TICKETS are still available for Farringdon Horticultural Society's fundraising talk by celebrity gardener, Toby Buckland.

To take place this Wednesday (March 9) at the Alton Maltings Centre, the event will raise money for Help for Heroes together with two local charities, yet to be decided.

Described as "a real gardener" whose passion comes across in his presenting, writing and designs for his garden practice, Toby Buckland is known for his light-hearted, hands-on approach and for his artistic garden features made from plants and recycled materials.

He trained and worked as a rose and pinks nurseryman and gardener before qualifying in landscape and amenity management at Greenwich University's partner institution, Hadlow College, Kent and later took a post at The University of Cambridge Botanic Garden. His speciality is fruit and vegetable growing, which he does with his usual flair at his South Devon home.

Known by many as the kitchen garden expert in the BBC series 'Great Food Live' and more recently as a presenter of the BBC 2 programme 'Gardeners' World', Toby Buckland has fronted many shows, including 'Garden Magic' for BBC 1, 'This Morning' for ITV and 'Grass Roots' for Meridian.

He has also written several books, and is a corespondent for, among others, the Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The English Garden and Organic Gardening magazine. He has lectured nationwide and his garden design skills are legendary.

On Wednesday the doors will open at 7pm and Toby Buckland's talk will start at 7.30pm with a break for refreshment at 8.15pm, to be followed by questions.

For tickets at £10 call Phyll Watts on 01420 588318.