GARDENING TALKS AT GROW LONDON 2014
Learn how to bring out the best in your plants and pick up pots of wisdom from some of the country’s best growers in our programme of free and informal talks. Our expert speakers will cover everything from the best plants for gardening novices to how to create an indoor oasis, as well as sharing eco-friendly gardening techniques and letting you in on delicious and unusual plants that are surprisingly easy to grow.
All of our talks are free and spaces are available on a first-come basis.
BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN
Friday 20 June
11.30am
For those with no outdoor garden space, acclaimed floral designer Shane Connolly will demonstrate how you can create beautiful natural worlds in your home.
PAINTING WITH PLANTS
Friday 20 June
1.30pm
Chris Beardshaw, award winning garden designer and presenter, will discuss the secrets of planting with an artist’s eye.
GARDEN TRENDS
Friday 20 June
2.30pm
From rooftop gardens on abandoned buildings to edible balconies, Gardenista is the go-to for all that’s hot in the gardening world. Christine Chang Hanway, the blog’s editor, will be divulging this year’s newest trends for those that like to be in know.
GARDENERS’ QUESTIONS PANEL
Friday 20 June
3.30pm
Puzzled by your peonies? Disappointed by your dahlias? Then come along to our question panel, hosted by the Evening Standard’s Homes & Property gardening editor Pattie Baron. Matthew Wilson, Tom Moggach and Derry Watkins will be on hand to answer all your gardening queries.
A TASTE OF THE UNEXPECTED
Saturday 21 June
11.30am
Otter Farm’s Mark Diacono reveals the surprising and extensive range of fruit and veg that can be grown in the UK.
PLANTS FOR THE NOVICE
Saturday 21 June
1.30pm
Garden and landscape designer, writer and television presenter, the multi-talented James Alexander-Sinclair helps get new gardeners started.
DESIGN PROBLEMS OF A LONDON GARDEN
Saturday 21 June
2.30pm
London can be a bit of a squeeze at times, especially if you’re attempting to nurture a blooming garden as well! Channel 4′s ‘Landscape Man’ and MD of Clifton Nurseries, Matthew Wilson talks us through some common design problems and some novel solutions.
GETTING YOUR COMMUNITY GROWING
Saturday 21 June
3.30pm
North Londoner Naomi Schillinger, author of Veg Street, offers some sage advice on how to encourage growing within your local community.
URBAN BEEKEEPING
Sunday 22 June
11.30am
If you dream of keeping bees, even in the city, Steve Benbow of The London Honey Company shows you how.
GARDENING WITH THE PLANET
Sunday 22 June
1.30pm
Val Bourne discusses natural gardening and how to cope with pests and predators without resorting to chemicals.
GROWING YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS
Sunday 22 June
2.30pm
Petersham Nurseries’ Thomas Broom will explain which flowers and herbs to plant in order to achieve blooming summer borders before demonstrating how to create a sumptuous home-grown floral arrangement.
IRRESISTIBLE EDIBLES FOR SMALL SPACES
Sunday 22 June
3.30pm
Food writer Tom Moggach introduces some unusual, yet simple-to-grow plants ideally suited to the city gardener with limited space.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Throughout the fair there will be a free programme of fun children’s activities. Led by Dawn Isaac, horticulture advisor to the award-winning CBeebies show, Mr Bloom’s Nursery. Please check the children’s activity page for more details.