Workshop for adults: Exploring Rosaceae – the botanical rose family

Part 2 June 29th

In partnership with Wild Amersham, these 2 workshops for adults offer a relaxed introduction to the concept of a ‘Plant Family’, by exploring the Rose family, Rosaceae. This is not a family exclusively of roses – it is also home to a diverse array of other plants. These include many of our domestic fruits (Cherries, Strawberries, Apples, Raspberries), as well as garden plants (Potentilla, Spiraea, Alchemilla) and wildflowers (Wood Avens, Agrimony and Tormentil). Both workshops will include a visit to the Museum Garden, to explore the Rose Family members growing there. 

Under the guidance of local botanist Karen van Oostrum, you will discover why such diverse species are included within the same family. Karen will take you through the key features of plants in Rosaceae, giving you the opportunity to look carefully at the structures of leaves, flowers and fruits from a range of species. The two workshops are linked, and you are encouraged to attend both. However, each is a standalone session, so you are also welcome to book them individually.

You may wish to bring a notebook and pen. A wildflower guide or hand lens can also be helpful if you have them, but there is no need to purchase these if you don’t.

Workshop 1 includes an introduction to Plant Families and a look at the vegetative and floral features of Rosaceae.

Workshop 2 June 29th includes an overview of the various fruit forms (drupes, hips, achenes and pomes) of the Rose family, and we will delve into the historical significance of Rosaceae in our local area.

Workshop 1 begins with an introduction to the concept of a plant family. Karen will explain what a plant family is, how it relates to classification and taxonomy, and why it is useful. Participants will then explore the vegetative features (leaves and stems) of species within Rosaceae, with key botanical terms introduced along the way. You will see how these features aid identification, with plenty of plant material available for close observation and for practising your descriptive skills.

We will then move on to the floral features of Rosaceae species. Karen will explain the functions of the main flower parts (sepals, petals, stamens and carpels) and the different ways they can be arranged. You will discover how flower structure supports identification, again using fresh material for careful observation and hands-on practice.