Graham Spencer is available to give lectures and talks on issues related to plant variety rights and licensing, as well as on some of his favourite plants, reflecting more than 15 years experience in the industry. These talks are usually illustrated and are always light-hearted and entertaining, reflecting a passion, enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the subject.
Graham is available to present talks throughout the year and anywhere in the world (although, being based in Sussex, England, the further away you are, the greater the fee will be!). He has given presentations throughout the UK and also in the United States, to groups ranging from small garden clubs up to major societies including the Hardy Plant Society, National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens and British Clematis Society.
If you are interested in making a booking, or just wish to check availability and fees, then please use the contact form.
Graham currently offers six different subjects for his talks, but will be happy to discuss your own requirements.
A Beginner’s Guide To Plant Variety Rights
This talk offers a complete overview of the systems for plant protection, including Plant Variety Rights, Plant Patent and Trademark. In addition, topics such as selection of a new variety, marketing, trialling and licensing are all covered, as well as the benefits of working with a breeders’ agent. Handouts with simple notes and a list of useful contacts can also be provided.
This talk is comprehensive and entertaining, and is intended to provide an introduction to the complex world of protecting and marketing new plants for amateur and professional plant breeders, as well as highlighting the responsibilities of nurserymen and gardeners growing plants that are protected by breeder’s rights. It is presented in such a way as to reduce the intimidation that many people feel when confronted by the world of breeders’ rights, and doesn’t shy away from a little controversy!
Talk duration: 60 to 90 minutes, plus question and answer session.
Equipment required: table for handouts, power supply (for laptop computer).
New Plants For Your Garden
All gardeners get excited by the prospect of a new plant. This talk provides an opportunity to get excited by recent introductions and by plants that have not yet been launched.
In this talk, Graham gives an insight into the new plant development process, including a brief introduction to Plant Variety Rights and the commercial aspects of new variety development, as well as a discussion of the qualities required to make a new plant a success. This is followed by an illustrated discussion of some of the new plants that have recently been introduced or are about to be launched through Plants For Europe - which inevitably gets the note-takers in the audience scribbling in their pads!
Talk duration: 75 to 90 minutes, plus question and answer session.
Equipment required: projector screen, projector stand, power supply (for projector), table for props. Venues outside of the UK will also usually be required to provide a 35mm slide projector.
The History and Running of a Specialist Nursery
Graham spent fifteen years working in specialist horticulture at one of the oldest nursery sites in the UK. This gave him an exciting and interesting insight into how a small nursery firm functions on a day-to-day basis, as well as unique opportunities including staging exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show and elsewhere.
This talk is partly illustrated with colourful and informative slides. It is fun and replete with amusing and enlightening anecdotes about the experiences and people encountered during a career in horticulture, as well as an overview of nearly 90 years of growing at Croftway Nursery.
Talk duration: 75 to 90 minutes, plus question and answer session.
Equipment required: projector screen, projector stand, power supply (for projector), table for props. Venues outside of the UK will also usually be required to provide a 35mm slide projector.
Hardy Geraniums
Geraniums have becoming very popular and fashionable in recent years, with new varieties appearing all the time. This talk gives a personal overview of the genus, with a focus on Graham’s favourite varieties. It includes advice on variety selection, cultivation and how to use these beautiful plants in the garden. It is lavishly illustrated with colourful slides.
Talk duration: approximately 75 minutes, plus question and answer session.
Equipment required: projector screen, projector stand, power supply (for projector). Venues outside of the UK will also usually be required to provide a 35mm slide projector.
Irises
One of the most regal and graceful flowers for the garden, the genus Iris has seen much development in the last fifty years or so, the results of which are not widely known outside of the United States. This talk provides an introduction to the genus, and concentrates on popular and personal favourites, with an emphasis on bearded and Siberian irises. Richly and colourfully illustrated, the talk includes cultural tips and advice on using irises in the garden.
Talk duration: 60 to 75 minutes, plus question and answer session.
Equipment required: projector screen, projector stand, power supply (for projector). Venues outside of the UK will also usually be required to provide a 35mm slide projector.
Hardy Perennial Garden Plants
Nearly every garden contains some hardy perennials, and they are amongst the most popular groups of plants. A massive topic, this talk gives an overview of personal favourites from the world of perennials, including brief looks at Geranium and Iris. The talk is colourfully illustrated, and includes cultural advice, planting combination hints and tips, as well as a few anecdotes and a little controversy!
Talk duration: aproximately 75 minutes, plus question and answer session.
Equipment required: projector screen, projector stand, power supply (for projector). Venues outside of the UK will also usually be required to provide a 35mm slide projector.
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