Oxford 2009

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Oxford 2009 — Seed Saving and Plant Breeding

Date:                                 Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Time:                                9am to 5pm
Venue:                              Restore Cafe (Elder Stubbs Allotments), Oxford
Cost:                                 £15 per person
Information/Reservations: oxford2009@patnsteph.net
Blog:                                 http://bifurcatedcarrots.eu
Mobile Telephone:            +31 6 40109417

Following the success of last year’s meeting at the Oxford Botanic Gardens, readers of the weblog Bifurcated Carrots and other interested people will meet for a social event.  The day will include presentations, picnic lunch (indoors if necessary), seed exchange, informal conversation and walk around the Restore garden.

This year we have more space, probably enough for everyone, but please confirm your attendance in advance!  We may have to turn people away if demand exceeds expectations.  Make sure I have your current email address, as any last minute information will be sent this way.

Seed Swap

Everyone offering seeds can set their own terms and conditions, but mostly a seed swap is a time where gardeners simply offer their seeds to others without expectations or conditions.  While perhaps some priority will be given for others offering their own seeds, there are always plenty of seeds for everyone regardless if you offer seeds to others.

Come expecting to get free seeds from others, but please bring any self saved or Open Pollinated seeds you’d like to share with others too.

This seed swap is only for OP/heirloom plant varieties or self made crosses, and not for purchased commercial seeds.  If you have any questions about this, please ask!

Presentations Currently Scheduled

Please see http://bifurcatedcarrots.eu for latest schedule

Tom Wagner – Well known American plant breeder specializing in potatoes and tomatoes will discuss his work and introduce us to potato breeding. Most significantly Tom has developed potato varieties totally resistant to Late Blight, the most important and devastating potato disease in the world right now as well as being the disease behind the Irish Potato Famine.

Emma Cooper – Author, blogger and voice behind The Alternative Kitchen Garden podcast will introduce her new book.

VP – Author of Veg Plotting blog will discuss her Air-pot trial.

Julieanne Porter – Works for International Network for the Availability of
Scientific Publications (INASP www.inasp.info) and campaigns (volunteer) for World Development Movement (WDM) and will talk about her work and campaigning in international development.

There’s still space for more presentations, let me know if you’re interested.

Tentative Schedule

9:00 – 9:30  Coffee and tea.  Please arrive at this time and spend time chatting with everyone.

9:30 – 9:45      Introduction and welcome

9:45 – 11:15  Short Presentaions (~10-30 minutes) Emma Cooper, VP, Julieanne Porter, Vicki Cooke

11:15 – 11:30 Break

11:30 – 12:30  Dr. Simon J. Platten

12:30 – 1:00  Seed Swap

1:00 – 1:45  Lunch

1:45 – ?  Tom Wagner (15 minute break around 3pm)

Afterwords walk around the gardens or chat indoors.  We have the room booked until 5pm.

What to Bring

Lunch, possibly to share with others, and something to sit on for an outdoor picnic (weather permitting).

Home saved seeds for seed swap

Feedback

Your comments are always welcome!