Join us for an informative walk and talk with Ham House gardeners Vanessa Park and Janette Slack-Smith. They will share their deep knowledge of growing food and flowers in environmentally friendly ways. 

Following on our very popular walk with Head Gardener Rosie Fyles where we learned how Ham House are adapting their formal gardens to climate change, her colleagues will show us how to “grow our own” sustainably. All fruit, veg and cut flowers are grown without artificial fertilisers or the use of chemical pest control. Vanessa and Janet will show us how this works in practice. We will learn how they compost and manage to grow from seed without using peat, conserve water and encourage pollinators. You get the chance to see the garden’s newest edition, an edible hedge and two pear plots. The gardeners will explain how you can work with nature and still have a beautiful, productive garden. 

This walk is suitable for newbie veg growers and seasoned flower lovers alike. It is open to non-members of the National Trust but bring your membership card if you have one. 

 Children are welcome to attend with an adult, although the walk and talk are aimed towards an adult audience. Please book one ticket per attendee. 

This event is part of Ham United Group's Good Gardens for Everyone project. Support for the project comes from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Local Area Fund.

Accessibility

Adapted toilet facility available. Level access in gardens - please note paths are made up of gravel and cobbles.

Full access statement of Ham House and Garden here, https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/documents/access-guide/1431729730798-ham-house-and-garden.pdf

What to Wear

This is an outdoor event. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.