured

Jan 13

TWIGS WAY ‘Origins of Traditional Wildflower Names’ online lecture

Garden historian, writer and researcher Twigs Way will explore and explain the origins (sometimes rather risque!) of the names of some of our traditional wildflowers

Jan 28

Don Witton ‘Flower Power Plus, Plus, Plus!’ Live lecture

Well known as an expert on euphorbias, for this talk Don Wilton will share his vast knowledge of plants for all seasons and the uplifting power of flowers.

Feb 3

Jonathan Drori ‘Around the World in 80 Trees’ Online Lecture

NB Change of date Author and tree aficionado Jonathan Drori shares a gloriously illustrated trip across the globe, bringing to life the science of trees

Feb 25

Ryan Sandford-Blackburn ‘Enter the world of edible Perennials’ Live Lecture

An introduction to perennial edibles - a journey of discovery into an array of plants we can grow and eat with Ryan Sandford-Blackburn, director of agroecological plant nursery Earthed Up!

Mar 10

James Hitchmough ‘James Hitchmough’s New Garden’ Live Lecture

James Hitchmough shares details of his progress in establishing his new garden in rural Somerset, following his move from Sheffield in 2022.

Mar 25

Dean Charlton ‘The Journey of Hooton’s Walled Nursery’ Live Lecture

Dean will share the story of revitalising the nursery including the gardens and nurseries that have inspired and influenced them along the way.

Apr 14

Maureen Sawyer ‘See-Through Plants’ Live Lecture

Artist and garden designer Maureen Sawyer will illustrate the best see-through perennials, annuals, bulbs, grasses and subshrubs to enhance any border planting and turn your garden into a painting!