We will be hosting a series of Green Gardening talks covering topics that will help you garden in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. 

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Gareth Richards is a local author and qualified horticulturist, Associate Editor of RHS 'The Garden' magazine and curator of 'Gardening with the RHS' podcast. A keen gardener and allotmenteer, he has a special fondness for wildlife and eco-friendly gardening. Gareth’s talk will explore our relationship with plants that we label ‘weeds’, especially their hidden qualities, be that beauty, utility, or wildlife value. Why do weeds exist? What can they teach us? How can we harness their unique properties to improve our gardening skills and our diet? Come to the talk and discover the answers. Gareth's books will be available for sale. 

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Mark & Sheila Grout – Kings Cliffe’s answer to The Good Life (for those old enough!). The Grouts started growing their own food back in the 1980s, and over the years have gradually gained a wealth of experience and expanded the scope of what they do. As a result, they are now largely self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables. The Grouts will share their story and what they have learned along the way.

Claire Thorpe is the peat-free Campaign Manager for the RHS, helping support gardeners as they move away from peat. Her talk will provide some background on the peat-free movement, as well as explaining how new peat-free composts are made. This is followed by some (very welcome) tips and advice for getting the best results for your plants when using peat-free composts. Claire has worked in a number of roles spanning environmental communications, including five years on the tiny Channel Island of Alderney.

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