Introduction to botany
Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Location: KS - Keeley Street
This course takes place in the classroom, please follow this link to find out what we are doing to keep you safe: Staying COVID-19 secure at City Lit
Course Code: HS021
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
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What is the course about?
This is an introductory and practical course for those new to the science of botany. By examining specimens and illustrations students will appreciate the structure and function of different parts of the plant and explore common and botanical names. The course will be of interest to keen gardeners but it does not cover horticulture.
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?
We will explore the external structure of flowering plants-leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits to familiarise yourselves with their identifying features and function. We’ll discover common and botanical names. On our walks, we will observe plants from across the plant kingdom.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Describe the basic external parts of a plant and their functions
- Appreciate the use of common and botanical names
- Observe some common plants from across the Plant Kingdom.
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 afternoon walk takes 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?
There will be talks, demonstrations, practical, pairs/small group work, discussions and question and answer sessions using fresh and preserved plant materials in the mornings, and 2 afternoon walks to local greenspace to see plants in situ. Plant Apps are not covered.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You are welcome to bring in samples of garden plants to contribute to the discussions but this is entirely optional. 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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HS282 Introduction to tree identification
HS262 Great gardeners in London
HS215 More botany (term 3).
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.
