Talks

What have plants ever done for us?

In October 2019, Dr Timothy Walker, past Director of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum, gave a lively and informative talk in support of the 2019 exhibition.  He described the value of plants grown for new drugs, foodstuffs and energy sources, and concluded that without plants we quite simply would not be here.

Workshops

We organise several  one-day workshops led by renowned botanical artists during the year.  These have included a workshop on painting on vellum, given by Ros Franklin, and a watercolour workshop on painting spring flowers with Simon Williams.  Julia Trickey has presented workshops on the use of colour in painting.  Penny Brown has shown us how to  cut and layer coloured craft papers to create stunning three-dimensional designs for cards and members learned new skills and techniques using pen and ink with Sarah Morrish.

Visits

Group visits have included a trip to Yeo Valley Organic Garden and Farm in Somerset, to enjoy  their wild flower meadow and visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, taking in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery and Kew orchid show.