Join us for a three week Saturday course to explore the world of botany. Why do plants matter and how do we use them in everyday life? Please note: The morning sessions will take place at City Lit. After the lunchbreak, there will be a botany walk just over the road in Lincoln's Inn Fields.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This course will introduce the breadth of the plant world and explore both ornamental plants and those used in medicine. Our topics will include common botanical names and categories, plant habitats and plant observation. In our everyday lives we directly encounter around 40 plants both in and outside the home. From the tea plant and grass for cattle which give us milk, to the rubber tree providing cycle tyres and cotton for clothes, our lives are inextricably linked to plants, a topic we will also explore on this course.
The course will be a mixture of classroom based learning City Lit and off-site learning in the afternoons at Lincoln's Inn Fields.
Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor and Birkbeck Colleges for 15 years as well as at the City Lit. She is a is a Green Flag Parks judge.
What will we cover?
Common botanical names Observing Plants from across the plant kingdom Examples of useful plants from many categories, eg clothes, medicine, ornamental, and edible.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Describe the basic divisions of the Plant Kingdom - Appreciate the use of common botanical names - Observe some common plants from across the Plant Kingdom - Evaluate the diversity of habitats in Lincoln's Inn - Follow up your interests with books and guides using guidance learned from the class.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and open to all. You will need to be able to stand for 15 to 20 mins and be comfortable being outdoors, as the walks take place whatever the weather. The course does not assume any previous study or reading, although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An interest in plants and enthusiasm for learning more are the only prerequisites. As with most courses, an open mind and willingness to listen and observe are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught in several ways, including presentations, practical group work with fresh specimens, observation activities, discussion, Q & A. and a botany walk. Plant apps are not covered.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please wear warm and waterproof clothes with strong, anti-slip shoes. If you already have a hand lens this will be useful . You may find a notebook and/or a sketch book and pencil/pen useful. You are also welcome to bring along any books you already have that you are happy to share with the group. We will have a loo stop and coffee break at the café during the morning. No dogs (except assistance dogs) allowed on walks.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HS282 Tree walks in Golders Hill Park HS215 Exploring Regent's Park's Trees.
Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor College and and Birkbeck, University of London for 15 years. She now teaches classes at the City Lit, Marlborough College Summer School, Woodbrooke,Denman, Glenthorne and Knuston Hall. She is part of the Garden History Grapevine/Gardens Trust group which offers introductory and advanced courses in garden history www.gardenhistorygrapevine.wordpress.com. A guide at the Chelsea Physic Garden for 18 years, Letta now teaches on their education programme. She is a Green Flag Park judge and she also leads her own garden study tours abroad.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/botany-why-plants-matter2491807Botany: Why plants matterhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/o/botany-why-plants-matter-hs021-1080.jpg199199GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Courses/vm/Courses to do with friends/Courses/vm/Inspired by nature/Courses/vm/Environment & Sustainability22851211124616661647137301366912285121116661653Join us for a three week Saturday course to explore the world of botany. Why do plants matter and how do we use them in everyday life? Please note: The morning sessions will take place at City Lit. After the lunchbreak, there will be a botany walk just over the road in Lincoln's Inn Fields.002663751Botany: Why plants matter199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/o/botany-why-plants-matter-hs021-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-04-11T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS021199199Botany: Why plants matter159129199Letta Jonesbotany-why-plants-matter/hs021-2526Join us for a three week Saturday course to explore the world of botany. Why do plants matter and how do we use them in everyday life? Please note: The morning sessions will take place at City Lit. After the lunchbreak, there will be a botany walk just over the road in Lincoln's Inn Fields.0000-Available|2026-04-11 00:00:00This course will introduce the breadth of the plant world and explore both ornamental plants and those used in medicine. Our topics will include common botanical names and categories, plant habitats and plant observation. In our everyday lives we directly encounter around 40 plants both in and outside the home. From the tea plant and grass for cattle which give us milk, to the rubber tree providing cycle tyres and cotton for clothes, our lives are inextricably linked to plants, a topic we will also explore on this course. <br/><br/>The course will be a mixture of classroom based learning City Lit and off-site learning in the afternoons at Lincoln's Inn Fields. <br/><br/>Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor and Birkbeck Colleges for 15 years as well as at the City Lit. She is a is a Green Flag Parks judge.Join us for a three week Saturday course to explore the world of botany. Why do plants matter and how do we use them in everyday life? Please note: The morning sessions will take place at City Lit. After the lunchbreak, there will be a botany walk just over the road in Lincoln's Inn Fields.Common botanical names<br/>Observing Plants from across the plant kingdom<br/>Examples of useful plants from many categories, eg clothes, medicine, ornamental, and edible.- Describe the basic divisions of the Plant Kingdom<br/> - Appreciate the use of common botanical names<br/> - Observe some common plants from across the Plant Kingdom<br/>- Evaluate the diversity of habitats in Lincoln's Inn<br/>- Follow up your interests with books and guides using guidance learned from the class.This is an introductory course and open to all. You will need to be able to stand for 15 to 20 mins and be comfortable being outdoors, as the walks take place whatever the weather. The course does not assume any previous study or reading, although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An interest in plants and enthusiasm for learning more are the only prerequisites. As with most courses, an open mind and willingness to listen and observe are more important than specific levels of skill.You will be taught in several ways, including presentations, practical group work with fresh specimens, observation activities, discussion, Q & A. and a botany walk. Plant apps are not covered.Please wear warm and waterproof clothes with strong, anti-slip shoes. If you already have a hand lens this will be useful . You may find a notebook and/or a sketch book and pencil/pen useful. You are also welcome to bring along any books you already have that you are happy to share with the group.<br/>We will have a loo stop and coffee break at the café during the morning.<br/>No dogs (except assistance dogs) allowed on walks.HS282 Tree walks in Golders Hill Park<br/>HS215 Exploring Regent's Park's Trees.Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldvirtual159199129HS021NONESat11/04/26 - 25/04/2610:00 - 16:0010:0016:003 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksWeekendKSKeeley StreetLetta JonesBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-04-11T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeApr 2026Business, marketing & technology199199Botany: Why plants matterbotany-why-plants-matter/hs021-2526Join us for a three week Saturday course to explore the world of botany. Why do plants matter and how do we use them in everyday life? Please note: The morning sessions will take place at City Lit. After the lunchbreak, there will be a botany walk just over the road in Lincoln's Inn Fields.0000-Available|2026-04-11 00:00:00This course will introduce the breadth of the plant world and explore both ornamental plants and those used in medicine. Our topics will include common botanical names and categories, plant habitats and plant observation. In our everyday lives we directly encounter around 40 plants both in and outside the home. From the tea plant and grass for cattle which give us milk, to the rubber tree providing cycle tyres and cotton for clothes, our lives are inextricably linked to plants, a topic we will also explore on this course. <br/><br/>The course will be a mixture of classroom based learning City Lit and off-site learning in the afternoons at Lincoln's Inn Fields. <br/><br/>Letta Jones, MA, is a Lecturer in Horticulture and Garden History. She taught at Capel Manor and Birkbeck Colleges for 15 years as well as at the City Lit. She is a is a Green Flag Parks judge.Join us for a three week Saturday course to explore the world of botany. Why do plants matter and how do we use them in everyday life? Please note: The morning sessions will take place at City Lit. After the lunchbreak, there will be a botany walk just over the road in Lincoln's Inn Fields.Common botanical names<br/>Observing Plants from across the plant kingdom<br/>Examples of useful plants from many categories, eg clothes, medicine, ornamental, and edible.- Describe the basic divisions of the Plant Kingdom<br/> - Appreciate the use of common botanical names<br/> - Observe some common plants from across the Plant Kingdom<br/>- Evaluate the diversity of habitats in Lincoln's Inn<br/>- Follow up your interests with books and guides using guidance learned from the class.This is an introductory course and open to all. You will need to be able to stand for 15 to 20 mins and be comfortable being outdoors, as the walks take place whatever the weather. The course does not assume any previous study or reading, although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An interest in plants and enthusiasm for learning more are the only prerequisites. As with most courses, an open mind and willingness to listen and observe are more important than specific levels of skill.You will be taught in several ways, including presentations, practical group work with fresh specimens, observation activities, discussion, Q &amp; A. and a botany walk. Plant apps are not covered.Please wear warm and waterproof clothes with strong, anti-slip shoes. If you already have a hand lens this will be useful . You may find a notebook and/or a sketch book and pencil/pen useful. You are also welcome to bring along any books you already have that you are happy to share with the group.<br/>We will have a loo stop and coffee break at the café during the morning.<br/>No dogs (except assistance dogs) allowed on walks.HS282 Tree walks in Golders Hill Park<br/>HS215 Exploring Regent's Park's Trees.Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldconfigurable
12461666Habitats, Ecology & the natural worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/technology-science-and-business/science-and-nature/habitats-ecology-and-conservation1/2/285/1211/1666/12461/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world
