Recently my world has revolved around the four L’s  – Learning, Lectures, Latin and Library. However, I am not certainly not complaining, I am absolutely loving it!

One of the joys of my work, is that I am part of (and surrounded by) an institution of learning, study, research and knowledge. A large part of my job is to learn and I was informed of that in my interview. BG’s are of course places of  beauty, reflection, sanctuary and are home to wildlife and rare plants. They are also places that contain living collections that aid in scientific research and conservation.

I feel in a very privileged position to be employed in the role that I am in and to learn from very knowledgeable people.

As the saying goes, ‘the more I learn, the more I realise how much I don’t know.’ This is very much the position I am in just now but it doesn’t feel daunting, just exciting. It feels like an adventure and the more and more I learn the more amazed with the world I become.

Some of the recent lectures that have been given recently and are still to be given over the coming few weeks are very worthwhile going to or reading up on.

I attended a lecture last week given by Robert Grant which was titled ‘PARADISE LOST – Reflections on the Evolution and Decline of Great Gardens and Designed Landscapes’. It was most interesting.

I also attended a lecture on the South American  ‘Ligustrum vulgare.’ – A VERY invasive species.

There was a lecture arranged by the Friends of the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens called ‘More than cabinets with dried plants – an introduction to herbaria and herbarium practices.’ A lady from the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens came up to give this. I was meant to attend but unfortunately wasn’t feeling well that night so never made it. I spoke to and read other people’s notes though which gave me an idea of what I had missed.

I also attended a recent conference with my work at Edinburgh Botanic Gardens ran by Plant Network. It was all about trees and was very worthwhile.

This coming week I will be attending a lecture entitled, ‘A handful of flowers: Medieval herbs and herbals.’

Coming lectures I intend to go to include one on Woodland Gardening and another on Biodynamic Gardening,

Of course the majority of my learning comes from the practical day to day work and familiarising myself with the Botanical Latin names and habits of the many plants and trees we look after. However sometimes it is necessary to just go to the library for a few hours and plough some information into my brain!

On that note I better get studying as I have a Plant ID test tomorrow. Much love x