The Cottage Herbery Talks List

A Taste of Herbs – General Illustrated talk covering all aspects of the Cottage Herbery. The garden, the shows, the growing and the using of herbs generally. Literally a taste of everything.

The True Cottage Garden – Herbs are an integral part of the cottage garden as a whole, contributing scents, foliage and form mix this with the coloured spectrum of Cottage garden annuals, biennial and perennials add the third dimension of vegetables and we have the true Cottage Garden. Illustrated talk on plants and cottage gardens.

Kitchen Garden Herbs – Growing herbs to eat whether for flavouring or salad herbs, this talk covers the preparation for growing, sowing and harvesting plus culinary tips and recipes.

Growing Plants Organically – The plants we grow are Soil Association certified in this talk we will pass on our knowledge of how to grow organically from planning, planting using a peat alternative, natural pest control etc., Also includes Bio-dynamics and companion planting.

Tasty Buds, Luscious Leaves & Succulent Shoots – NEW TALK All things edible Flowers, leaves, seeds, roots & shoots. Lots of unusual plants will be shown in this illustrated talk. Plants and plant material will also be brought along to demonstrate growing habits.

Coconuts & Coir – Are you using peat? Isn’t it about time you looked for an alternative. This talk is about making that change. From the marvellously versatile coconut to the perfect growing medium for the new millennium. Informative and entertaining talk with visual aids and samples.

The Contained Garden – NEW Talk Illustrated talk with samples and examples of what looks good in a container. Using pots, sinks, tubs, recycled containers & something unusual & the quirky. Edible, decorative & fragrant plants will be covered in this informative talk.

Cottage Garden Plants for Cutting – NEW Talk With the ever increasing interest in flowers and plants for cutting this talk shows how many of the herbs and plants we grow can be used for the home, special occasions, weddings etc., Illustrated talk plus plants & plant material (when available).

‘There’s No Business like Show Business’ - NEW Talk This talk is about the Cottage Herbery’s life on the Flower Show Circuit. Some of the trials & tribulation but mostly the fun, laughter & camaraderie of the Show people. Light hearted social talk suit most groups.

The above talks will be given by either Kim or Rob Hurst.
Fees and travel expenses available on application please telephone in advance to book your date. Tel : 01584 781785/781575

Talks are given in the evenings at your venue, March, April, May, September and October, but no other times of the year due to Show dates and winter weather. We have all our own equipment but would like you to provide 3 trestle tables.

CV: We have given talks to Kew Gardens Society, RHS Pershore College, NCCPG Groups, HPS, CGS and the Herb Society. We have been part of and held workshops, open days and presentations for Acton Scott Working Museum, Bewdley & Hartlebury Museums, Wichenford Pottery and several other floral, gardening and horticultural societies. Also food festivals and culinary demo’s, wine groups, Lions and charitable trusts. The above titles appeal to a wide audience.