Originally developed as part of a winter lecture series for the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, this engaging and inspiring presentation is divided into two intimately connected parts.

The first explores Adrian Miles’s personal journey into horticulture, reflecting on the experiences, interests and influences that shaped his career and passion for gardening. It examines the fascination with roses that sparked a lifelong quest for knowledge, leading ultimately to teaching and sharing that enthusiasm with others. Along the way, he considers the balance between nature and nurture in gardening and explores the widely recognised benefits of gardening as a form of green therapy.

The second half of the presentation focuses on a remarkable community-led project: the restoration of Newburgh Memorial Rose Garden in Adrian’s hometown in Fife. The talk charts the challenges faced throughout the restoration process, how those obstacles were overcome, and the key decisions involved in selecting appropriate replacement roses and developing a long-term care programme. Drawing on his experience as a volunteer judge for Scotland’s environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, Adrian reflects on the lessons learned from successful community projects across Scotland. This is a ‘good news’ story and something the town is very proud of. The memorial garden has been featured in two Scottish based gardening periodicals. A central theme of the project was the importance of bringing people together.

For anyone interested in initiating, developing or supporting a community gardening project, the session offers practical advice, useful insights and plenty of tips on how to build momentum and encourage local involvement. Above all, Bringing Back the Roses is a positive and uplifting story about community spirit, horticultural passion and local pride. The restored garden is now a valued asset to the town and has been featured in two Scottish gardening publications.

This talk will appeal to gardeners, community volunteers, local history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the power of people working together to transform a shared space.

Suitable for 16+. Free tickets are available in person at Auchterarder Library. Donations welcome.

Donations will be divided between Newburgh Memorial Garden and Auchterarder Library.