I give lively, image-rich presentations that mix practical advice with the stories and history behind plants and gardens. They’re designed to be informative, relaxed and engaging — and to leave audiences with plenty of food for thought.

My talks draw on more than two decades of writing, research and garden visits, and are illustrated throughout with carefully chosen images.

In 2026, I’ll be speaking to more than thirty groups across the country, and I’m always delighted to meet new audiences. I’m already taking bookings for 2027, and may also have some availability in 2026 — including the possibility of stepping in at short notice if a speaker is needed.

Plants and plant knowledge

• Hostas
• Hellebores
• Roses
• Trees
• Fuchsias
• Apples

Practical gardening (talks and demonstrations)

• Pin me to the wall…
• Right plant, right place
• Gardening in the 2020s
• For peat’s sake!
• Contain your enthusiasm
• Unkindest cut?
• Plants for free!
• Topical tips for the season
• Plants for shade
• Plants as pets
• Permaculture

Garden history and ideas

• ‘Come into the garden, Maud’: the gardens of Victorian England

• Shakespeare’s plants and gardens
• March of the women: notable women gardeners past and present

Gardens and places

• Lamport Hall and its gardens
• The garden at York Gate, Leeds
• Gardens of the USA

Full list of talks
My complete, illustrated programme — including seasonal talks, demonstrations and workshops — is available as a PDF brochure.

Please request a copy via the Contact page, and I’ll be very happy to send it.

Booking terms 

Bookings are confirmed once date, fee and arrangements are agreed in writing (email is fine). Dates can be held provisionally for a short period while details are confirmed.

Christmas Quiz Evenings (for December meetings)

If you’re looking for something a little different for a Christmas meeting, I also offer a light-hearted but properly garden-based quiz evening.

Designed as a sociable, table-based event, this comprises illustrated rounds covering plants, gardening know-how, garden history and plant lore — festive in tone but rooted in solid horticultural knowledge.

The quiz can be run as a complete hosted evening, or supplied as a ready-to-use illustrated quiz pack for clubs who prefer to host this themselves.

I'm happy to travel any distance for talks. For round trips of over 200 miles, overnight accommodation is appreciated.