Lindley Late - Horticultural Heroes: Spotlight on Miss Ellen Willmott

Demonstration / Talk / Lecture
Back
5
Mar

RHS Lindley Library

RHS Lindley Library

Address

80 Vincent Square, London

Venue

RHS Lindley Library

Booking

  • Member

    £10

  • Non-member

    £10

  • Other Prices

    Pay what you can

Overview

  • Event times

    6.30pm – 8pm
    Doors open at 6pm

  • Subject

    Demonstration / Talk / Lecture

This International Women's Day we are celebrating the life, the legacy and the library collections of gardening great: Miss Ellen Willmott (1858-1934).

Join the RHS Lindley Library and biographer Sandra Lawrence as we explore the accomplishments, character and controversies of Miss Ellen Willmott, who dedicated her life to plants and gardens to become one of Britain's eminent horticulturalists.

In this conversation we will discover the story of Ellen's life and her legacy as a pioneering woman gardener, which Sandra has uncovered with the help of the Miss Willmott's archive.

Plus, we'll unravel some of the mythology surrounding her, like did Ellen really booby trap her daffodil bulbs and carry a pistol in her handbag?

We will also take a look at some of the Lindley Library's unique collections around Ellen Willmott, including a very special edition of Ellen's book Genus Rosa.

There will be plenty of time to ask questions, plus join us for a drinks reception after the conversation where you can explore the RHS Lindley Library's collection and purchase a signed copy of Sandra's biography Miss Willmott's Ghosts.

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Speaker

Sandra Lawrence - Sandra is back at the RHS Lindley Library following a sold out talk in 2024 - Fungus and Folklore. She is a journalist and author of multiple books including the biography of Ellen Willmott, Miss Willmott's Ghosts: The Extraordinary Life and Gardens of a Forgotten Genius.

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Event Details

Doors open at 6pm, with the conversation beginning at 6.30pm.

Tickets for this event are required, with the ticket cost supporting the RHS Lindley Library. Some tickets will be available on the door. RHS membership not required.

To keep the event as accessible as possible you can choose a full price ticket (£8) or you can make a donation of an amount affordable to you with our Pay What You Can tickets.

Purchase your ticket on EventBrite. Please note: When purchasing tickets, you are leaving the RHS website. Tickets are made available through Eventbrite on behalf of the RHS. Both the RHS and Eventbrite terms and conditions and privacy policy will apply.



Additional info

For any questions, including accessibility enquiries, please email [email protected]

Accessibility: There is step-free access into the main RHS building and Library reception area via a ramped entrance. The Upper Reading Room may be accessed by three steps with a handrail for support. We regret that we do not have accessible toilets onsite.

Discover more about the RHS Lindley Library via our website, social media and new Digital Collections. 

The image in the banner is a portrait of Miss Ellen Willmott, dated 1931. Take a sneak peak of Miss Willmott within our collections on the RHS Digital Collections.

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.