How have plants played a role in shaping history? There are over 250,000 flowering plants in the world, on which all life depends. Plants have been colonising the planet for over 470 million years, and provide us with fuel, food, shelter and medicine. On this day course, we will explore four plants of edible, medicinal and ornamental uses, looking at where, how and when they were brought into cultivation, and how they are used today;’ Tulipomannia’ in Holland in the 17th century, smuggling of tea plants, political crises over opium and diversity of wheat varieties will all be covered, with illustrated talks, discussions, group activities and plenty of time for questions and answers.

Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Landscape Horticulture who lectures at the City Lit, Farncombe Centre, Glos.,WEA and South London Botanical Institute. She taught Garden History and Horticulture at Capel Manor and Birkbeck Colleges for 15 years, and now leads garden tours abroad.