About Garden in Action with the RHS
Meet some of the experts from one of the world's leading gardening charities at this day of free talks as part of British Library's Great Garden Fete, and Unearthed: The Power of Gardening exhibition programme.
No booking is required, but access is subject to venue capacity. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time of the session of your choice.
Full Programme
A celebration of June and Sustainable Planting combinations
11.45–12.30 Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre
It’s June, what’s happening in your garden? James Lawrence, Principal Horticultural Advisor, at RHS Wisley shares ideas on plants that are at their best in June and will help to provide some glorious summer displays in your Garden. What gardening activities are good to now and what are the pollinators and wildlife up to? He also shares insights into planting combinations for a sustainable approach to Gardening – a current major RHS Wisley development.
Gardening in a Changing Climate
13.00–13.45 Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre
Gardening in a changing climate requires adaptability and resilience. As weather patterns shift, gardeners must embrace sustainable practices, such as water conservation and selecting climate-appropriate plants. Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections explains how fostering biodiversity and using eco-friendly techniques, we can create thriving gardens that withstand environmental challenges.
The Wonder of Trees!
14.00–14.45 Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre
Trees provide us with so much! They contribute to our wellbeing, giving us stories, folklore and legend, as well as providing shelter, shade, foods and fibres, medicine, timber and more. They are our allies in a time of climate change, mitigating pollution and flooding. Join us as we celebrate and Appreciate the Wonder of Trees! With Jonathan Newell, RHS Hilltop Live Public Engagement.
For the Love of Lawns. Past, Present and Future.
15.00–15.45 Knowledge Centre Pigott Theatre
What is a lawn and who decides if it is a good one? Explore the lawn through history and how concepts are now changing. With practical advice on how to grow a lawn, and what our different options are, from clover lawns to no-mow. With Nikki Barker, RHS Senior Horticultural Advisor & RHS Peat Free Transition Project Co-ordinator, and Fiona Davison RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions
More information
About the RHS
Since our formation in 1804, the RHS has grown into the UK’s leading gardening charity, touching the lives of millions of people. Perhaps the secret to our longevity is that we’ve never stood still. In the last decade alone we’ve taken on the largest hands-on project the RHS has ever tackled by opening the new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, Greater Manchester, and invested in the science that underpins all our work by building RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science. Across our five RHS gardens we welcome more than three million visitors each year to enjoy over 34,000 different cultivated plants. Events such as the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, other national shows, our schools and community work, and partnerships such as Britain in Bloom, all spread the shared joy of gardening to wide-reaching audiences.
Throughout it all we’ve held true to our charitable core – to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture –to share the love of gardening and the positive benefits it brings.
For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk.
Attending your event
This event takes place in the Knowledge Centre, British Library London. Learn more about your visit, accessibility, our facilities and cafés.
Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk.
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