Talks for 2024

Our talks take place on the 4th Tuesday of the month (unless indicated otherwise below)

Our meetings start at 7.30pm, and take place at Abbots Leigh Village Hall BS8 3QP.

You can also download a PDF copy of our 2024 programme. You may need to install Acrobat Reader to read it.

23rd January

HERBAL APERITIFS

Local company The Drinks Kitchen produces non-alcoholic aperitifs with exciting herbal flavours. Founder Alli will explain how she set about providing delicious plant-flavoured alternatives to alcoholic drinks, and her love of flavour and herbs. With tastings and sales.

27th February

SOUTH AFRICA'S HERBAL TRADITION

The South African flora has been used for thousands of years by traditional peoples as herbal medicine. Nick Wray, Curator of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, will look at some of these plants, the context in which they grow, and the conservation efforts that are being made to protect threatened herbal plants.

26th March

100 HERBS TO GROW

‘100 herbs to grow’ is the title of a new book by our President, the herb expert, author and broadcaster Jekka McVicar. We welcome her to come and tell us some herbal highlights from her book. With sales.

23rd April

GROW YOUR OWN MEDICINE CHEST

Sebastian Pole, herbalist and co-founder of Pukka Herbs, set up Earthsong Seeds in 2020, to ensure a British herb seed supply. They grow 70 medicinal species on an organic nursery in Somerset, and believe in the joy and benefit of growing your own healthy herbs.

Sebastian will explore the mystery of germinating the seeds of these often rare and always precious species, as well as how to grow them and make something healthy and useful. With sales of seeds and plants.

21st May (3rd Tuesday)

MAGICAL MIXTURES

The Camelar Spice Company specialises in artisanal spice blends. They will delve into the aromatic realm of herbs, exploring the intriguing dichotomy between dry and fresh variants, the alchemy of culinary herb and spice pairings that elevate our gastronomic experiences, and the history of herb selling. With sales, and also members’ plant sales.

25th June (afternoon outing)

BEHIND THE SCENES AT BRACKENWOOD

A summer afternoon at Brackenwood Plant and Garden Centre in Abbots Leigh (Bristol BS8 3RA). This is an opportunity to see 'behind the scenes' at an independent garden centre with an on-site nursery. Meet at 2.00pm. There will be a tour and the option of buying tea in the café afterwards. Please contact us in advance to reserve your place.

16th July (3rd Tuesday)

HERB FAMILIES

Have you ever wondered about the botany of herbs? Botanical artist Annie Morris will lead us in a practical session, looking at the differences between the plant families to which herbs belong. With sales of books and cards.

24th September

HERBS TO IMPROVE GUT HEALTH AND PREVENT DISEASES

Bristol-based medical herbalist Helen Rideout MNIMH will talk to us about the importance of healing and balancing our gut microbiome using herbs, and the positive impact this can have on reducing a host of potential diseases. She will also focus on the gut−brain axis and how a healthy gut supports mental health and gives clarity of mind.

22nd October

HERBS IN ROMAN BRITAIN

We welcome expert guide Kerrie from the National Trust's Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire, which is one of the most extensive villas discovered in Britain to date. They will give us a fascinating insight into how Roman people used herbs in daily life.

19th November (3rd Tuesday)

PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS

Learn more about the wild bees in your garden from award-winning author Jean Vernon. Jean is on a mission to unravel and demystify the intricate balance of nature and to introduce everyone to the familiar and unfamiliar bees that live and breed in our gardens. She will offer a glimpse into the secret world of these incredible insects, including their nesting requirements and the 'power plants' that make a difference. With a little understanding of the needs of your garden bees, you can transform your plot into a true, bee-friendly, pollinator paradise.

3rd December (1st Tuesday)

CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING

Ruth Chapman will demonstrate how to make a simple but beautiful wreath from the seasonal plants you can find in your own garden (see the example pictured). There is no need to bring anything; Ruth will suggest suitable supplies if you want to make your own at home. Everyone who attends will have the chance to be entered into a FREE PRIZE DRAW to win the wreath that Ruth makes during the evening.

Mince pies and drinks will be served. The evening will include our very short AGM.

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