Robert Penson Garden History Lecture 2025

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Ned Lomax: 'Trials and triumphs at Bodnant Garden: Managing an Historic Garden in the Modern Era'
  • Date 24 June 2025 - 5.00 p.m. - 24 June 2025 - 6.00 p.m.
  • Location Garden Quad Auditorium, St John's College

This year's Robert Penson Lecture in Garden History will be given by Ned Lomax, Head Gardener at Bodnant Garden.

Bodnant is a Grade I listed historic garden in the foothills of Snowdonia, managed by the National Trust since 1949. To learn more about its history, visit the National Trust website.

azaleas-in-may-at-bodnant-garden Azaleas in May at Bodnant Garden © National Trust Images/ Rod Kirkpatrick

Ned has been the Head Gardener at Bodnant since 2022 and his lecture will focus on the challenges of managing an historic garden in the modern era. Ned's lecture will thus complement and expand on the themes of 2024's Penson Lecture, given by David Lambert, a director of the Parks Agency. David's lecture asked what it means to manage a garden, or even to simply enjoy the pleasures of a garden, in a world beset by environmental disaster.

Ned's lecture is open to the public and is free to attend. Please register your interest and reserve a seat via Eventbrite.

The Penson Lecture will be followed by a drinks reception in the Garden Quad Reception Room to which all are welcome. The reception will finish at around 7 PM.

Banner image shows The Laburnum Arch in early June at Bodnant Garden © National Trust Images/ Joe Wainwright.