All gardeners deal in the names of plants, and giving the correct name to the right plant is crucial. Join course tutor Dr Chris Gibson, ecologist, naturalist, author and Wildlife Advocate for Beth Chatto Gardens and learn about:
- The identification features particularly relating to the flowers of many of the significant families and genera of garden and wild plants.
- The use of identifications keys, both the formal botanical keys and the user-friendly equivalents featured in the tutors new book.
- To give context to these identification skills and techniques, we will look also at the principles of classification, taxonomy and botanical nomenclature that provide a consistent framework for communication, whether in the garden centre or the wider wild world,
- A delve into the realms of history, mystery and magic as expressed in the richness of English names.
A hand-lens (loupe) would be useful if you have one, together with a copy of your favourite plant identification guide. And please come prepared for both sitting in the classroom and walking around the garden, to bring life to the learning.