Talks and Workshops
We deliver engaging talks and workshops for a wide variety of groups, including gardening and horticultural societies, community organisations, local clubs, schools and special interest groups across the UK. Events are typically held within an hour’s travel of Norwich, though we’re happy to travel further afield by arrangement. Evening availability is most common, with occasional daytime and weekend sessions and online delivery available on request. Our sessions are designed to be flexible and can be tailored to suit your group’s interests
Talk Format
Each talk lasts up to 60 minutes including 15 minutes for Q&A. This format is ideal for garden clubs, society meetings, and horticultural groups, offering illustrated, engaging and accessible content.
Typical Structure
- Introduction (5 mins): Overview of the topic and speaker background.
- Main presentation (40 mins): Illustrated talk tailored to your audience.
- Q&A and discussion (15 mins): Opportunity for audience participation and insights.
Equipment Requirements
I bring along a laptop and projector for in-person talks. A suitable screen or clear white wall is required at the venue for projection, plus a couple of tables and a stable surface or stand for the projector. If your venue has an installed projector, please advise on available connections in advance.
Example Talk Topics
- Fuchsias — history, hybrids & cultivation: Exploring varieties from the James Lye collection and beyond.
- The Legacy of James Lye: A look at the plantsman’s life and influence on fuchsia breeding.
- Propagation made simple: Practical methods for growing new plants from cuttings and seeds.
- Behind the scenes of a National Plant Collection: Insights into conserving and documenting heritage varieties.
- Preparing plants for exhibition: Techniques for showing your best specimens.
Workshop Format
Workshops are interactive, hands-on sessions lasting 2–3 hours. Perfect for weekend events, they offer a deeper dive into horticultural techniques and practical experience for small to medium-sized groups.
Typical Structure
- Welcome & overview (10–15 mins): Topic introduction and objectives.
- Demonstration & practice (60–90 mins): Guided, step-by-step demonstrations with participant involvement.
- Break (10 mins): Refreshment and discussion time.
- Practical session (30–45 mins): Participants work on their projects with guidance.
- Q&A & summary (15 mins): Review of key points and final discussion.
Example Workshop Themes
- Fuchsia propagation & cultivation
- Preserving heritage varieties
- Container planting & design
- Show preparation & exhibiting
- Hybrid workshop and talk sessions
Pricing & Travel
All prices include travel within about an hour of Norwich. For locations further afield, additional mileage is charged at 45p per mile. If your event involves more than two hours of travel each way, overnight accommodation may also be required.
Prices are reviewed annually, but once your booking is confirmed, your agreed price is guaranteed. We will confirm all details, pricing, and terms with you during your enquiry and booking to ensure everything is clear and transparent.
| Year | In-Person Talk | Online Talk | Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £65 | £55 | £150 |
| 2026 | £70 | £60 | £160 |
| 2027 | £75 | £65 | £170 |
| 2028 | £80 | £70 | £180 |
Cancellation Terms
Talks
There is no cancellation fee for talks unless the event is cancelled on the same day. In that case:
- Talks within one hour of Norwich: 50% of the agreed fee will apply.
- Talks further afield or involving overnight accommodation: 75% of the agreed fee, plus any accommodation costs, will apply.
If a cancellation is due to national or government restrictions, no fee will be charged.
Workshops
If your workshop needs to be cancelled, the following fees apply based on the notice period:
| Notice Period | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| More than 4 weeks’ notice | No charge |
| 2–4 weeks’ notice | 25% of the agreed fee |
| 7–14 days’ notice | 50% of the agreed fee |
| Less than 7 days’ notice | 75% of the agreed fee |
| Same day or non-attendance | Full fee due |
If a cancellation is due to national or government restrictions, no fee will be charged.