John's Garden

Hamamelis Lecture and Garden Tour

Ashwood Nurseries
hamamelis lecture

We are thrilled to announce our Hamamelis Lecture, by Chris Lane VMH (AKA Mr. Witch-hazel)

Lecture: ‘A Marriage made in Heaven. What did Arnold Promise?’

Chris Lane is the UK’s leading hamamelis expert and he will give his definitive lecture on witch-hazels. This is a unique opportunity to learn all about these beautiful Winter-flowering shrubs. In his illustrated lecture, Chris will focus on Hamamelis x intermedia, how it arose, a selection of his favourite cultivars and the people who raised them.

Following the lecture, there will be a guided tour of  John’s Garden, the beautiful 8 acre canal-side garden of nursery owner John Massey VMH. The tour will be guided by John, Chris and head gardener Nigel Hopes. The tour will focus on the witch-hazels and how to make the most of your garden in winter.

About Chris Lane VMH

Chris Lane at his nursery

Chris Lane is an internationally renowned nurseryman who holds five national collections:  Hamamelis, Wisteria, Prunus (flowering cherries), Amelanchier and Parrotia at his nursery in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Chris is a long serving member of The International Plant Propagators Society, becoming president in 1995. He also serves on the RHS Woody Plant and Trials Committees. In 2024, he was awarded the VMH, the RHS’s highest accolade.

Itinerary

  • 10.00am: Please meet at the Oss Box by the main car park for welcome hot drink and biscuits. A member of the Ashwood team will welcome you (your name will be on our guest list).
  • 11:00am: Lecture: ‘A Marriage made in Heaven. What did Arnold Promise?’ by Chris Lane.
  • 12:30pm-2:00pm: Free time for you to explore the nursery and tea room.
  • 2:00pm:A guided tour of John’s Garden.

Essential Information

  • Saturday 30th January 2027
  • Cost: £25
  • Pre-booking is essential.
  • Book online, via Telephone (01384 401996) or in person in The Garden Shop.

Additional Information

  • We advise wearing appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for your garden visit after the lecture.
  • The garden tour is optional; you may come for just the lecture if you wish.