Educational talks
Join a series of educational talks at Ness led by a variety of experts, including speakers from prominent gardening groups and societies.
The educational talks at Ness include programmes of talks from the Alpine Garden Society and British Cactus and Succulent Society. We also host talks and other activities arranged by the regional branch of the Royal Horticultural Society's Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group.
The societies' events provide the opportunity to indulge your passion for plants, learn something new, and meet like-minded enthusiasts.
Alpine Garden Society
Join the Wirral and West Cheshire Group of the Alpine Garden Society for a series of educational talks and other events.
All events are held at Ness Botanic Gardens unless otherwise stated. Talks begin at 7.15pm unless otherwise stated.
| Date | Event type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 14 March 2025 | Talk | Flowers of the Picos de Europa by David Charlton. |
| Sunday 13 April 2025 | Event | Local show. |
| Friday 9 May 2025 | AGM | Garden visit and annual general meeting. |
| Sunday 6 July 2025 | Event | Plant fair. |
Visit the Alpine Garden Society website to find out more about the society or to join as a member.
British Cactus and Succulent Society
Join the Chester and North Wales branch of the British Cactus and Succulent Society (BCSS) for a varied programme of expert insights into cacti and succulents.
The society invites a series of external, expert, speakers to present illustrated talks on cacti and succulents, both in cultivation and in habitat.
Meetings are usually held on the first Friday of each month at 7.30pm at Ness Botanic Gardens.
Visit the Chester and North Wales Branch of the BCSS website to find out more about the branch. Information about joining as a member is available on the BCSS website.
Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group
Join the North West England and North Wales branch of the RHS Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group for a series of educational talks.
Annual general meeting and talk
Saturday 25 January 2025, 2pm in the Bulley Room
Our AGM will be preceded by a talk from our own illustrious speaker, Steve Lyus, who will brief us on the Global Botanic Gardens Congress in Singapore which he attended last August. This talk will be followed by our AGM, once non-members have departed. We will then have our usual social meeting. Please bring your delicious cakes!
Cost
This event is free for RCM Members free, £3 for non-members.
Woodland gardening
Saturday 22 March 2025, 10am-12.45pm
Ken Cox of Glendoick Nursery will give two talks on woodland gardening on Saturday 22 March 2025. The talks will take place at 10am and 12pm respectively, with a walk around the gardens, led by Ken, in between.
Ken is the third generation in a family of explorers and horticulturalists. Between them, they have explored China, south-east Tibet and north-east India. Ken's knowledge of plants is encyclopaedic and has assisted him in writing several books. One of these books forms the basis of two 45-minutes presentations and a walk round exploring the woodland areas of Ness Botanic Gardens.
Cost
This event is free for members of the RCM Group who are also members of Ness Botanic Gardens.
Members of Ness Botanic Gardens who are non-members of the RCM Group can attend for £5. The cost for non-members of both Ness and the RCM Group is £10.
Annual show
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2025
The RCM Group's annual show is taking place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May 2025 in the Bulley Room at Ness Botanic Gardens. Further details will be announced nearer the time.