​
TALKS
by Maureen Little
​
I am available to give talks to clubs, societies and organisations.
Current talks and fees are listed below.
​
There are very few dates left for 2025 - now taking bookings for 2026.​
KEEP YOUR GARDEN BUZZING
If you want to know which plants to grow in your garden to attract and sustain insect pollinators - including all kinds of bees, butterflies and moths and other insects - this talk is for you.
Based on my new book, and drawing on wide research, my own experiences of gardening and beekeeping, I will share my knowledge about what type of plants best meet pollinators’ needs.
THE BUZZ ABOUT HONEY BEES
How do bees make honey?
Why do honey bees collect pollen?
What plants are best for honey bees?
What happens to honey bees in the winter?
Find out the answer to these, and lots of other honey bee questions, in this fascinating talk.
And you’ll have the opportunity to taste different types of honey, too!
​
TO SCARBOROUGH FAIR – AND BEYOND
Culinary Herbs
Find out about how to grow and use some common – and more unusual – culinary herbs in this richly illustrated talk.
Feel and smell a range of herbs from basil to winter savory - and lots in between!
NEW!
SEASONAL CONTAINERS FOR POLLINATORS
In this practical demonstration, I will plant up a variety of containers with seasonal plants that are beneficial to insect pollinators.
Whilst doing so, I will explain what makes them pollinator-friendly, and will add some cultivation and design hints and tips along the way.
Please note: this demonstration is only available from May to September.
NEW!
HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS FOR ALL SEASONS
In this illustrated talk, I will pick out my favourite herbaceous perennials that earn their place in the garden at various times of the year.
There will be some lesser-known plants, but all will be pollinator-friendly.
​
NEW!
GARDENS IN ART
From Ancient Rome to 21st Century Cumbria (!) see how gardens have been depicted in art over the centuries in this illustrated talk.
NEW!
WINE IN ART
Wine has been depicted in various forms of art for centuries.
We'll embark on a whistle-stop tour from Ancient Egypt to the present day to see how artists have portrayed wine in their work in this illustrated talk.
​​​​
​​
FEES
​
SPEAKING FEES
Clubs and Societies
£150 (+ travel and, if necessary, accommodation – as below)
(If you are a WI within the LFWI, please contact me for fees)
Events (eg Flower Shows)
please contact me with your requirements
TRAVELLING FEES
Car: 45p per mile, as per AA Routeplanner from Longridge, Lancashire, return
Other – rail/taxi: charged at cost
ACCOMMODATION – if necessary
Client to make booking (such as Premier Inn or equivalent)
and pay for in advance
AVAILABILITY
In the first instance, please email info@thebeegarden.co.uk
or use the form on the 'Contact Page' to check my availability.
​
What do people say about me?
“On behalf of the club I would like to thank you for an enthusiastic talk last night, you are truly inspirational.”
Club Chairperson, a gardening club in Cumbria
​
"All those who attended our meeting really enjoyed your entertaining and informative session and we have had great feedback."
Club Treasurer, a gardening club in Cheshire
​
"After that talk [Keep Your Garden Buzzing], I'm going to learn to love buzzy things and creepy crawlies!"
Overheard during refreshments at a gardening society
​
“We have learned so much this evening. An inspirational talk given with enthusiasm by someone who really knows her subject.”
Club Chairperson, a garden society in Lancashire
"That was brilliant. She really knows her stuff."
Overheard in the queue for tea at a gardening club
​​​​
​
​
