'The revival of Trentham Gardens'™ by Michael Walker

Venue: Castlewellan Castle, Castlewellan, Co Down

Date Thursday 26th April

Time7.30pm

Tickets RHS hotline 0845 2608000

Price £10 non members, £8 RHS members

Originally fromBelfast, Michael started his career at a nursery in Templepatrick, gaining experience before studying Horticulture at Greenmount College. He then joined the National Trust and spent the next three years at one of County Downs Great Gardens-Mount Stewart, mentored by then Head Gardener, Nigel Marshall.

Michael subsequently moved to the mainland where he has worked in a number of great gardens including Powis Castle, Harewood House, Waddesdon Manor, and for the past 8 years as Garden and Estates Manager overseeing the revival of the gardens of the Trentham Estate – winner in 2010 of the European Gardens Heritage Network Award.

The Talk considers the revival of an important 18^th and 19^th Century garden and estate, but one which has been given a contemporary dimension with vast perennial displays by leading designers Tom Stuart-Smith and Piet Oudolf. Michael will discuss the unique ingredients they have incorporated into the gardens recreation to appeal to all of its visitors. 

Trentham is a commercial success, in 2011 the estate attracted 3.25 million visitors with 400,000 paying to visit the gardens.

www.trentham.co.uk