Garden and greenhouse fans to learn about lavender

Horticulture fans with a passion for learning may be interested in a forthcoming event.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden is set to host the First International Lavender Conference, with input from the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

The six-day event will take place from September 6th at Clare College, with a number of points on the agenda.

New breeding techniques, cultivation and classification will be discussed, while experts are set to give speeches on a range of topics.

RHS entomologists Dr Andrew Salisbury will be one of the speakers, discussing the effects of the rosemary beetle.

Head of botany Dr John David said: "Since lavender is one of the UK’s most popular garden plants, it is not surprising that the RHS has a great deal of interest in it.”

The expert added the oldest herbarium specimen dates back to 1731.

In other news, the RHS is to build a carbon-neutral library and learning centre at its Garden Harrogate site.