Join The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Lindley Library as it showcases unexpected and unique perspectives on horticulture.
Uncover the hidden wonders of horticulture with the RHS Lindley Library’s spring events programme and explore this treasure-trove of world-renowned collections that cover more than 500 years of garden history, art, and science. From captivating evening talks to hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Lindley Late spring series offers fascinating evening talks.
This spring’s Lindley Lates see the launch of the new Urban Gardening Club sessions which will broaden your knowledge of urban gardening. In the new Urban Gardening Club: Creating Your Houseplant Haven session (23rd April), you will have the chance to join curator of RHS Garden Wisley, Matt Pottage, and houseplant expert, Jane Perrone, as they explore the highs and lows of indoor gardening. These experts will share their experiences and advice to help you achieve your houseplant haven.
Art, Flowers, and Emotion: Collections in Conversation (30th April) will unpack the relationship between art and emotion. Inspired by her book Bloom: Art, Flowers and Emotion, florist, writer and editor, Rachel Giles, and Art Curator at the RHS Lindley Library, Charlotte Brooks, will take a look at representations of flowers from the Tate and the RHS art collections, and explore whether botanical art can evoke an emotional response.
Also join us for the Blossoming Identities: Queer Zines Inspired by Nature (9th May) zine-making workshop, led by Rainbow Roots, the RHS’ network for LGBTQ+ staff and allies. From flowers adopted as symbols for queer movements to ‘bisexual’ plants, this workshop will explore the history of connections between flowers and queer identities.
The Lindley Live spring series offers free 15-minute lunchtime talks which unveil the surprising history of horticulture.
In Digging for Victory: How to Feed the Nation (23rd April) you can discover how the RHS led the Dig for Victory campaign during World War Two. Or take a step back in time to Victorian London in Botanists and Beards: The Carte de Visite Collection talk (30th April) to explore a unique collection of photographs depicting prominent Victorian gardeners with an array of impressive facial hair.
Reminisce about playing with daises, mulberry bushes, and conkers by browsing through the library’s beautifully coloured plates from Henry Robert Robertson’s book, Plants We Play With, in Playful Plants: Child’s Play in the Edwardian Garden (7th May) which explores the history of plants and play.
Finally, ignite your excitement ahead of the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show by discovering the unexpected history of the world’s most famous flower show in 5 objects, at the 5 Facts About…The RHS Chelsea Flower Show show and tell session (14th May).
Come along and let your curiosity bloom at the RHS Lindley Library this spring!
Ticket information:
Lindley Live: No need to book a space – just drop by. Register your interest via EventBrite to receive an event reminder before the talk: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/lindley-live-spring-series-3174279
Lindley Late: Tickets 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 (£10), or you can donate an amount affordable to you. Find tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/lindley-late-spring-series-3174269?aff=odclrlmctfte
