Blog
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March 2026 meeting
First a quick explanation, we had some website gremlins after our September meeting but all now back up and running thanks to AdminJo! Our recent blogs and older photos have disappeared but onwards and upwards… At our March meeting we enjoyed an enthusiastic and knowledgeable talk by Joe Bagley, the Houseplant Doctor and BBC Gardeners’…
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Forest Gardening
At our September meeting we welcomed Lizzie Pellow of the team currently creating an environmentally sustainable Forest Garden at Shugborough, with a resilient eco-system, that feeds, waters and fertilises itself. Lizzie’s great enthusiasm in sharing the science behind the project, which should open in spring 2026, really made this subject come alive. She explained how…
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2025 Annual Show
We were delighted with the success of our Show this year with an amazing 247 entries after such a hot dry summer when everything seemed to have gone over early, but our exhibitors did us proud, and with the home produce too! There was a wonderful display in the village hall, and for the first time,…
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Climbing and wall plants
On a hot August evening we welcomed retired tree surgeon Gordon Malt who trained at Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, to share his knowledge on this topic. He explained about choosing different supports depending on how individual plants grow, and their situation. His photos showed us a range of plants including unusual ones such as Ribes…
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July meeting
A day after the coach trip we had our regular monthly meeting, welcoming Nigel Hopes from John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries, which we last visited in spring two years ago, with an inspiring presentation on all its beautiful seasons. He explained the behind-the-scenes work, how the garden continues to evolve, and how we can achieve some similar…
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Summer Coach Trip
A week after our Open Gardens weekend, we had a full coach of members and guests for a wonderful trip to Waterperry Gardens near Oxford. The weather was just right, not too hot with a lovely breeze. As well as the 8 acres of landscaped gardens with so many different areas, we enjoyed the plant centre, gift…
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Open Gardens Weekend
We were delighted to welcome 268 visitors to our Open Gardens weekend, raising £1340 in programme sales, which will be shared between the Village Hall and the Gardening Club as usual, a real success in stiflingly hot weather. Everybody enjoyed the range of styles and sizes in the 12 gardens as well as some excellent…
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Antics on the allotment!
On a beautiful sunny June evening we welcomed The Potty Plotters – Elaine and Julia – who shared their allotment anecdotes and growing tips. It was an hilarious meeting starting with an unexpected quiz, and it was easy to see why they’re so popular on their regular Radio Derby Sunday slot. Their cheerful no-nonsense approach…
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2025 AGM
At our AGM on Tuesday 13th May all the committee who were standing for another year were re-elected and members endorsed a proposed annual subs fee of £25 for the 2025/26 year, also an amendment to our Constitution. This, together with our updated policies, can all be viewed via our Links page. Sylvia was presented…
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Patio pots and hanging baskets….
On a lovely sunny spring evening, members at our April meeting enjoyed a lively talk by Darren Rudge with his ‘tricks of the trade’ on this subject, followed by a practical demonstration of making up a hanging basket which he then kindly donated to our raffle. His initial presentation recommended different types of pots and…