A horticulturist from Britain will share his thoughts on sustainable gardening in a talk to be held on January 28.

Chris Collins, who was once head gardener at Westminster Abbey, will speak at the aquarium classrooms at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo as part of a lecture series sanctioned by the Bermuda Zoological Society.

The free event, which runs from 7pm to 8.30pm, will be held in partnership with Bermuda Botanical Society.

The BZS said attendees will gain knowledge to more efficiently master organic gardening.

Mr Collins will provide information on composting techniques, saving seeds of local varieties and the use of natural resources.

He will share practical tips on the benefits of horticulture and how the practice of resourceful gardening is set to play an important role in sustainability, particularly as the Earth’s resources become more limited.

Jennifer Flood, the BBS president, said that the organisation emphasised the study and promotion of the botanical sciences.

She added that the society aimed to raise awareness about the critical role that plants play in people’s lives as well as the importance of endemic and native species for supporting native fauna.

Ms Flood added: “Our island is under stress from invasives that alter our ecosystem.

“The BBS encourages the community to get out and enjoy the benefits of gardening and its importance, not only for our environment, but also the benefits to emotional and physical health.”

Mr Collins, a director of CM Collins Horticulture Ltd, is also the head of horticulture at Garden Organic, a British charity.

He specialises in amenity horticulture, park management, garden design and maintenance, biodiversity and organic methods, soft landscaping and planting plans, including school garden designs.

The BZS said he is a well-known community, school and professional workshop presenter, who featured as the gardener on the popular UK children’s television show Blue Peter, for ten years.

From his experience, attendees will walk away with greater knowledge on how to grow an organic garden as well as the enthusiasm and enjoyment of working with soil, the BZS said.

The charity said research showed that spending time in the outdoors tending a garden is a highly rewarding and beneficial activity for children and adults.

It said gardening reduces stress levels, improves mood and increases physical activity while it offers a greater connection to nature, which in turn builds an appreciation for the island’s environments.

Attendees were encouraged to make a $10 donation at the lecture which will be shared equally to support both the BZS and the BBS.

• For more information call 293-2727 or send an e-mail to marketing@bzs.bm