TALKS AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS AT HARVEYS GARDEN PLANTS IN 2010

10% discount on all plants purchased at the nursery in 2010 when you attend a talk or practical session* (conditions apply)

We produce a booklet with details of all our events, talks and practical sessions. If you are on our mailing list you will be sent a copy in early January. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to receive a copy please contact us by email, telephone or post.

Email admin@harveysgardenplants.co.uk

Telephone 01359 233363

Address Harveys Garden Plants, Great Green, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 3SJ

10% discount on all plants purchased at the nursery throughout 2010 when you attend a talk or practical event

Winter Soups

Wednesday 27 January 2010

10.00 - 3.00

In the depths of Winter a warming bowl of soup and some homemade bread can be great sustenance.  Join Teresa and Julia in The award winning Orchard Room kitchen to make some seasonal soups and breads which will form the basis of lunch. This session is restricted to only six participants so everyone gets hands on experience. Recipes and notes will be given out in an Orchard Room cookery folder.  

Winter in the Garden Highlighting Snowdrops

Monday 1 February 2010 

10.00 - 4.00

Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey'

A lecture by Rod Leeds at Harveys Garden Plants, followed by lunch in The Orchard Room and a private visit to the coveted snowdrop collection at Anglesey Abbey

We are delighted to welcome Rod Leeds to the nursery (President of The Alpine Garden Society, a well known galanthophile and author of Early Flowering Bulbs).   During this lecture Rod will introduce you to a amazing array of early flowering snowdrops and share his considerable expertise on the subject. He will be talking about some of the best snowdrops available. Tea and coffee will be served on your arrival, then the lecture will take place, after which participants will enjoy a two course lunch in The Orchard Room before departing from the nursery for an exclusive  visit to the private snowdrop collection (not normally open to the public) at Anglesey Abbey.

Rare snowdrops will be on sale from Harveys Garden plants and two local galanthophiles.

Numbers are strictly limited so early booking is advised.

Snowdrops Start in September

Tuesday 2 February 2010

10.00 - 4.00

A lecture by Rod Leeds at Harveys Garden Plants, followed by lunch in The Orchard Room and a private visit to the superb snowdrop and early bulb garden of Rod and Jane Leeds

This is a new talk by Rod.  Who better to talk about rare snowdrops from their own garden than this acclaimed lecturer.  Rod will be talking about rare and interesting Drops from across the whole season. Tea and coffee will be served on your arrival, then the lecture will take place, after which participants will enjoy a two course lunch in The Orchard Room before departing from the nursery for an exclusive  visit to the wonderful garden of Rod and Jane Leeds

Rare snowdrops will be on sale from Harveys Garden plants and two local galanthophiles.

Numbers are strictly limited so early booking is advised

Hellebores and Winter Flowering Shrubs

Wednesday 10 February

10.00 - 1.00

Join us for an informative talk by Roger Harvey exploring the joys of winter flowering plants.

Topics covered will include:

• The acclaimed Helleborus Bradfield hybrids with more vertical facing flowers

• Various species found growing wild around the world

• Cultivation tips

• How to grow in pots and containers

• Propagation

• When to prune winter flowering shrubs

Vegetarian Cooking

Wednesday 3 March 2010

10.00 – 3.00

Join Teresa Harvey in the award winning Orchard Room for a session on soup making. The principles of making warming winter soups will be discussed. The group will make two seasonal soups and some bread which will then form the basis of lunch. 

Basic Garden Skills

Friday 5 March 2010

 10.00 - 1.00

We have introduced this session in response to our customers’ requests and have planned it as a course which is suitable for less experienced gardeners although there be some value for those with more experience.

The morning will be split into two practical sessions during which you will learn about soil types, garden tools, border preparation, planting, composting and weed identification. There will be tea/coffee and homemade cakes served mid morning and time to ask questions.  

Top Performing Plants to give Year Round Interest 

Monday 15 March 2010

 10.00 - 2.00

Join Roger Harvey for an illustrated lecture on how you can create and maintain interest in your garden through out the year using shrubs, perennials and grasses. This talk is held early in the year to give attendees time to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice and see the results this year. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served on arrival and the session finishes with a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.

Growing Vegetables - parts 1,2,3 & 4

Friday 19 March 2010 

Thursday 1 April 2010 

Friday 4 June 2010 

Thursday 26 August

10.00 - 1.00

Home grown vegetables are a real pleasure that is not difficult to achieve with a little expert know-how. We are working towards growing as much of our own produce as possible for The Orchard Room. Even if you do not have time to grow all your vegetables there are some which are less time consuming and well worth the effort. On this course Roger Harvey and the nursery team will cover all the basics of vegetable growing including choosing your site, preparing the ground, what to sow when, succession sowing, how to spot pests and disease and deal with them effectively and much more.  By the third session we hope you will be able to taste the fruits of your labours!

Part 1 Much of the work will be under cover with advice on when and how to sow early vegetables. You will also have a chance to sow seeds and take part in the practical aspects of growing vegetables

Part 2 During this session we move outside, sowing seeds and planting potatoes etc

Part 3 We plan to pick vegetables that were sown in Part 1 and continue to sow and plant more vegetables for early autumn consumption eg double cropping of potatoes

Morning coffee and cakes will be served at each session.

This course is designed for attendees to come to all three sessions, but it is possible to come to just one or two of the sessions. 10% discount if booking all three sessions for one person at the same time.

Cooking for Men

Tuesday 23 March

10.00 - 3.00

Aimed at men who want to feel more confident in the kitchen.  

We will be teaching some basics and will make at least two starters, two main dishes and two puddings.  

Emphasis will be put on adapting recipes to increase your repertoire.

Propagation of Perennials and Grasses

Thursday 25 March 2010

10.00 - 3.00

This is a practical session whereby you will learn to divide perennials and grasses.  After morning coffee we teach you how to take hardwood cuttings and root cuttings from a range of plants.  You will learn how and when to take seeds, and then how to sow seeds of different sizes. Twin scaling of bulbs will be demonstrated, we will teach you how to take early soft-wood cuttings from your favourite perennials.  

This event includes a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.  This course is limited to a maximum of 15 attendees, so early booking is advised.

Easy to Grow Woodland & Shady Plants

RHS Recommended Event 

 Tuesday 13 April 2010

10.00 – 3.00

 Harveys Garden Plants specialises in woodland and shade plants and has won Chelsea Gold medals for it’s display in The Grand Pavilion from 2006-2009.  Who better than Roger Harvey to discuss with attendees suitable perennials and shrubs to grow in difficult shady conditions?  

• Gain knowledge about growing perennials for shady conditions, including difficult areas such as dry shade
• Be introduced to a vast range of unusual perennials from around the world that grow in the British climate
• Learn how to clear an overgrown woodland and replant with a three tier woodland structure
• Learn how to propagate bulbs by twin scaling and perennials by soft cuttings

This event includes an illustrated talk, practical teaching session refreshments and a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.

Willow Plant Supports

Friday 16 April or Saturday 17 April - One day course

10.00 – 3.00

 This event was so popular last year we ended up running it twice so we have scheduled in two dates for this year.  

A maximum number of 15 attendees will enable each person to take away their own hand crafted willow support.

                 ·        Expert tuition by Charlotte Robertson our local weaver, using Somerset Willow

·        Ideal support for Sweet-Peas, Clematis, Climbing French Beans, Pillar Roses and many other climbers

·        An attractive feature in your garden

·        No experience needed

The materials needed can be purchased at a reasonable cost on the day.

 Refreshments provided, including a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.

Teatime Treats  

Wednesday 28 April 2010

10.00 – 3.00

The Orchard Room has a reputation for serving wonderful cakes and serving afternoon tea is one of its specialties. Join Teresa and Julia for a session in the kitchen of this award winning café/restaurant to learn how to make a fabulous afternoon tea. The principles of baking will be discussed and many hints and tips will be shared. A light early lunch will be shared and participants will join in making cakes and scones which will then be enjoyed by the group as an early afternoon tea. This session is restricted to only six participants so everyone gets hands on experience. Recipes and notes will be given out in an Orchard Room cookery folder.  

Perennials for Pots and Containers  

Thursday 29 April 2010

 10.00 -2.00

Many gardens have large areas of terrace. At Harveys Garden Plants we have lots of pots filled with gorgeous perennials and grasses, to give interest throughout the year. During this session you will gain knowledge and confidence to return home and plant your own pots.

This is a hands on experience so attendees are welcome to bring their own pots to fill with interesting plants from the nursery. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served on arrival and the session finishes with a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.  

A Year in the Life of a Honeybee  

 Tuesday 4 May 2010

10.00 - 1.00

 This new course is being taught by Mike Graystone who is president of the Suffolk Bee-Keeping Association.  Mike keeps up to 8 hives at the nursery as the bees benefit from the ample food supplies to be found. Topics to be included:  

• Honeybees life-cycle
• Viewing of a live hive
• Plants to attract bees
• Pests and diseases
• How we can all help the survival of our honeybees

Entertaining in the Springtime

Wednesday 5 May 2010

10.00 - 3.00

 We change our menus in The Orchard Room every week as we enjoy using produce from the nursery and seasonal ingredients. On this course Teresa and Julia will lead the participants in producing two springtime three course meals which are suitable for entertaining. 

As with all our courses all recipes and notes will be given in an Orchard Room folder.

 Discover the Magic of Herbs

 Wednesday 12 May 2010

10.00 – 3.00

 Join Local herbalist Desiree Shelly to learn about the undiscovered medicine chest in your herb garden.  A morning lecture will be followed by a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.  Desiree will then take you on an herbal tour of the borders at Harveys Garden Plants.  The day will finish with tea/coffee and homemade cakes.  Food served on this day will have an ‘herbal theme’.

Scrumptious Cakes

Wednesday 4 March 2009 

10.00 – 3.00

The Orchard Room has a reputation for serving wonderful cakes.

Join Teresa Harvey for a session in the kitchen of this award winning cafe/restaurant to learn how to make some fabulous cakes. The principles of baking will be discussed and many hints and tips will be shared. Participants will join in making cakes will then be enjoyed by the group as part of a delicious lunch. This session is restricted to only six participants so everyone gets hands on experience. Recipes and notes will be given out in an Orchard Room cookery folder.  

Basket Making

 Tuesday 1 June 2010

10.00 – 4.00

 Spend a delightful day enjoying the tranquil ambience at Harveys Garden Plants and make a beautiful willow basket using Somerset willows. Our local skilled basket maker Charlotte Robertson will lead the course, each attendee will take home their basket.

A delicious 2 course lunch will be provided by the award winning The Orchard Room, together with tea/coffee and home-made cakes.

 The materials required can be purchased from the tutor at a modest cost.

 As there is so much to learn on this day a prompt start is essential

The Chelsea Experience

Charity Event – in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society

Thursday 10 June 2010

 7.00pm – Bubbly and Canapés

 The Chelsea Flower Show is a celebration of the world’s highest quality horticulture.

Roger and the nursery team have been exhibiting at The Chelsea Flower Show for the past 5 years, and have been rewarded with the prestigious Gold Medal from 2006-2009.

 Come along and enjoy Rogers amusing anecdotes about the team’s experiences during this amazing time, from the challenges, the hard work and the passion to the social whirl and glamour of this spectacular show.

 A rare behind the scenes glimpse at the ups and downs, fun and frolics of reaching for gold at Chelsea ……… the most famous flower show in the world.

 Making a Traditional Grass Rake

 Saturday 12 June 2010

9.30 – 4.30

 This course will be led by David Wheeler an experienced maker of traditional bespoke wooden rakes. David is also a skilled furniture designer and maker.

 The attendee will learn how to make a traditional rake, and take away their prize creation.

 All necessary wood-working tools and equipment will be provided. As this is a participative event, the number of places will be limited to 8 so book early to avoid disappointment.

Includes refreshments and a delicious two course lunch in The Orchard Room.

Mosaic Day with Lindsay Rollett

Tuesday 15 June 2010

10.00 – 3.00

 Anybody entering the nursery cannot fail to notice Teresa’s wonderful mosaic of our logo which she made last year with the guidance of Lindsay.  Mosaic is an ancient craft that can be used to transform any plain surface into a unique work of art.  

• Modern mosaicists may use broken pottery, pebbles, glass or buttons
• Attendees will learn how to cut mosaic tiles as well as using some of the above materials
• Creations can be taken home.

This taster session is suitable for all levels of ability.  The event includes refreshments on arrival and a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.

 Please note there is an additional cost of £10 per person for materials (paid on the day)

Right Plant, Right Place with an Accent on Scent

 Tuesday 22 June 2010

10.00 - 1.00

 This illustrated talk with slides, together with living plants, will enthuse gardeners to be more adventurous with their planting. Topics included:  

• Placing of shrubs and perennials according to size.
• Shady plants will not flower well in Sun and vice-versa
• The texture of the soil is important
• Scented shrubs and perennials
• How to be adventurous with colours

Entertaining in Summer

Wednesday 23 June 2010

10.00 - 3.00

 One of the pleasures of summer has to be relaxed lunches with friends and family; many of you enjoy these in The Orchard Room, but sometimes it is good to create them at home! On this course we will make a variety of dishes suitable for stress free entertaining. There will be an emphasis on salads, dressings and summery desserts. Weather permitting we will enjoy the fruits of our labours having an al fresco lunch in the orchard.

Perennials for Cutting with Paula Pryke

(RHS recommended event)

 Tuesday 29 June 2010

Wednesday 30 June 2010

10.00 – 3.00

 The nursery has several large display borders where we show customers how our perennials may grow in their own gardens. It is not widely known that one can use a wide and diverse range of these perennials for flower arranging.

 We are delighted to welcome Paula Pryke to our nursery.  Paula is one of the most innovative florists in the world; as well as publishing thirteen books Paula runs her own renowned flower school in London .  Paula provides a wide range of floral services and is in constant demand for events ranging from dinner parties to state functions.

 Am - Roger Harvey will talk about a range of perennials suitable for cutting and how to grow them.

Pm - Paula will use freshly cut annuals and perennials to demonstrate some inspiring and creative modern floristry.

 Refreshments provided including a two course lunch in The Orchard Room.

Mosaics -  Parent and Child Day  

Tuesday 24 August 2010

 10.00 – 3.00 

Come and enjoy a creative day with local artist Lindsay Rollett. A whole day of "quality time for parents and children to work together creating an attractive mosaic based on birds or butterflies. We will be working with a variety of objects such as pebbles, buttons and beads as well as vitreous glass tiles. You will be taking home a delightful memento of a wonderful day. Event includes tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival, two course lunch and afternoon refreshments with homemade cakes.

• the minimum age for children attending session is 7 years, and each child must be accompanied by an adult

The Joy of Autumn Perennials

Monday 6 September 2010

 10.00 - 3.00

Join us for a day discovering how to extend the flowering season into the Autumn with

Roger Harvey, Chelsea Gold Medallist 2006, 2007, 2008

Event includes an illustrated talk, a practical teaching session and lunch in The Orchard Room

Event is ideal for all levels of knowledge

Attendees will

·        Gain knowledge about how to liven up summer borders by extending  colour into the autumn

·        Obtain practical tips on how to get perennials to repeat flower

·        Be introduced to many unusual, yet easy to grow grasses and perennials

·        Learn how to propagate these plants

After morning refreshments there will be an illustrated talk before lunch is served in The Orchard Room. During the afternoon you will go on a tour of the nursery gardens and enjoy a practical propagation session before tea and homemade cakes are served. 

Preserving – Jams, Jellies and Curds 

Tuesday 7 September

10.00 - 3.00

 The produce in the gardens and hedgerows at this time of year is magnificent. On this course we will cover the basic principles of making jams, jellies and curds. Everyone will get hands on experience of making preserves in The Orchard Room kitchen. There will more discussion of techniques and ingredients over a home made lunch before we carry on in the kitchen until we reach setting point! Everyone will get to take home a jam, jelly or curd they have made.

Autumn Soups  

Tuesday 14 September 2010

 10.00 – 3.00

Join Teresa Harvey in the award winning Orchard Room for a session on making autumn soups. The principles of making tasty and nutritional soups will be discussed. The group will make two seasonal soups and some bread which will then form the basis of lunch. This session is restricted to only six participants so everyone gets hands on experience. Recipes and notes will be given out in an Orchard Room cookery folder.  

Preserving -  Chutneys and Relishes  

Tuesday 21 September 2010

10.00-3.00

Join Teresa Harvey for a session on making delicious chutneys and relishes in the kitchen of the award winning Orchard Room. The principles of making these preserves will be discussed. The group will make three different chutneys/relishes and take a jar home with them. The group will then enjoy a homemade lunch. This session is restricted to only six participants so everyone gets hands on experience. Recipes and notes will be given out in an Orchard Room cookery folder.  

Puddings Galore

Tuesday 19 October

10.00 - 3.00

 A grand finale to a meal is always a treat and we British have a great tradition of making wonderful puddings. Join us in the Orchard Room kitchen to make a plethora of puddings and desserts ranging from lemon meringue pie through to pannacotta and a chocolate gateau. The principles behind the wonderful puds will also be discussed.

We will then enjoy a meal together – a main course followed by plenty of puddings!

Putting the Borders to Bed

Friday 5 November 2010

 10.00 - 1.00

In this practical session Roger Harvey will discuss the importance of putting the garden to bed. You will learn how to go about it before having a chance to put the teaching into practice. Roger will also demonstrate how to take hardwood cuttings and participants can have a go themselves. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes will be served during the morning.  

Garden Birds

Tuesday 9 November 2010

 10.00 - 1.00

Join our expert  for an illustrated talk about the birds in our gardens. As well as sharing expertise in the birds themselves we will provide many hints and tips to help you attract more birds into your garden. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes will be served after the talk. 

Cooking Ahead for Christmas

Tuesday 16 November

10.00 - 3.00

 December is such a busy time with so much to enjoy that it helps to get ahead with some of the cooking. Spend the day with Teresa and Julia in The Orchard Room kitchen preparing delicious food for the festive season. As well as enjoying a delicious lunch participants will get to take home the fruits of their labours and will be given extra recipes and ideas. As well as traditional fayre there will be some contemporary ideas to add a freshness to your seasonal menus.

(small surcharge payable on day for Christmas ingredients)

Entertaining in Winter

Tuesday 23 November

10.00 - 3.00

 As winter approaches so our taste buds change; craving comfort and warmth. Getting the right degree of richness in our food yet maintaining a lightness of touch is a skill we will discuss on this course together with how we balance a menu .Under our guidance the group will create two three course meals which are delicious, balanced and sustaining.

Pruning Apple and Pear Trees

Friday 3 December 2010 

10.00- 1.00

At Harveys Garden Plants we have many acres of apple trees and pear trees. The trees were inherited with the site and they had been neglected in recent years. The trees are gradually being brought back into production, and so the nursery team at Harveys Garden Plants is in an ideal situation to instruct on pruning and maintaining health of your own fruit trees. This is a practical session where you will learn how to prune and care for your fruit trees to ensure they maintain health and yield a maximum crop. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes will be served during the morning. Always a popular event.

Christmas Gifts from the Pantry

Tuesday 7 December

10.00 - 3.00

It’s r eally satisfying to make and bake your own Christmas gifts. On this cookery day we will show you how to make a range of gifts including flavoured vinegars and oils, spiced fruit, sweetmeats, biscuits and more. Participants will be able to take home all the items they make (small surcharge payable on the day for Christmas ingredients)

Making a Christmas Wreath 

Thursday 9  December 2010 

10.00- 1.00

A practical session which always proves to be immensely popular. Rachel Desira will instruct you in the making of a Christmas wreath to take home to adorn your own front door. The materials needed can be purchased on the day for a reasonable cost or you can bring your own greenery etc. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes will be served during the morning.

A Christmas Wreath - with Paula Pryke

 Friday 10 Dec

10.00 - 3.00

 Paula Pryke holds a greatly influential position as one of the most innovative florists in the world.  Paula also appears frequently on television both in the UK and abroad, writes regular magazine columns, demonstrates her floral design nationally and internationally and has run her own renowned flower school since 1994.

 Paula has an adventurous and modern approach to making a Christmas wreath. Paula will give a demonstration and also help attendees to make something really special to adorn those doors during the festive season. Numbers are limited to 15 attendees so please book early.

10% discount on all plants purchased at the nursery in 2009 when you attend a talk or practical session* (conditions apply)

Talks and Visits for Garden Groups

Roger Harvey does many talks and practical demonstrations for garden clubs and other groups,

 both at the nursery and elsewhere. Visits to the nursery can include refreshments ranging from tea and cakes to a three course meal.

If you are interested  in these please contact us for details.

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