The World of Hepaticas

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Nursery owner John Massey VMH will give a superbly illustrated lecture 'The World of Hepaticas' in which he takes an in-depth look at this beautiful genus, one of the loveliest of all Spring-flowering plants. Ashwood Nurseries is one of only a few nurseries in the UK specialising in hepaticas and John is widely regarded as being one of the UK's leading experts: he has his own private plant collection and has travelled to China, Japan, Korea, Kyrgysztan, North America and Europe to see them in the wild. His talk will give a fascinating insight into the various species and cultivars, their habitat in the wild, their uses in the garden and alpine house, as well as a look at developments in plant breeding. John will also share some wonderful anecdotes about his travels in search of hepaticas, introducing some of the extraordinary characters he has met along the way. In the afternoon there will be a guided tour of John's Garden: this inspirational 3 acre canal-side garden will be full of interest with plenty of early spring colour. A rare opportunity to look at John's hepatica greenhouse devoted entirely to his private collection will also be included. A good selection of plants will be available to purchase.