Marguerite Hughes has hosted Beetham Nurseries’ popular gardening workshops since 2022. A horticultural tutor, garden designer & speaker, she is a well-known face around the Garden Centre. In this profile, you can find out more about her expertise and what makes her classes so popular.
Gardening classes
With nearly two decades of experience in teaching gardening, Marguerite’s journey began at adult colleges, where she delivered practical and accessible horticultural education. Later, she transitioned to teaching independently, establishing a reputation for her engaging and hands-on approach.
Marguerite’s weekly gardening classes cover a wide range of topics, including garden design and planning, propagation, pruning, problem-solving, and selecting plants to optimise garden potential. Known for their practical, interactive focus, with plenty of emphasis on asking questions related to their own experience — her sessions empower participants with the skills and confidence to apply their new-found knowledge to their gardens.
Consultant & speaker
As well as teaching, Marguerite undertakes garden consultancy and design projects. In fact, two gardens she designed, in Southport and Rufford, open as part of the National Garden Scheme.
As a sought-after speaker, Marguerite’s presentations to garden societies, Women’s Institutes, flower groups, and other organisations across Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside, and Yorkshire are lively and participative. Using plants and materials from her own garden, she brings her knowledge to life. Testimonials describe her as “encouraging and entertaining,” while another praised her “extensive knowledge and interactive approach.”
Marguerite's garden
When she has time in her busy schedule, Marguerite likes to relax & work in her own garden. Over an acre in size, with an orchard, fruit & vegetable areas, woodland, mixed herbaceous borders & two ponds — it serves as a living testament to her gardening expertise.
She gardens organically, helped by next door’s chickens on slug patrol!
Marguerite's media contributions
Her contributions to the gardening community extend to the media. Marguerite was a regular guest on BBC Radio Lancashire’s John Gilmore Show, where she dished out seasonal and topical gardening advice. She has also been featured in The Sunday Telegraph for her workshops during National Gardening Week.
Outside of her professional endeavours, Marguerite is an avid collector of Victorian glass, a passion that led to her appearance on BBC1’s Flog It!. She lives with her husband and Tibetan Terrier, Isla, and three rescue cats.
Book online or in-store
Marguerite’s programme of gardening workshops at Beetham Nurseries runs from February to October, delivering practical advice for every level of gardener.
