Talks
In the winter, we meet for talks on a range of garden related subjects in the comfort of the Wildlife Trust's spacious conference room at 193 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AH. Talks are preceded by tea, coffee and biscuits. Free evening parking is available in the adjacent Abbey Foregate car park. All are welcome: Members free; guests £5 on the door.
Please contact Stephen Packer, Programme Co-ordinator on 07587 176996 or email events@shropshiregardens.org.uk with any queries.
"The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and its Horticultural Heroes & Heroines"
Dr Francesca Murray
Francesca is a garden historian and author with a particular interest in forgotten Victorian gardeners, nurserymen and florists. A trustee of the Gardens Trust, she trained in Garden Design at Berkshire College of Agriculture and recently completed a PhD at Queen Mary University in London.
"A Short History of Flowers: The stories that make our gardens"
Advolly Richmond
Advolly is an independent researcher in the history of plants, gardens and their importance in society. Based in Shrewsbury, she has an MA in Garden History from the University of Bristol, is qualified to RHS Level 3 in Practical Horticulture, and is a Fellow of the Linnean Society.
"Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson: Birmingham's Plant Hunter"
Simon Gulliver
Simon is Gardens Consultant for the National Trust North-West Region, responsible for all gardens and parks from the south Cheshire to the Scottish border. With a degree in Amenity Horticulture from Pershore College, Simon worked at the Royal Horticultural Society garden at Wisley for two years, looking after the National Plant Collections Scheme. After studying for a Masters degree in Plant Botany at Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, he went on to spend ten years at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, eventually becoming the Plant Collections Manager there.
"Roses Through Time"
Lisette Zwart
Lisette has a wealth of experience in the horticultural world, including serving as the first female Head Gardener of the Grade II* listed gardens at Plas Newydd in Llangollen. Her background combines academic excellence – holding a Master's degree in English Language and Culture – and practical expertise, supported by RHS qualifications.
"AGM"
Followed by refreshements
"The National Memorial Arboretum"
Keith Forster
Keith is a volunteer speaker with the National Memorial Arboretum and will talk to us on the development of the National Memorial Arboretum.
Shropshire Parks & Gardens Trust
24 Greenacre Road
Shrewsbury
SY3 8LR