Herbarium Workshop at RHS Hyde Hall

We are very pleased to introduce Yvette Harvey – Keeper of the Herbarium at RHS Wisley, and her team. They will be running the day for us and supplying all the materials we will need for pressing.

The day will begin with an introduction to the history and evolution of herbaria – what is a herbarium? They will explain, and demonstrate how the professional herbarium team selects, collects, prepares and records plant specimens. You will be shown how to prepare and record your own specimen. Everyone will mount at least one specimen to take home (more if time allows).

Draft timetable for the day:

10.30-10.50       Introductory presentation – Yvette Harvey

10.50-12.00       Collecting plant material (outside) - Toni Martin tbc

12.00-12.30        Describing, colour-charting and pressing (part 1)

12.30- 2.00        Lunch – attendees can go to the café or bring a picnic.

2.00 – 2.30        Pressing (cont.)

2.30 – 3.30        Making your own specimens

3.30 – 4.00        Discussion

Attendee names will be on the gate. You are welcome to arrive at the Garden from 9.30 (TBC) but we need to let the entrance gate know so they can let you in prior to 10am - after then the gardens are open anyway. Make your way to the main entrance to be admitted by the Front of House team. They will direct you to the Hilltop Lodge (if required).

We ask you to bring all-weather clothes – or keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress accordingly. 

All gardens are concerned about the spread of plant diseases. There will be spray to sterilise secateurs before and after cutting in the gardens. If you want to bring your own secateurs that’s fine, as long as you don’t mind them being disinfected. No plant material is permitted to be brought into Hyde Hall, but the team will endeavour to collect plant material from the gardens that is close in flower type, or the same as plants in your collections.