Many people will know Victorian horticultural maverick Ellen Ann Willmott from the spiky sea holly Eryngium giganteum "Miss Willmott's Ghost" named for her. They will probably know the legend, too, that she kept its seeds in her pocket to sprinkle in other people's gardens. It is one of many stories, some outrageous, some shocking, some even true. Somewhere along the way, however, Miss Willmott became a ghost herself, forgotten by generations. Sandra Lawrence talks about the real life of Miss Willmott, her rediscovery in the basement of a country house in Worcestershire - and puts a few of those ghost stories to bed.

The Speaker: Sandra Lawrence is a journalist and author of 26 books, including the Witch's Garden series for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Lost Gardens of the World and Literary Gardens for Frances Lincoln. Her biography of Ellen Willmott was published in 2022, but she is still working with the rediscovered archive, still uncovering mysteries and still - just occasionally - solving a few of them.

Please note that this talk will only be delivered as an in-person event and will not be recorded.

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