Lectures last generally for 60-75 minutes, usually incorporate some light hearted moments and always evoke a question and answer session. In general the aim is to inspire rather than confuse - novices to experienced growers should find something of interest.
Having dipped the proverbial toe in the water, I have now converted all my talks to digital format. This method of presentation is unsurpassed with constant postive feedback - the benefits of digital software adding a new dimension and much more versatility to the presentation. The following 'standard' talks are currently available. Specific themes or subjects for conferences, workshops or hardy plant groups / garden clubs can be tailored to suit organisers needs.
Sowing, growing, showing - an alpine Triathlon
Created for the 2003 'Roy Elliott Memorial Lecture', this is the digital equivalent of Alpines up the Motorway. The images and content are completely different however - an overview of raising alpines from seed, a few favourite plants, growing them on and then showing them. A round up of Farrer medal plants, a few light hearted moments are included plus some serious ones (me competing in a triathlon!)
Love them or hate them, digital cameras are here to stay and for the alpine gardener, I believe they are absolutely indispensible. Against a backdrop of plants and people, I make the case for going with the digital flow and making the best of this technology. Things don't always go to plan so problems and the down side of digi-imaging are discussed. The talk content can be adjusted to suit the audience (Cyclamen society and alpine groups are previous audiences)
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A favourite and very popular talk covering the basic aspects of raising alpine plants and bulbs from seed. Compost details, sources of seed and basic techniques are detailed. Plants are featured throughout both in flower and seed! If you've ever struggled to germinate Alstroemerias, an easy method is illustrated for success. For the technically minded an introduction into the use of giberellic acid!
Once a year I become the "reporter" at an AGS show somewhere in the Country. The aim is to "capture the day and make the reader realise what they missed"! I've condensed many shows here with pictures of numerous plants, how to make the most of them on the day and sometimes "what went wrong". For those who know the show scene, this talk will bring back some memories and enlighten with some tips on showing plants. If you've never been to show - you will!
Showing alpines - behind the scenes
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an AGS show? From Judges, Stewards to most importantly Exhibitors and their plants, this talk will give you an insight. Some aspects of growing are also included, a "foolproof" regime for getting plants onto the show bench in red sticker condition.
When I started growing alpines, I was instantly overwhelmed by Androsaces and Dionysias and I still find the family the most attractive and at times most demanding in the alpine world.Cyclamen, Douglasia, Dodecatheon and of course Primula feature throughout this floral delight of a talk. General techniques for pot cultivation and battling against the never ending war with pests and disease are also included. The images will be completely different to the transparency version.
Juno Iris - with pots, grit and a hammer
For quite a few years now, juno Iris have steadily increased here producing a riot of colour from January to April. Whilst they are not without difficulty, they can be grown easily once their requirements are understood. Clay pots, loads of grit form the basis for success and once in a while I've needed a hammer, what for - you'll just have to wait and see.....
Fritillarias and other choice bulbs
The main emphasis here is on Fritillarias with some close up photography to reveal their inner beauty and help with identification. They share a plunge in cultivation here with many other genera also sharing similar requirements, so if you don't care for Frits (which I'll find hard to believe) at least there should be something of interest....
Snowdrops and other Winter / Spring bulbs
This talk is orientated more towards garden cultivation than pot work and features 'underground storage organs' producing their flowers throughout the winter and early Spring months. Snowdrops are dealt with in detail scuppering the myth that are three types (small ones, tall ones and double ones!)They share good company with some of the prettiest flowers in the alpine world - suitable for just about anyone.
Have camera, will travel! Anyone who knows me will confirm that I can't resist capturing the moment. This is a condensation of personal trips, group tours, hospitality and other garden orientated visits. Featuring people, plants and how they are grown throughout the UK.
Kew in Springtime is the place to be and I have been fortunate enough to spend time behind the scenes with Tony hall and co. The juno Iris plunge, houses the most remarkable collection and in the frames and other houses are a multitude of desirable and interesting plants! This talk also features a caption competition - you could win a prize!
Primulaceae have become a little jealous and nervous of late as the bulbs have "moved in"! Practising what I preach, a vast number of bulbs have been raised from seed here and they need a roof over their head for much of the year! Corydalis, Erythronium, Fritillaria and Iris feature in another floral spectacular. How to grow in pots, when to repot, watering, feeding etc. There's also a Snowdrop or two - wait a minute, the "books" and some of the "experts" say they hate pots, don't they. Features different images from the transparency version and other 'bulb orientated' talks...
Climbers and other favourite garden plants
A general talk based loosely around the hardy plants and climbers in the garden here plus a few grown elsewhere. An overview of Clematis and their pruning requirements, Spring and Summer bulbs (Lilies in particular) tips on propagation and much more. Suitable for a broad range of interest, garden clubs etc.
We all like to keep things simple and labour free. What better garden plants than bulbs - just pop them in at the right time, forget about watering and let them do their own thing. OK it's not quite that simple but they are not too difficult and with a seasonal look you don't have to garden in a desert to have success with these verstile plants .....
Alpines, dwarf bulbs and hardy Cyclamen
This talk is all about the joys of growing alpines and dwarf bulbs for beginners, non specialists but should interest just about anyone. Tips on cultivation, good plants for particular seasons and a brief look at my other 'activities' trundling a bootful of alpines up and down the motorways during the AGS show season. Expect a riot of colour and 'conversion' to alpines - they can grow well given the right treatment!.
Unusual indeed but always warmly received!! An offbeat talk using many of the alpine plants which have been depicted on postage stamps as a thread. Illustrated portraits of the plants featured and how to grow / propagate them. Brief sections give hints on how to send plants, bulbs or seed through the post including a foolproof method of posting a Dionysia which should hopefully arrive in perfect condition....
This version of the above talk is angled towards a general garden club audience and featuring a host of superb plants for the garden. Again, philatelic interest with postage stamps introduces the wide variety of garden plants - with tips on cultivation, propagation and so on! Suitable for a broad range of interest, garden clubs etc.
The creation of a garden full of choice plants is both a satisfying achievement and can be a contribution to nature conservation. What better incentive is to increase the multitude of wildlife which can be attracted by using the right plants and habitats. A garden pond with tips on construction is featured together with close up pictures of a variety of garden 'friends' and the occasional foe! .....
Out and about - adventures of an alpine enthusiast
A variation on the 'out and about' theme, this talk is aimed at a non horticultural audience and the intention is to entertain. A light hearted look at alpines: where they grow, how to cultivate them, photograph them and a few of the people I've met along the way whilst growing them! You can find out what the link with Giants Causeway is?? Suitable for a broad range of interest, garden clubs etc.
Propagation a matter of life and death
Propagation is certainly as the title suggests, a rather important activity - delay at your peril. The talk deals in practical terms, the noble art of propagation from seed and cuttings. The use of unusual items such as knicker elastic is considered and for those who wish to bulk up their bulbs quickly a step by step look at twin scaling.....
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