Programme
Saturday 21st February 2 pm
Charles Williams
The Origins of Camellia x williamsii’
We are privileged to welcome Charles Williams VMH to deliver a lecture on the topic, for which his family is so famously known, Camellias. His great-grandfather bred the original x williamsii strain of camellias in the 1920s, and Charles continues his work by developing new magnolias, rhododendrons, and camellias for registration and awards. He owns and runs the Caerhays Castle Gardens and Estate, as well as being the senior partner of Burncoose Nurseries in Cornwall. Charles is a member of the RHS Rhododendron and Camellia subcommittee and holder of the coveted RHS Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH).
We will be live-streaming this talk by Charles from the Church Hall so you will be able to either come to the hall and listen to him there or watch it at home on Zoom.
We also hope to be joined by our very own VMH recipient – our Group President, Roy Lancaster, who will introduce Charles.
To book this talk Click Here
Friday 20th March 7pm for 7.30pm
Pip Bensley
‘Climbers—What You Need to Know When Choosing Climbers ’
Many of you will know Pip for her remarkable skills as a flower arranger. She is now a NAFAS-accredited judge, with three RHS Chelsea Gold Medals to her name, and has contributed to a further 23 Gold Medal-winning exhibits as part of the Hillier Nurseries Staging Team.
This March, however, Pip will be joining us to share her passion for Climbers. Her career began with a year at college, followed by work in a Cornish nursery, three years as a landscape architect, and time at an independent nursery near Newbury. She then joined the renowned Hillier Nurseries, where over 27 years she rose to become Plant Buyer for their group of centres.
During her time at Hilliers, Pip authored Hillier Gardeners’ Guide to Climbers and Wall Plants — the inspiration for her upcoming talk. She also collaborated with Andy McIndoe on a Christmas flower arranging demonstration, sparking her enduring love of cut flowers.
Beyond her professional achievements, Pip is a familiar voice to many as a regular expert on BBC Radio Solent’s Garden Question Time and a member of the Garden Team on BBC Radio Surrey & Sussex.
Friday 17th April 7pm for 7.30pm
Barry Clarke
‘National Plant Collections of Asclepias, Calycanthus, Roscoea and Rubus'
Barry is a passionate horticulturalist and botanist with over 20 years of experience in collecting and conserving plants. His journey began with a small nursery on the Isle of Wight before he joined Hillier Gardens, where he now serves as Botanist and Plant Records Officer.
Beyond his professional role, Barry manages five National Plant Collections — four of which will be on display at our meeting. He has been a dedicated Plant Heritage member and collection holder since 2004, cultivating his plants both in his home garden and a nearby woodland.
We are delighted that Barry will also be bringing some plants for sale, offering a wonderful opportunity to take home a piece of his expertise and passion.
