Talking about Gardens
Researching and writing Secret Gardens of Somerset was an immersive experience – and what a privilege it was to be able dive so deeply into the featured gardens over the course of several months. However, a book in a particular format can only cover so much ground and I’m therefore delighted to offer two illustrated talks on Somerset’s gardens in which I can explore the subject in more depth. Both run to just under an hour, but can be tailored down if required.
Somerset: A County of Glorious Gardens
An exploration of why Somerset is such a great place to be a gardener, plus an armchair tour of some of the exhilarating variety of styles of garden that can be found in the county – from cottage gardens to cutting edge creations. Featuring images by Clive Boursnell (the photographer of Secret Gardens of Somerset).
Somerset Gardens & the Genius of the Place
In this talk I look at Somerset’s unique and diverse landscapes and explore how some of the county’s most beautiful gardens exploit their settings to create their beguiling ‘sense of place’. A talk that is as much about people as it is gardens and this being Somerset, sometimes that sense of place is not at all what you might expect! With images by Clive Boursnell.
The Wardian Case & Other Bright Ideas that Changed Gardening
A talk exploring some of the innovations and ideas that have transformed our gardens over the centuries and which still inform the way we garden in them today. This talk is inspired by my previous book The Remarkable Case of Dr Ward & other Amazing Gardening Innovations. You’ll never look at a pair of secateurs in the same way again!
I’ve presented these lectures to audiences in Somerset, and over the border in Wiltshire and Dorset, and had great feedback, so if you would like to book me to come and talk to your gardening club please do get in touch with me via my contact form.
During the pandemic Zoom came to the rescue in so many guises – from online dinner parties to job interviews – and was a saving grace for those giving lectures to gardening groups. During lockdowns it was joyful to be able to connect to audiences and share my love of gardens, and Somerset gardens in particular. All my lectures are available in person or via Zoom. Please email me for prices and availability.
Some audience feedback
“I loved the talk. She spoke really fluently, was engaging and introduced history and background to well known gardens as well as some secret gems I’d never heard of. Particularly good as many of us haven’t been able to visit gardens for a long time. Dying to know what the other 8 gardens are! Made me feel in the mood to do a garden tour of them all 🙂 if only I had the time.”
‘One of the best talks we have had’.
‘That was genuinely perfect – thank you so much!’
‘Abigail has been a delight to work with, responding promptly to questions and queries. Abigail has done three talks for us, two on-line and one in person, and in each case the talks have been excellent, with great illustrations. She has a lovely style of presentation which is very clear, easy to listen to, and enjoy. We have had good feedback from those attending after each of the talks so would highly recommend.’ South-West Heritage Trust
‘One of the best talks we have ever had. An excellent presentation. Very well researched’ Sampford Brett Gardening Club
