The Cornwall Garden Society’s (CGS) December lectures will be delivered by Alan Power, who has managed some of the most beautiful gardens and estates in the country – notably Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, Hidcote Manor in Gloucestershire and Stourhead in Wiltshire.

Mount Stewart is the 19th century house and garden that was formerly the Irish seat of the Marquesses of Londonderry, which is now owned by the National Trust.

The garden is unique and of rare quality, being one of the few late compartmentalised Arts and Crafts-like gardens.

It has been voted one of the top ten gardens in the world.

Hidcote Manor is also a National Trust-owned Arts and Crafts garden. Created by the American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston, its colourful and intricately-designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are full of surprises.

When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, it was described as a living work of art with its magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes and rare and exotic trees. It has been part-owned by the National Trust since 1946.

As a result of his impressive career in horticulture and arboriculture at these distinctive locations, Alan has collaborated with the Gardeners’ World team on many occasions. He has also presented on BBC Radio 4, co-presented British Gardens in Time on BBC4, and has lectured across Europe and North America.

In 2016, Alan was presented with an Honorary Doctorate by Writtle University for his outstanding contribution to horticulture.

Stourhead will be his topic on Tuesday, December 10, at 7.30pm at The Alverton in Truro, whilst My Journey Through Great Gardens will be his focus on Wednesday, December 11, at 2.30pm at the Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth.

The lectures are free for CGS members. Non-members are welcome to attend and donations are gratefully received.

A local nursery will offer plants for sale and refreshments will be available.

The CGS is a charity that exists to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture in all its branches; share knowledge about gardening and Cornwall’s rich garden heritage, and conserve the county’s natural environment.

The society is affiliated to the RHS and its Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales.

For further information about the CGS visit www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk, follow @CwllGardenSoc on Twitter and Instagram, or like www.facebook.com/cornwallgardensociety