“Seeing how everyone benefits from the sessions makes it all worthwhile; horticulture is a great leveller and a marvellous therapeutic tool.”

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Based in Potters Bar, Herts, happy to visit groups in Hertfordshire, London, Essex, Middlesex, Befordshire, Buckinghamshire & Cambridgeshire. Though will travel further but will cost more – see Bookings Page for fees

I am also happy to continue to Zoom especially in the winter to both local groups or those who are further away, you may be at the other end of the country or even in a different one!

Please contact me at:  anne@anneluder.co.uk

I worked as a garden designer for over thirty years, designing both public and private gardens; specialising in allergy-free and challenging gardens. I like to incorporate edible plants into my designs, as well as upcycling and was environmentally aware back when we were called “cranks”. When planning a garden I encourage & involve the owners so they are reflected in the design whilst learning how to maintain their garden and develop it.

At the beginning of my horticultural career, I spent four years in charge of propagation at a nursery in Essex where we offered support, tutoring and a sense of purpose for those with disabilities. This led me to becoming a part time lecturer at Capel Manor College, Enfield, now retired, specialising in therapeutic horticulture for severe physical disabilities. I grew the provision of this therapy at the college. Today HT is finally being acknowledged for all the things that I and my fellow horticultural therapist’s knew and practised years ago.

I am the Honorary Horticultural Landscape Consultant and Trustee of a Natural Burial Ground in Cheshunt where we are re-creating a British native woodland and meadow.

Over the last few years I have developed my interest in ancient and biblical plants plus those mentioned in the holy writings of other faiths. My curiosity led me to look at the mythology surrounding these plants, their usages in past times ie food, building etc and how these plants are impacting on our lives today ie cancer treatments. These are the “Ancient & Bible Plant Talks” all of which are stand alone. From these talks have I acquired the nickname: The Biblical Botanist.  These are all amusing and excellent if you want a quirky talk and not religious.  Another keen interest is taking my own pictures so I know I am not infringing copyrights! However, I must thank the friends who also send me pictures they have taken – many of which are outstanding.

 

Testimonials

  • "Just wanted to thank you again for such an interesting talk today. There was a lot of feedback from the members of the group saying they really enjoyed it & found it very informative" - Mary Kelly Croxley U3A
  • Thank you so much for a really interesting talk this morning.  I'm sure many of our members will visit, or re-visit, Capel Manor during the Summer and find it more enjoyable with the information you passed on - Viv Booth Verulam U3A
  • "Many thanks for coming to give your very interesting talk to the Hertford National Trust on the ''Ancient Gardens Before The Common Era' last Monday.  I know the members I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed it" - Diana
  • Anne entertained us with stories about Capel and her time there. I'm sure many of our members will visit, or re-visit, Capel Manor during the Summer (2015) and find it more enjoyable
  • "Thank you so much for your inspirational talk about your work – the audience were really impressed - and for helping people to recognise how they can use different tools to continue their own gardening if injury or infirmity strikes."   Carole Wilcox - Cuffley Horticultural Society
  • "It was fascinating learning about the tricks of the trade behind some show gardens etc. We'd love to have you back again for a different talk. I'll be in touch."  Carole WGC/Hatfield U3A Garden Group