As the flower garden takes its first steps away from native wildflowers towards a world of exotics drawn from the Americas and Africa, we will look at the impact this has on our flower gardens. The shy natives with their long-standing traditions and uses in the cottage garden are eclipsed in courtier gardens by the sunflower and the love apple. Love-lie-a-bleeding comes face to face with ‘Love Unrequited’ but only one appears in Shakespeare, who in general eschews the exotics for flowers the ‘groundlings’ at the Globe would gave recognised.
Plants can be powerful poisons and have been used as such for millennia. However, as gardeners we are more concerned with the prevention of accidental poisoning or adverse toxic reactions. Many of the plants that we commonly grow in our gardens could be considered poisonous or toxic in some way but with some knowledge, and common sense, can be grown safely and enjoyed for their ornamental beauty.
We will look at the chemistry within those plants that we use to decorate our homes at this time of year, plus those that feature in our seasonal celebratory feasts whether as food or drink. We will also look at the chemistry of plant products that might help us to get over any seasonal over-indulgence!
Discovery Talk:
Taking place on the second Friday of every month in the Museum’s Discovery Space, the Discovery Talks explore themes from the history of the collections to current zoological research.
13.15-13.45
Suitable for ages 12+
This workshop will take place in the Clore Learning Studio and is open to people of all abilities, no previous experience of performance is needed.
‘Working in a group with common and individual questions we will expand conventional notions about the world. The gap between familiar and unknown will be filled with feeling. By responding to it through movement, participants will be guided to build up the connection between body, consciousness and reality.’ – Sasha Pirogova
FREE, booking required.
