In association with HSS
Dr Simon Olpin will talk about his fascination with tropical plants and animals, and how he could never see them in their natural environment due to an inborn “fear of flying”. So his life project has been to create an exotic garden – in fact, several of them – wherever he has lived in England. The culmination of his efforts is his now famous garden in the suburbs of Sheffield, which is “blooming gorgeous”. Simon will discuss his inspiration, and that of historical plant collectors long before his time, as well as the challenges of creating a subtropical oasis in Yorkshire. As well as plants, Simon has many unusual animals living in his conservatory! This will be an entertaining and adventurous evening, full of fantastic photos demonstrating what is actually possible – with determination – here in northern England!