Helen trained as a Botanist at the University of Reading and is co-author of the 2014 book ‘The Plant Lovers Guide to Asters’. The third generation of Picton’s to run Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden in Colwall, Worcestershire, Helen specialises in Asters or Michaelmas daisies but has a love of all plants.

Together with her husband Ross Barbour, Helen maintains the important horticultural heritage of the gardens and continues to develop their offering. The range of plants has significantly expanded and now includes ferns, tender succulents and over 300 varieties of snowdrops. Since September 2023, Old Court Nurseries holds a National Collection of Polypodiums.

Entry is free to Worcestershire HPS members. Visitors are very welcome, just £5 pay on the door or book in advance via TicketSource (or see QR code below, a small booking fee applies) or email [email protected]