Welcome Elaine Perkins giving a talk on “Herbs and plants, protection in the Medieval Period”

In the Medieval Period, if the church couldn't help, you turned to the local cunning woman for the answers. From Ancient spells, such as the Nine Herb charm to Flying Ointment and mandrake root. Find out more in this talk.

Composting - Reasons to compost material, what to put on your compost heap and methods of composting. Learn more from the expert Jane.

‘All You Can Eat’ - a talk on the design, growing and educational potential of edible planting

Centred around the design, build and legacy of their Silver-Gilt award-winning Long Border at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse last year, titled ‘The Discovery Outdoors Edimental Kitchen Classroom’, John, Sam and Bridget talk about the often overlooked qualities and potentials of edible ornamental ( or ‘edimental’) planting. John explores the educational aspect, Sam talks about designing with edimentals, whilst Bridget speaks about growing and caring for them.

John Foley, owner of Holden Clough Nurseries in Lancashire and former RHS Master Grower, has advocated for a shift away from digital-dependent horticulture, focusing instead on hands-on, traditional gardening techniques. He emphasises the mental and physical benefits of gardening, connecting with nature, and understanding plants directly. 

The rich flora of Northern Vietnam.

Author and biographer Dr Catherine Horwood looks at the life of garden designer and historian Penelope Hobhouse, now in her late 90s and still gardening every day. 

Owner of the Dower House in Derbyshire, gardener Griselda Kerr will share some of the pleasures and benefits of gardening.

Becky Fincham, Head of Programmes at The Serge Hill Project and Tom Stuart-Smith Studio will describe how the Project has become a destination for gardeners, garden designers and plant lovers.

The Florilegium Society invite you to enjoy a talk on The Plant Review: A Hidden gem of RHS Publishing by James Armitage and see their archive display.

Sheffield Organic Growers tenant Nick Johnson will share the story of 10 years growing organically in Sheffield

This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances

Horticulturist Graham Duncan of Kirstenbosch National Gardens in South Africa will share his love for the gardens and South African bulbs

We regret it has been necessary to POSTPONE Ben Preston’s talk to next year - please look out for details of the new date. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Andrew Ward of Norwell Nurseries will share advice on successfully growing perennials in sand and provide tips for those that garden on a sandy soil.

In conversation with ‘Winds of Change’ designers James, Marko and Saachi as they share the story of their 2024 award winning pocket garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Festival

Friend of the Botanical Gardens, Vernon Sanderson will give an overview of the history of the NGS charity, their plans to celebrate their centenary in 2027 and share tales of his own participation in the Scheme over many years.

Clumber Head Gardener, Dene Wood will share some of the horticultural and heritage projects his team have delivered in recent years and share thoughts around future developments.

Garden writer Geoff Hodge will provide hints, tips and advice on vegetative propagation, from splitting herbaceous plants to taking cuttings from a wide range of garden plants.

In this illustrated talk, Dr Jenny Stephenson will give an overview of the history of the use of plant-based medications over the world and relate this to their basic chemistry and use of some in today’s medicines.

Gardener and artist Becky Crowley will discuss the key principles to consider when planning and growing ornamental cutting gardens for productivity, beauty and biodiversity. 

Horticulture Innovation Manager and gardener Owen Hayman shares the inside track on Sheffield’s Grey to Green planting success story

(Image with thanks to Alastair Johnstone (Climate Visuals)

Garden designer Steve Lovell will demonstrate how thinking about the texture provided by berries, bark and leaves, can give our gardens all year round value and interest.

A chance to hear all about Sheffield’s urban fruit tree nursery workers co-op and tips on what to think about when planting trees including rootstocks, staking, mulching and more

Head Gardener, Ruth Calder, will share the story of how the award winning Horatio’s Garden design transferred from the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show to become the charity’s eighth garden, located at the Spinal Injuries Centre at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital

Image: Horatio's Garden Chelsea 2023 designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg © Marianne Majerus