From the past, present and future of an historic sub-tropical garden to the exotic flora of the Caribbean, Cornwall Garden Society’s annual lecture series continues to enhance horticultural knowledge in the county

The Cornwall Garden Society’s (CGS) annual lecture series continues in February with two talks by heritage garden curator and experienced botanising traveller, Stephen Griffith.

As curator of Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens in Dorset since 1990, Stephen is qualified to talk about its history, restoration and development, which is the subject of his first talk – Abbotsbury: Past, Present and Future, on Tuesday, February 7, at 7.30pm at The Alverton in Truro.

Originally created by the Fox Strangways family in the 18th century, Stephen will reveal how the once neglected Abbotsbury is now filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world.

In his second lecture – Exotic Plants and Gardens of the Caribbean Island of St Lucia, the next afternoon, February 8, at 2.30pm at Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth, Stephen will describe his plant-hunting expeditions to this remote corner of the globe and the horticultural treasures that he discovered there.

There will be an chance to buy plants from a local nursery after the lectures, which are free for CGS members. Non-members are welcome and donations are gratefully received.

The CGS is a charity that exists to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture in all its branches; share knowledge about gardening and Cornwall’s rich garden heritage, and conserve the county’s natural environment. The society is affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society and its patron is HRH The Prince of Wales.

For further information about the CGS, visit cornwallgardensociety.org.uk, follow @CwllGardenSoc on Twitter or like facebook.com/cornwallgardensociety.