Many members of the network give talks, lectures or workshops to clubs, societies and groups of individuals.  Information on these will be added to this page but please check with the nursery concerned for the full details and to book.

Norfolk Herbs

Norfolk Herbs welcome group visits for a guided tour of the nursery and a talk on herbs which can be tailored to suit individual interests.

We should be pleased to see you on a Monday or Tuesday evening during the Spring and Summer. Alternative times can sometimes be arranged on request.

Our evenings are very informal and we always allow plenty of time for questions and discussion.  Afterwards, we hope you will take the time to enjoy our countryside surroundings, browse the sales area, perhaps wander to the meadow to say hello to our two donkeys or (weather permitting!) simply relax with a picnic in the evening sunshine.

Tea/Coffee can be provided if required or why not try one of the excellent local pubs to be found in our surrounding villages or in Dereham town centre itself?  Most will take party bookings for evening meals.

The Plantsman’s Preference

We give talks on the following subjects to Garden Clubs and Societies.

Naturalistic Gardening (TF) The style incorporating grasses and perennials into the garden in a natural style. The structure and planting are covered with examples of successful gardens.

Gardening with Grasses (TF) Many people are unsure of what to do with grasses in the garden and they end up in a bed on their own, not the best way to use them. This talk will aid the selection of good garden grasses and suggest ways to include them in the garden.

Hardy Geraniums (JF) Favourites in the garden for many years there have been many new introductions in recent times and we present information on which ones are best in the garden and how to grow them.

Herbaceous Perennials (TF) A look at some of the newer introductions and their place in the garden. Will look at new versions of Cottage Garden Favourites as well as the rare and obscure species not well known, giving ideas on planting combinations and on choosing the right plants for your garden. We can also concentrate on Woodland Perennials if you wish.

All talks include a digital slide show and are usually between 1 and 2 hours long, they can be tailored to your group’s time frame. We provide the projection equipment and will bring plants for sale. Tables and a projector stand will be required.  Please contact us for details of our reasonable fees.

Groups and Clubs are welcome to visit the nursery by prior appointment. This may be at times when we are not usually open. If you would like to combine one of our talks with a visit we can give the talk as we walk round the nursery, looking at real plants instead of slides. There is no charge for this. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

Thorncroft Clematis Nursery

For many years we have given talks to local garden clubs and horticultural societies. Ruth began this and together with her mother, Dorothy, has visited most village halls in Norfolk and a good few further afield too!  In more recent years Jonathan and Peter have been involved with these and it is now Peter who more often goes off for an evening to give a talk and show off some of our many colour transparencies of clematis.

Peter has received many compliments for his talks and the photographs we have taken over the years. If you would like to book a date for your club, please telephone the nursery and speak to Peter, or you can e-mail the nursery.

Jonathan also lectures at Coton Manor Garden School and gives demonstrations of clematis growing at the nursery. We run Pruning Demonstrations in February each year - see Pruning Demonstrations on the Whats On page for details.

PW Plants

PW Plants hold Bamboo Open Days! We offer a unique opportunity to look and learn about our large collection of Bamboos. We have demonstrations, a talk and a tour and refreshments and a light lunch are also provided.

Order of Play:

   * 10:30 am: Gate opens, coffee, eye up the opposition etc.
   * 11:00 ish: Talk, discussion, heckle if you dare ...!
   * 12:30 ish: Lunch, provided (please let us know if you need a special diet)
   * 13:30 ish: Demos, garden tour, nursery etc. (you'll need your machete)
   * 15:30 ish: Afternoon tea (posh or wot?). At this point you are free to browse, buy, haggle, finish the wine.
   * 17:00 pm: Time to go home, gate shuts ... we charge an immodest fee to pitch tents, hire sleeping bags (Note: overnight parking is at owners' risk)

Due to the increasing interest in this event we may have to limit numbers, so book early to avoid disappointment!

We give talks and workshops on hardy bamboos and more, to specialist societies and oraganisations countrywide (worldwide if you pay lots more).

Walnut Tree Garden Nursery

Talks given on several subjects including; Plants for Shade, Ornamental Trees and Right Plant Right Place.