Talks from Tresco’s head gardener will kickstart the Cornwall Garden Society’s new series of lectures next month.

Mike Nelhams began his horticultural career as a student at RHS Wisley in the 1970s, where he spent ‘weeks frozen to the top of a ladder’ learning how to prune apple trees properly at commercial speeds.

He then worked at Tresco Abbey Gardens for a year, before being asked to stay on for a further 18 months of tree work. This was followed by five years at High Beeches in Sussex.

In 1984, Mike received an invitation from the owner of Tresco Abbey Gardens, Robert Dorrien-Smith, to return as head gardener. He took up the offer and has worked there ever since.

Being taught to do things in the right way without shortcuts at RHS Wisley has characterised Mike’s horticultural career and he adopts the same approach with his students today.

Tresco Story will be his subject on Tuesday October 8 (7.30pm) at the Alverton in Truro whilst Gardens of the Mediterranean will be his focus on Wednesday October 9 (2.30pm) at the Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth.

Lectures are free for CGS members, and non-members are welcome to attend with donations gratefully received.