This exclusive event has been organised for Plant Heritage Sussex Group to offer a small group of members an opportunity to learn about how orchids are propagated. The event will be on site at The Mathers Foundation nursery and conclude with light refreshments.
During the workshop you will:
- Learn about how orchids are pollinated in nature and watch a demonstration of how orchids are pollinated at the Foundation.
- Visit the 'maternity wing' to observe seedpods developing and hear from the experts about why certain orchids are chosen to be part of the breeding programme.
- Watch a video of the laboratory process (which is off-site) and learn about the steps required to make seedlings from seed and the timeline involved.
- Observe Jim taking seedlings out of flask and learn about the next steps from seedling to mature plant.
- Take a guided tour of the greenhouses to see the current collection and state of the art greenhouses and learn about the sustainable way the collection is maintained.
- Have the opportunity to buy selected orchids.
Located in Pulborough, West Sussex, The Mathers Foundation was established in 2019 to preserve and develop substantial collections of orchid species and hybrids, supporting both ex situ and in situ conservation. It currently holds the National Plant Collection of Oncidiums with over 1,000 different species and hybrids together with the National Collection of Ian Butterfields' unique Pleiones and the newly acquired Hartley collections of Stanhopeas, Anguloas and Bulbophyllums.
The Mathers Foundation is a not-for-profit charity and all tour proceeds are reinvested to support our conservation work both in the UK and overseas.
Parking is available on site and details of how to reach the nursery will be forwarded on booking. The nursery is close to Pulborough station which is the closest station by public transport. Taxis can be booked to get to the nursery. If you need more information on location before booking please email: gill@orchid.foundation.
Due to the size of the glasshouses workshop tickets are limited to 10 people and entrance is by ticketholders only. The event may be filmed and photographs may also be taken which may be used for marketing. If you prefer not to be included in the filming or photographs please let us know.
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on X
Follow us on Facebook
