Gardening and Nature
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Early Summer Newsletter
We hope that you have all been enjoying this fabulous spring weather and that your gardens have been benefitting from the warm and sunny days. Our visits to Vann and Crosswater Farm in early May were both well attended. Both gardens were looking splendid with the wisteria in full bloom at Vann and the rhododendrons and azaleas looking their best at Crosswater Farm. Our programme for the summer is now in full swing and we hope that there is something to appeal to everyone.
Scentsational Plants by Caroline Halfpenny
Tuesday 3 June, 7.30pm
Caroline Halfpenny will be giving us a month-by-month guided tour around the ‘Scentsational’ range of plants that tap into that most sensitive of all our senses, smell.
She suggests plants that can be grown to give us wonderful scents in our gardens all year round. Passionate about gardening and the landscape, Caroline delights in sharing her knowledge and will bring as many seasonal real life samples as possible.
This talk will take place at Woodcote Park and includes a glass of Club wine or soft drink.
Plantpassion Flower Farm
Tuesday 10 June, 2.00pm
We have arranged a visit to Plantpassion, an artisan cut flower farm run by Claire Brown based in East Clandon, set in the Surrey Hills. Claire grows beautiful, seasonal, sustainable flowers which she sells locally to florists for events and as bunches and bouquets.
There are limited spaces available.
Nature Walks
Monday 23 June, 10.00am
A walk has been arranged to Langley Vale Wood on Monday 23 June. The walk will be led by Keith Lelliott, a volunteer guide for the Woodland Trust, and will last approximately two hours. The emphasis will be on looking at flowers and butterflies.
The walk will start at the Langley Vale Wood car park and more information will be provided on booking via the Club website.
Saturday 5 July, 9.15am – 12 noon approximately
We have arranged for a summer walk through Langley Vale Wood when we hope the poppy field will be in full bloom. This is a fairly energetic walk and will be led by Jo Stein and a volunteer guide from the Woodland Trust.
Our walk will start by leaving the Club via the Downs Trail. You will then be taken on some of the routes through the new wood and learn about its history. Please visit the Club website to book your place on this walk. More information will be provided once you have received your booking confirmation.
For both of these walks we ask that you kindly bring £10.00 in cash to donate to the Woodland Trust. There are no other charges for these walks, and we thank you in advance for your donation.
Charterhouse, London
Tuesday 24 June, 2.00pm
On Tuesday 24 June we have arranged a visit to Charterhouse, London. Our tour will take us through the enchanting secret courtyard gardens of Charterhouse, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and history.
This event is now fully booked, if you would like to be added to the waiting list, please visit the Club website.
Introductory Beekeeping Study Day
Thursday 10 July, 10.00am-3.00pm
Woodcote Park now has several hives of honeybees, producing the Club’s own honey.
Sam, our Beekeeper, will be leading an introductory workshop on Thursday 10 July.
The workshop will be of general interest and informative for those considering getting their own hives. The morning will be a classroom-based session with a sandwich lunch followed by a visit to the hives in the afternoon. Please advise us of any dietary requirements or allergies to bee stings in advance.
Price includes refreshments on arrival and a sandwich lunch with tea or coffee.
Social Evening, Short Talk and Summer Buffet
Woodcote Park, Cedar Room
Thursday 14 August 6.30-9.30pm
We invite you to celebrate high summer with us at our summer buffet.
We will start the evening with a welcome drink and a social half-hour before Sam Cumber, the Club’s Head Gardener, gives a short illustrated talk on all that has been achieved in the Woodcote Park gardens this year.
At 7.30pm we will move to long communal tables for a delicious summer main course buffet in the Cedar Room. This will include a glass of Club wine or soft drink, together with tea or coffee after our meal.
This is an ideal opportunity to meet and chat to other like-minded Club members. Anyone coming on their own will find a friendly inclusive welcome.
Visit to Sussex Prairies Garden
Sunday 7 September, 1.45pm
We have arranged a visit to Sussex Prairie Garden for a private guided tour with the owner followed by a traditional cream tea.
The garden should be looking its best in early September. Please visit the Club website for more information and to book a place.
Flowers for the Garden and the Vase All Year
Tuesday 23 September, 7.30pm
Claire Brown from Plantpassion Flower Farm will be joining us in September to talk about cut flower farming.
Claire grows seasonal flowers for sale locally at her flower farm in the Surrey Hills. She will talk about growing flowers for arranging all year round and how she farms in a sustainable manner that benefits the biodiversity on her farm. In addition, she will give us tips on how to grow our own cut flowers at home.
This event takes place at Woodcote Park and includes a glass of Club wine or soft drink.
Our walks and garden visits are very popular, so if you wish to attend, please book early to avoid disappointment. If you do not get a place, it is always worthwhile joining the waiting list as members do drop out due to last minute changes. We can also often arrange an additional event.
To find out about all of our events, please visit the Gardening and Nature Group page of the Club website.
Committee Update
Finally, due to the constant required rotation of committee members, we are hoping to recruit another two or three members during 2025. If you have any interest in finding out what is involved, please email the Gardening and Nature Group Committee with your contact details and we will happily get back to you with any information you require.
The committee looks forward to seeing you at our forthcoming events.
Best wishes
Jenny Reavley
Gardening and Nature Group Committee