Garden enthusiasts are being given the chance to be part of an audience with gardening journalist and TV presenter, Alan Titchmarsh, MBE, as he talks about his career and experience as a gardener, from his early days at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to his career on TV and radio, his writing and his charity work.

The event is being held on 28 June at The Ivor Crewe Lecture Theatre, The University of Essex, Colchester, and is in aid of the Beth Chatto Education Trust.  Alan is one of the patrons of the Trust, which was set up to carry forward 10-time Chelsea Gold Award Winner Beth’s passion for plants and her “right plant in the right place” ethos to a new generation.  Other patrons of the Trust include award-winning garden designer, Dan Pearson.

Alan and Beth Chatto have been friends for many years, and Alan is an admirer of the ground-breaking ecological and aesthetic planting styles that Beth has become so well known for.  This “right plant in the right place” ethos was used by Beth in the 1960s when she established her own gardens in Elmstead Market, Essex.  The lecture will be held just five days after Beth’s 95th birthday.

Alan’s gardening anecdotes will be followed by an opportunity for questions and answers at the end.  The Beth Chatto Education Trust hosted a similar event last year with Chelsea Award winner Dan Pearson, and there are plans to make these lectures an annual event.

Tickets for the event are from £28 and there are several packages available, which can include behind-the-scenes garden tours, light suppers in the Gravel Garden room, and the opportunity to meet Alan Titchmarsh at VIP after-event drinks.

Alan Titchmarsh says: “Beth and I have known each other for a number of years and I am a great admirer of her work.  Her “right plant, right place” ethos has inspired gardeners for decades and I am delighted to be able to support Beth’s Education Trust in its work educating the next generation of gardeners.”

Beth Chatto says: “I am thrilled that Alan will be joining us for this event.  I have known Alan for many years, long before we both became well known.  We met during his time at Kew Gardens and had a rapport from the beginning, sharing our joint passion for horticulture.  I have enjoyed watching his career flourish; he is a true plantsman and friend.

“I’m sure the evening will be an interesting and enjoyable event for all, and all the money raised will go to our Education Trust, helping to develop the gardeners of the future.”
Tickets are available from www.bethchatto.co.uk