Plant Botany: 4 session course

Dates: 4 sessions - Tuesdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 March / 10am - 1pm

We have invited Laurie McMillan, a Sussex based professional horticulturist with over 25 years’ experience, to lead this much requested exploration of Plant Botany. The course is suitable for anyone who is passionate about plants, but also for those who are studying for an RHS qualification or similar.

Laurie has lectured at Plumpton College, Sussex, for nine years covering a wide range of both practical and theoretical horticulture courses.

Laurie is also a skilled and professional gardener. She has an extensive knowledge of the care of plants and the conditions in which they flourish. This plus the ability to share her knowledge in a passionate and caring way, bringing together her love of plants with her joy of teaching, creates a learning experience that is informative, supportive and fun.

Four sessions, each with a particular focus.

Session 1: ROOTS

The underground system of plants can get overlooked but without a healthy root system a plant won’t grow well above ground. During this session we will explore the functions of roots and what we can do to improve their health, so we reap the benefits above ground.

Session 2: STEMS

Stems support leaves, flowers, and fruits but also have other functions which are essential to a plants growth and development. During this session we delve into the internal structure of the stem and travel around inside the plant to learn how important stems really are.

Session 3: LEAVES

Most people know that leaves are the main site of photosynthesis, where plants make their food but leaves are also an indication of where a plant likes to live. During this session we take a closer look and learn more about these beautiful and very functional plant organs.

Session 4: FLOWERS AND FRUIT

These are usually the end results we want from our plants, but how do they turn from one thing to another and why do things not always go right? In this session we look at pollination and fertilisation and some of the pests and diseases that so love to eat our beloved produce!

Cost: £190, to include coffee/tea and biscuits

Host or Publisher The Garden House, Brighton