Saturday 17 October (10.00 for 10.45 am)

Talk –  Andrew Humphris  will speak about “The Gardens at Parham House”

Andrew has been Head Gardener at Parham since early 2021.  He spent his early career as Head Gardener with the National Trust at The Courts and then at Biddulph Grange, before becoming Head Gardener at Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, where he worked closely with the owners to replant and remodel the now celebrated and very beautiful garden they have created there.  Before moving to Parham, Andrew was at West Lodge Estate in Dorset.

Andrew has also lectured regularly on many aspects of horticulture, and he participated on Gardeners’ Question Time for BBC Radio Shropshire for six years.  In 2014 he was awarded the Loyal and Outstanding Service Award by the Professional Gardeners Guild.  

Plant sale.

Talk – Steve Bustin will speak about “Guns, Ghosts and Guerilla Gardening: The life and times of Plantswoman Ellen Willmott”

The talk is about the gardener, Ellen Willmott (of Miss Willmott’s Ghost fame). Now largely forgotten apart from the many plants named after her and her garden at Warley, Essex.

Steve is Chair of The Hardy Plants Society.  He has been a member of HPS Sussex group for more than 15 years and describes joining the HPS as one of the best decisions he’s ever made as a gardener. 

Steve has written about gardens and gardening for magazines including Amateur Gardening, Beautiful Gardens and US title Pith & Vigor. He has also opened his Brighton garden in the National Garden Scheme.  When he can be dragged out of his garden, he works internationally as a public speaking coach and event compere.

This event is free to members and is followed by the Members’ Festive Lunch. Attendance at the talk and the lunch must be booked in advance.  More details to follow in the Autumn.

Talk - David Hurrion – The Essential Guide to Raised Bed Growing

David originally trained as a teacher but has also spent over 20 years working on gardening magazines.  Most recently he was Associate Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine.  He has travelled extensively all over the world, with over 70 trips accompanying groups of gardeners. He is also a show judge for the RHS. 

Plant sale.

Talk – Doug Stewart – The New Way to Garden

Over the last 12 months Doug has been researching and writing a book on the new way to garden. The key focus of this book is on how we can apply the latest thinking and scientific research to help us to create gardens that do good.  Sustainable gardens that benefit our soil, our plants, our wellbeing and the environment.

Plant sale.

AGM followed by Talk – Judy Hill – The Victorian Gardener

In the 1860s, gardening was mainly the preserve of professionals who worked on large estates, but a new breed of gardeners was emerging – ordinary householders. 

A former history lecturer at the University of Surrey, Judy is now a freelance lecturer and researcher as well as being an elected member of the Royal Historical Society.  Judy has also worked in Canada, the USA and Sri Lanka. 

Plant sale.

Talk – Edward Flint – Favourite Perennials

Edward is a tutor at both the English Gardening School and Great Dixter.  He is a garden designer, consultant and Head Gardener at Tidebrook Manor, between Wadhurst and Mayfield in East Sussex. 

 Plant and seedling sale.