Join local author Mary Georgina de Grey for a lively talk inspired by her latest novel, Let the Music Play On.

Tying directly into our current exhibition, Poison Garden – Healing or Deadly, this event explores the dual nature of the plant world—where the line between remedy and hazard, science and folklore, is often extraordinarily thin.

Set in South Devon, Mary's novel follows chemist Phaedra Marchant, the daughter of a visionary herbalist, as she moves to Totnes to build a career centered on sustainability, natural remedies, and growing herbs. Through Phaedra’s journey—including her key visit to the famous Torre Abbey Poison Garden—Mary delves into how plants can nourish, heal, or harm depending on how they are used.

In this engaging talk, Mary will explore:

• Herbal Wisdom & Natural Science: The fascinating properties of plants, the concept of Gaia, and how ancient remedies intersect with modern chemical science.