Sandra Lawrence

I love to talk about Miss Ellen Willmott, her life, work and legacy - and the story of the rediscovery of her papers, memorabilia and correspondence rotting in the basement of a stately home in Worcestershire. I also love to talk about Ellen's gardens, especially Warley Place in Essex.

Based in: London, UK
Distance willing to travel: Most distances, though if it's a very long way an overnight stay might be necessary
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees: Negotiable

Talks: "Miss Willmott's Ghosts - The Life and Gardens of a Forgotten Genius" An introduction to Miss Willmott, her life, work and rediscovery "A Virtual Walk around Warley Place" Using original photographs and modern images of the same areas, a guide to Ellen Willmott's now-ruined garden. "As if the sick earth had burst into foul pustules: Fungi in Folklore and Superstition" Based on 'The Magic of Mushrooms' published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Contact

Alison Levey

I have been writing ‘The BlackberryGarden’ blog since 2011. I am an amateur and obsessed gardener; based in Leicester. The Blackberry Garden is not a ‘how to’ blog, the aim is to talk about the enjoyment of gardening. It is read by people who garden and people who do not.

Based in: Leicester, Leicestershire, UK
Distance willing to travel: no more than an hour's drive - so approx 50 miles
Virtual talks available: No

Fees: 2026 - The creation of Blackberry Garden talk £130 travel 55per mile 2026 - For the love of Roses £130 travel 55p per mile 2026 - The Joy of the Winter Garden £130 travel 55p per mile 2027 - The creation of Blackberry Garden talk £135 travel 55p per mile 2027 - For the love of Roses £135 travel 55p per mile 2027 - The Joy of the Winter Garden £135 travel 55p per mile 2027 - Gardening for Wildlife talk £135 travel 55p per mile 2028 - The creation of Blackberry Garden talk £140 travel 55p per mile 2028 - For the love of Roses £140 travel 55p per mile 2028 - The Joy of the Winter Garden £140 travel 55p per mile 2028 - Gardening for Wildlife £140 travel 55p per mile

Talks: The creation of Blackberry Garden talk - about the creation of my garden from blank canvas in 2007 and how it looks now - what has gone well and what has not. For the love of Roses talk - how I look after/prune the roses I grow and some of my favourite varieties. The Joy of the Winter Garden - enjoying gardening in the winter: the colour, the scent and the being outdoors. Gardening for Wildlife - my way of gardening with wildlife in mind including favourite plants, features to include and seasonal routines.

Contact

Maureen Little

Maureen is an experienced speaker and the author of six books on gardening and garden design. Maureen’s focus is on pollinator-friendly plants, perennials, and culinary herbs. A sought-after authority in these areas, Maureen has spoken at, among others, RHS Wisley, The Garden Museum and Climate Change conferences.

Based in: Longridge, Lancashire, UK
Distance willing to travel: Any, but mainly North and North West of England
Virtual talks available: No

Fees: Please refer to my website: www.thebeegarden.co.uk

Talks: KEEP YOUR GARDEN BUZZING! - what plants to grow in your garden to attract and be of benefit to insect pollinators. THE BUZZ ABOUT HONEY BEES - find out all about these fascinating insects in Maureen's illustrated talk. (And taste different honeys, too!) TO SCARBOROUGH FAIR AND BEYOND - culinary herbs. HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS FOR ALL SEASONS GARDENS IN ART - From Ancient Rome to 21st Century Cumbria (!) see how gardens have been depicted in art over the centuries in this illustrated talk. EAST MEETS WEST IN THE GARDEN: THE JAPANESE INFLUENCE This talk illustrates how Japanese plants and design have influenced Western gardens, not forgetting the role of the plant hunters who were instrumental in bringing both plants and ideas to our gardens. ROSES IN ART - Roses are everywhere in art - from 1st century frescos to 21st century mug decorations! In this illustrated talk we find out how roses have been used in art to impart information, as metaphors or symbols, and as decoration. THE MANY FACETS OF THE ROSE - In this illustrated talk we discover how the rose is used in medicine, in perfumes, and in the kitchen, as well beautifying our gardens. And to show that it isn't just a pretty face! More talks are in the pipeline - please check my website for updates: www.thebeegarden.co.uk

Contact

Kerrie Lloyd-Dawson

My husband Pete and I are passionate garden makers and plants people and we have created a garden together that we open for the National Garden Scheme. We give talks about how we made our garden and inspiration for plants and planting combinations, illustrated with beautiful photographs.

Based in: Welwyn, Hertfordshire, UK
Distance willing to travel: any distance considered but preferrably within an hour's drive
Virtual talks available: No

Fees: £140 plus mileage

Talks: Sorry, fully booked for 2026 These are our most popular talks, but there are more on the way! Border bulbs - recommendations for how to add an extra layer of planting with bulbs and corms that remain in the border year-after-year. Late season colour – recommendations for late summer and autumn interest from flowers, fruit and berries and foliage. Variegated foliage - why it can be so valuable for year-round interest, using it to brighten shady areas, how to choose planting partners, plant recommendations. Shade plants - our recommendations for plants for part and full shade. How we made our garden - from blank canvas to being accepted for the National Garden Scheme in four years.

Contact

Stephanie Mahon

Based in: Monmouthshire, Wales, UK
Distance willing to travel:
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees:

Talks:

Contact

Manoj Maldé

Based in: Brookmans Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
Distance willing to travel:
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees: To be discussed with my agent

Talks: A Garden Designer's Journey to Chelsea Paradise Gardens Colour My World

Contact

Carl Maniglia

Based in: Exeter, Devon, UK
Distance willing to travel: Negotiable
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees: From £75

Talks: I discuss what led me to garden photography and talk about the various genres such as gardens, plant portraits, etc. Topics include techniques for finding great compositions, the importance of light and how to make the most of those frequent less than ideal conditions, selective focus, and insights into my editing process using photo editing software on Windows and Mac. Sessions conclude with Q&A. I also take commissions to run garden photography workshops, and have organised both one-day and residential events.

Contact

Michael Marriott

Based in: Chichester
Distance willing to travel: Subject to discussion
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees: Subject to discussion

Talks: All matters relating to roses

Contact

Alison Marsden

I love talking about gardening to gardeners because understanding is the crucial element of the learning and that turns frustration into success. I have given more than 250 talks since 2014 to horticultural societies, social clubs, U3A and WI. All talks include plenty of photographs, examples, summaries and discussion.

Based in: Tonbridge, Kent, UK
Distance willing to travel: Generally up to 70 miles but willing to discuss.
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees: £90 plus a mileage charge

Talks: See my website for more suggestions or contact me to discuss a new topic. Gardening and Wellbeing, how gardens and gardening are good for us all Nature friendly gardening – great for us all Planting for drier summers (but not necessarily drier winters!) The how & why of pruning Right plant, right place How not to kill your houseplants More garden impact for less effort How to have a great front garden Creating garden style and impact

Contact

David Maxwell

David began his career on the political desk of The Times in the Houses of Parliament. He then spent a decade as a BBC TV news journalist in Northern Ireland. Following this he moved to the flagship programme; Gardeners' Corner which combined his broadcasting with his passion for plants.

Based in: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Distance willing to travel: Any provided travelling expenses are covered.
Virtual talks available: Yes

Fees: TBC

Talks: The wild gardener - William Robinson What is a garden? Behind the garden gate - Gardens of the UK and Ireland Creating heaven in suburbia - how to get the big house garden in a small space

Contact