Join us for a lively illustrated talk exploring the curious history of rockeries and stumperies — from their Victorian origins as romantic, fern‑filled grottoes to their revival in today’s naturalistic gardens. Discover how designers used stone, roots and timber to create drama, texture and habitat, and why these once‑fashionable features are enjoying a new moment of horticultural interest.

The Speaker: Ben Dark is a writer, gardener and plant historian. He read history at Bristol University and horticulture at Capel Manor College before completing a traineeship at the Garden Museum and an MA in garden and landscape history at the University of London's Institute of Historical Research. His first book, The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 1/2 Front Gardens tells the stories behind the flowers and trees on a single city street. His second book, Green Kingdom: The Family History of Plants (to be published in October 2026) is a 400-million-year exploration of how some beached algae on a barren planet became the woods, the rainforest and the rose garden.

This talk will be held both in-person and online with the option to listen to the recording of the talk for up to two weeks later. If opting to listen to the talk online, a Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 5 days and then again one day prior to the event.

In-person Tickets:
SGT Members: £12pp
Non-Members: £15pp

Online Tickets: £6pp