NEWS & EVENTS: Our Events: Trips, Talks & Workshops
Dr David Marsh on “The Great Geranium Robbery”
Saturday 7 February at 2pm at Ingatestone Community Hall
The late 18th century saw a big expansion in Britain’s empire and as a result the importation of lots of “new” and “exotic” plants from all round the world. They were bought into commercial production, and our gardens and greenhouses by specialist nurserymen like Daniel Grimwood of Kensington. In 1795 rare plants were stolen from his nursery grounds including some newly introduced geraniums and ericas from South Africa. A suspect was quickly identified and arrested but strongly protested his innocence. The case ended up at the Old Bailey and pitted Grimwood against the plant collector who was accused of stealing it. This is the story not just of the court case that focussed on the stolen geraniums but the fascinating story of the rapid increased in the range of plants in Britain’s gardens and the ways that plant nurseries operated.
Tickets available :
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-geranium-robbery-tickets-1963372620360?aff=oddtdtcreator
Dr Alison Moller on “Pioneering English Plantswomen”
Saturday 7 March 2026 at 2pm at Ingatestone Community Hall
Garden Design was predominantly a male preserve right up to the end of 19th century. Even though they must have had some influence over the designers, women were not encouraged to venture into this large-scale arena in their own right. This talk shines a light on the achievements of three remarkable women who all earned the respect of the gardening world. In the 17th century, Mary, Duchess of Beaufort and Queen Mary II both concentrated on the small scale – the study and care of the plants which made up the grand designs. As skilled plantswomen able to propagate and record the previously unknown specimens arriving from the New World, their expertise was sought by their male peers. Maria Jacson not only studied botany, which by the 19thcentury had become rather risqué, she also ventured into garden design and paved the way for other women to follow. None of these women are as well-known as they deserve to be and by looking at their lives and achievements it is possible to obtain some idea of the barriers they overcame.
Tickets available :
