Talks

Held at the Burwash Village Hall

Entry is £2.00 for members. £3.00 for non-members

The fee includes tea or coffee and a biscuit. A raffle will also be available.

Thursday 10 April 2025 2.00pm for 2.30pm

"Flowers in Folklore"

By Sophie Leathart

Sophie Leathart has been a freelance florist for over 30 years. In 2016 she returned to her first love, horticulture and began working for a number of clients. She set up a cutting flower border for one of her customers. She has also worked for Iris of Sissinghurst for the past eight years, helping with the staging of the Cayeux Iris exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for four years. She is keen on sustainable floristry techniques, including using locally sourced flowers.

Thursday 18 September 2025 2.00pm for 2.30pm

"A short History of English Gardens"

By Kevin Tooher

For the last ten years I’ve been working as a lecturer and teaching horticulture to students at Hadlow College.

I have recently started my own business, Sir Plantalot, to help the people of Kent to create and improve their gardens.

learn more about Sir Plantalot here.

Tuesday 28th October 2025 2.00pm for 2.30pm

"The art of Rose pruning and other garden plants"

By Emma Davies

About 40 society members and guests were treated to a very informative talk by Emma. She told us about the importance of pruning roses and shrubs including how and when to start, what to remove and what to leave. Removal of dead, diseased and damaged growth, then thinning out leaving an open centre to allow circulation of air within the plant.

Good pruning also encourages the right kind of growth and the development of flower buds.

About Emma

I have an HND in Commercial Horticulture gained in 2005 from Hadlow College. Whilst studying I volunteered at Great Dixter in East Sussex under the watchful eyes of Christopher Lloyd OBE and Head Gardener, Fergus Garrett. There was no greater training.

I am lucky enough to have worked in world renowned gardens. After Dixter I gardened at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens in Kent working with Alexis Datta and her brilliant team. Working in this flagship garden taught me the exacting standards required to achieve outstanding results.