TV gardener Christine Walkden carries on Beth Chatto’s legacy

Gardeners and fans of BBC’s The One Show have the chance to hear Christine Walkden as she talks about her life as a horticulturalist and her role as one of the UK’s favourite TV gardeners.

The event will be raising money for the Beth Chatto Education Trust, a charity set up by celebrated plantswoman Beth Chatto.

Beth died last year but her memory and outstanding contribution to horticulture is being carried on to a new generation through her educational trust.

Award-winning gardener Christine was a good friend of Beth’s and is a patron of the trust.

Other patrons include award-winning garden designer Dan Pearson and celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

Christine Walkden says: “I’m thrilled to be speaking at this event.

“Beth was a dear friend of mine and we could talk plants and ecology for hours on end.

“She wanted to encourage everyone to learn more about plants, and gardening.

“Life isn’t just about getting good grades at school (although I’m not saying it doesn’t help).

“Find out what you’re good at, stick with it, become passionate about it, and discover your own path.”

Christine has been a horticulturist since the age of ten when she first obtained an allotment and started growing vegetables and flowers, which she sold to her school teachers and residents.

She was told by teachers that she would “ne’er do well”, but proving them wrong, Christine has gone on to great things, using her extensive gardening knowledge to become the resident gardening expert on The One Show, and regular Gardeners’ Question Time panellist.

She has also written a number of informative gardening books.

The event is being held at 7pm on June 28 at The Ivor Crewe Lecture Theatre at the University of Essex.

Tickets cost £15, with discounts available for students and RHS members.

Tickets also admit holders into The Beth Chatto Gardens in Elmstead Market, from 10am on June 28.

Tickets are available by visiting www.bethchatto.co.uk/courses.