Lecture Presentations

By Neil Lucas

Neil Lucas is the UK’S leading ornamental grass specialist and Director of Knoll Gardens in Dorset.

A passionate plantsman, Neil has been developing his naturalistic style at Knoll Gardens for over 29 years. Along with the renowned nursery he has established a charity, the Knoll Gardens Foundation, which is devoted to a greater understanding of the gardens biodiversity and related sustainable garden practices.

Having been a Member of RHS Council, and achieved ten consecutive gold medals for the nurseries displays at the Chelsea Flower Show, Neil is currently devoting his time to the garden and nursery.

Lectures are illustrated with his own stunning photography, and offer a mix of horticultural information anecdotes and stories to both educate and amuse. His lectures are delivered with humour and the passion and commitment that make Neil such a highly-entertaining speaker.

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Neil’s Keynote Lecture

More ‘wow’ and less work; grasses and their place in our gardens

Discover more about Neil’s specialist subject in his keynote lecture as he explores the use of grasses in our designed spaces. From the naturalistic style of meadows and

prairies to rain gardens and alternative lawns, grasses offer environmentally conscious gardeners an enticing mix of nature friendly informal design and easy maintenance.

Combining cultural information with Neil’s personal gardening philosophy, this brings the story of his work and developments at Knoll Gardens right up-to-date.

Also Available

Plants, Gardens & Wildlife: the Knoll Gardens Foundation

Plants and gardens have always been Neil’s two great interests. However, his time at Knoll has seen him add a third: the associated wildlife that has come to enjoy his naturalistic planting style as much as Knoll’s many visitors.

He established the Knoll Gardens Foundation to research and promote the many the many benefits of his approach to gardening. This is the story so far.

Also Available

Using Perennials in the Modern Garden

Whatever your style of gardening – Naturalistic, Meadow, Prairie, Formal, traditional or Cottage Garden – perennial plants or ‘forbs’ will have
a major role to play. Tactile grasses provide movement and lithe beauty while perennials provide wow factor colour and vital food for countless pollinating insects.

Together they form a near perfect partnership. In this presentation Neil takes a look at some of his favourite perennial plants and their uses in both his own garden and elsewhere.

Lecture Costs

£595 plus expenses (45p per mile for return journey. Overnight charge £100 where necessary).