There is no meeting in January so the next meeting of the Garden group is on 11th February 2026, when we visit Easton Walled Garden to see the snowdrops and other spring bulbs. We still have a few vacancies for this trip if anyone would like to join us. Please see us at the back of the hall at the January main meeting.
A Happy New Year to all our members.
Anne
In November the group welcomed back Karen Gimson who gave a very amusing and interesting talk on 365 Days of Colour in the Garden. She also gave us suggestions for places to visit as well as lots of hints and tips, such as cutting snowdrop bulbs into 6 pieces to get more of them. We were informed that we were the friendliest group in the East Midlands circuit, and she has visited lots of different groups so she would know! What an accolade! We will certainly be having her back to the group in future.
There will be no meetings in December and January, and we are taking names and monies for our February trip to Easton Walled Gardens to see the snowdrops.
Anne
Last month the group welcomed Camilla Anderson who talked about Edwardian Gardens and the Arts and Craft movement.
A smaller group than usual saw images of lots of gardens influenced by Arts and Crafts and enjoyed an interesting and informative explanation of this style of gardening. Many of these gardens are in the south of the country and quite a lot of the halls and large houses are no longer standing, but the gardens are still there and well-tended.
Camilla brought items from her online shop and members were able to browse through books and garden-related gifts, including soaps, hand creams and twines.
It was a very enjoyable meeting, just a shame that there were reduced numbers to hear about this history of our gardens.
The next meeting, on 3rd November, will be a talk from Karen Gimson, a writer for the Garden News.
All are welcome as we are an open group.
Anne
On 1st September the group travelled to Yorkshire for the last trip of the year to Harlow Carr.
In spite of the weather we have had this year, the gardens were beautiful and still full of colour. The day was mostly dry, and we enjoyed wandering around the gardens and following the various trails, seeing just what a colourful season Autumn can be.
As usual Betty’s Tearoom and cafe was a very welcome stopping place and refreshed all who tried the delicious fare. This garden is a good place to visit to get ideas for your own plot, both in variety, colour and size of plants.
October’s meeting is at the JGC at 1.30 to 3.30 when we welcome Camilla Anderson who is speaking on Arts and Crafts and Edwardian gardens.
All are welcome as we are an open group.
Anne
In August, members heard about flowers beginning with the letter A. These included Acacia, Abelia, Acanthus, Acer, Aconite, Agapanthus, Agave, Alchemilla, Allium, Alstroemeria, Amaryllis, Anemone to name just a few of the 70 that I found.
A good number attended despite the weather – it poured with rain just at our meeting time! – and the holiday season. But then we know that gardeners are intrepid and positive characters!
September’s meeting was a trip, this time to Harlow Carr, more details next month.
On 6th October we are back at the JGC for a talk by Camilla Anderson on Arts and Crafts and the Edwardian Garden. All are welcome as we are an open group.
Anne