THE Cornwall Garden Society (CGS) Autumn Lecture Programme will be launched by botanist and plant hunter David Pearce, who is the 13th curator of Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, an immersive paradise that nestles on the edge of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

With over 30 acres, Abbotsbury is home to more than 6,000 species from across the globe. David will explore the garden’s 265-year history, as well as its design, philosophy and the plants that make it special.

He will also discuss some gardening ‘take-homes’ for every type of garden and gardener, with time for questions at the end.

Abbotsbury: Past, Present and Future will be David’s subject at The Alverton, Truro on Tuesday, October 14 at 7.30pm (immediately following the CGS Annual General Meeting at 7pm). He will discuss My Life in Horticulture at the Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth on Wednesday, October 15 at 2.30pm.

These lectures are free for CGS members. Non-members are welcome to attend to find out more about the society and donations are gratefully received.

Affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society and The Gardens Trust, the Cornwall Garden Society is a charity that exists to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture in all its branches; share knowledge about good gardening principles and Cornwall’s rich garden heritage; and promote, conserve, protect and study the natural environment, historic gardens and designed landscapes in Cornwall.

The society also hosts the annual competitive Spring Flower Show, a highlight of the horticultural year for expert horticulturists and ardent enthusiasts; and through the Pat & Margaret Wells Bursary, it offers financial support to those in horticulture- related education, apprenticeships or employment in Cornwall.

Those looking to find out more can do so via: www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk