TALKS

ABOUT THE TALKS

These joint presentations by Pete and Jackie Murray will be of interest to general audiences and more specialist garden or travel groups. The themes link photography to the world of plants, from natural habitats to gardens and cultivation. We also weave in historical thread, mixed with our own travel experiences and horticultural knowledge, with music adding another dimension to what we guarantee will be an enjoyable evening for any audience.

TALKS TITLES

We offer the following illustrated talks, using our own high quality images, and supply our own professional quality projection equipment.

RENAISSANCE OF AN ENGLISH GARDEN

In the early 1900’s President Roosevelt described Easton Walled Gardens as “a dream of nirvana too good to be true”. Sadly two world wars saw the garden’s decline into a wilderness, although its structure remained along with many interesting relic plants hidden from view for over 50 years. The new millennium sees the renaissance of this hidden garden. This is its story- past present and future.

MOSTLY GREEN AND WHITE – A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SNOWDROPS

It is a fine line between a hobby and an obsession! For many, snowdrops mark the beginning of the gardeners’ year. We will take you on a brief excursion to look at their features and beauty of snowdrops, explain how to grow them, and visit some of the places where you can see them at their best. There is more to the snowdrop than just green and white – but be warned, this talk could be the start of an obsession.

DEADLY AND DELICIOUS – PLANTS TO AVOID OR ENJOY! (NEW  )  

 In gardens, the plants we grow a variety of plants which vary from the deadly to the delicious. This talk looks at the story behind some of our favourite and not so favourite  garden plants, and show how both the nice and the nasty can have a place in the garden – but after this talk possibly not all the plants will be in yours!

A SEARCH FOR TWO 'KINGS 'AND A 'LOST MOUNTAIN'

Reginald Farrer was the father of the great British Rock Garden. By some feared, by others revered, he set challenges in his books to follow in his footsteps. Over the last 15 years we have returned to the Alps, Dolomites, and Maritime Alps to complete this quest. This tells his story in the early 1900's and ours 100 years later.

JUST FOR THE RECORD

This talk looks at how we can use photography as another tool in the garden! More than this, it is invaluable as a way of recording plants in their native habitats, in the gardens we visit, and at plant shows. We will also use pictures to explore the history of plants and the people behind the plants. This should inspire all to use their camera more, with some useful pointers on how to do it!

ALPINES, MYTHS AND MAGIC (Practical activity and talk)

This practical activity-talk will be of interest to garden or horticultural groups, but has proved very popular with a variety of 'general interest 'groups. We begin with an illustrated introduction into the 'myths and magic' of alpine plants, both in the wild and in cultivation. Following a practical demonstration of planting an alpine trough, and brief seed sowing demonstration, everyone can then plant their own pot of alpine seeds to take away! . The cost of seeds, plants, 'pots' and planting materials are covered in the fee. The alpine trough can be raffled or sold by the host club or society.

ALPINES THE 'EASY WAY’

With years of experience of looking for alpines, and more recently leading groups in the mountains, we offer an informative presentation on how to get to the mountain flowers. Starting 'at home' we gradually venture further a-field to show how you too can see these plants at their best with the minimum of effort! This has inspired many to plan their own holiday or join a tour!

AN ALPINE ANTHOLOGY

A talk, which takes a light-hearted look at our story of photographing alpine plants.

Inspired by the "who-dunnit", we look at ability, motive, and opportunity in committing the perfect…. photograph. We always get our plant. Don’t get caught not knowing how to capture yours.

LEARNING FROM LANDSCAPES

Gardeners, growers and plant enthusiasts nurture plants that originated in far away places. The key to success in growing a plant is knowledge of its native habitat. This talk looks at habitats from which garden cultivars originate, what such plants want, and their physical  features that might offer some clues about their needs in cultivation. It will appeal to those with a general gardening interest, and be thought provoking for the specialist!

A WALK ON THE WILD-SIDE

For us, a love of the mountains led to a love of the flowers. For over 25 years we have been

fortunate to be able to travel and to explore the mountains to photograph alpine plants. In a wide-ranging talk you can enjoy the joys and the woes as we tell our story. The photographs will speak for themselves. An entertaining general interest talk, that may inspire others to travel… or just stay at home!

THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY

A light hearted look at the sort of plants we like to grow, ones we would hate to grow, and ones that just keep growing! Growing, showing or gardening, this will offer food for thought on plants you may admire, maybe try to grow, and others you might like to avoid in your garden. In short this is our  personal appraisal of  the good, the bad and the ugly in gardening.

WHERE ELEPHANTS FEAR TO TREAD  

This photographic journey threads its way along the route of Hannibal and his elephants over 2000 years ago. We cross the barriers of the Pyrenees, the French Alps, and into Italy at the foot of Mte Bianco, for a chance to see the spectacular mountain scenery. Along the way. We offer a seasonal perspective and a chance to enjoy and the flowers of the mountains and valleys, in a modern perspective of an epic journey.