Botany for Gardeners

This event is now full, we would hope to hold another one in the near future and should you wish to register an interest, please email us.

This relaxed introductory course is for gardeners who would like to learn a little botany. We will begin with considering climate and soil types, and how these factors impact on plant choice. Then the botany really starts, with hands-on time looking at flower structures. I will describe the processes of pollination and fertilisation, and how your choice of flower shape and colour will influence the types of pollinators you attract to your garden. We will investigate the anatomy of a range of seeds and fruits, and look at the physiology of seed germination.

This is an informative, lively and informal course, with the use of microscopes and the opportunity for questions and discussions throughout.

Equipment list:

You do not need to bring any equipment with you, other than a notepad and pencil if you would like to take notes.

Karen van Oostrum

Karen has a love of plants and the environment, which is underpinned by a solid understanding of plant adaptability, physiology and genetics.

A Biology graduate of Oxford University with a Ph. D. in wheat genetics, Karen was Head of Education at Cambridge University Botanic Garden from 2006 – 2012 and has worked with people of many ages from diverse backgrounds.

Now self-employed, Karen specialises in 2 key areas: running taster courses for adults in Botany, Microscopy, Genetics and Plant Breeding; and supporting the teaching of plant science in Primary Schools through INSET, lesson planning, delivering activities / lessons for pupils and undertaking site surveys of plant species.