Category: Meetings
-
Colour in the garden- the Gertrude Jekyll way
Marc Brimble, our July speaker, gave an interesting talk on the life and influences of Gertrude Jekyll as well as her designs and planting. She was an artist, photographer and craftswoman with many varied interests such as metalwork, carving, embroidery and gilding, also a keen plant collector and traveller! She channelled her artistic talent and…
-
Delightful Dahlias
On a lovely sunny June evening we welcomed Pip Smith with a beautifully illustrated talk on this subject. First we had a brief history then a display of the different types, colours and petal formations followed by all aspects of their selection and care. He gave out a full plant list of the ones he…
-
AGM 2026
Our well-supported AGM was held on Tuesday 12th May, with Sylvia selling her excellent value choice perennials in aid of club funds beforehand, then a complimentary cream tea after the official business, much enjoyed by all of us. Members ratified the annual subscription of £25 and we presented Brenda, who did not stand for re-election…
-
English Roses
We welcomed Liam Beddall of David Austin Roses to our April meeting for an excellent presentation on this thriving global family company which is celebrating the 100th year of the founder’s birth. Using beautiful illustrations, he covered everything from its history through the breeding and propagation process to selection of suitable varieties and their care.…
-
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’…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…