Mushrooms are extraordinary. They belong to a distinct kingdom of life, possessing abilities that extend far beyond their culinary significance. During autumn, fungi work diligently in our forests and woodlands, establishing a vital underground “wood wide web”, connecting trees which allows them to share nutrients, water, and even send warning signals about pests and disease. Some species exhibit bioluminescence, while others find applications in medicinal purposes. Of utmost importance, mushrooms serve as essential recyclers in nature, literally powering life by decomposing organic matter. There is also evidence, that some mushrooms even possess the potential to assist in the breakdown of plastics.

In 2023, Lorraine Caley and Jodie Bryan of the Caley Brothers took RHS Chelsea by storm with their gold-medal awarded, edible and medicinal mushroom exhibit. The innovative display proved that mushrooms can be attractive and useful additions to homes and gardens – whether displayed in ceramic vases, on macrame or even used to make ink, paper or seed pots.

Passionate about mushroom cultivation, the Caley Brothers believe that anyone can grow mushrooms, whether on a windowsill, balcony, or in the garden. On the 7th and 8th of October, they will host a special workshop at Hever Castle & Gardens, where attendees will gain insights into:

The extraordinary world of fungi and their role in ecosystems.
How mushrooms breathe, grow, and recycle matter.
Beginner-friendly techniques for growing oyster, shiitake, and lion’s mane mushrooms at home.
Why mushrooms thrive in kitchens and small spaces.
The role of fungi in sustainable living.

“We’ll be showing people a variety of ways to grow mushrooms, with live demos and lots of tips on how to make the most of whatever space you have. We’ll also bust a few myths—like the idea you need acres of land or specialist equipment. You’ll leave with confidence to grow at home. And at the end, we’ll have a Q&A session so people can dig deeper and ask about their own spaces and ideas,” explained Lorraine Caley.

Neil Miller, head gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens added: “I’m so excited to have the award-winning Caley Brothers on site. Their workshop, is ideal for beginners to seasoned gardeners, Lorraine. Caley and her sister Jodie Bryan (The Caley Brothers) will be encouraging visitors to embrace autumn and grow mushrooms at home.”