The location for all talks is Southmoor Village Hall. Talks are usually on Tuesday evenings and doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm unless otherwise stated. Entry is free for members, £4 for non-members and includes complimentary tea and coffee.
Germs: As gardeners we know that a bit of dirt does you no harm, but a few germs have recently proven to be less good for us… In light of this, we now aim to make our meetings a lower risk environment. Please don’t attend if you feel unwell or show symptoms of Covid or Flu. We space the chairs out a bit as a default, but you’re free to sit closer if you choose. Please be considerate, give other people space, and if you have a cough, please think about testing to make sure it’s not Covid and consider wearing a mask out of courtesy. Top windows may be opened a little to encourage air circulation so don’t forget to bring a warm layer.
Tues 3rd Jan:
The Climate Change Garden: Sally Morgan
Sally has a wealth of knowledge to share about cultivating a garden which is sustainable, resilient, low carbon and even peat free. As well as giving talks she also runs workshops on her farm about climate resilient vegetable growing. With food getting ever more expensive and the seasons becoming even more unpredictable, why not join us to learn hints and tips to help your garden cope with climate change and look beautiful in 2023 no matter what mother nature has in store for us.
This meeting will be hosted via Zoom. Members will receive a link with the invitation a few days before the meeting. If you’d like to attend as a guest, please email us at skbgardeningclub.org.uk to arrange payment and request the link.
Tues 7th February:
Garden wildlife, a gardener’s story: Paul Embden
“If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.” ~ Cicero ~
Paul Embden will be our speaker this month sharing his ‘gardeners’ story’ about the wildlife which lives in our gardens. Paul has worked in the Botany Department of Oxford University and we look forward to learning how we can encourage even more beasties to come along to our gardens and what we can do to make them want to stay.
Tues 7th March:
Practical Plants of the Season: Paul Green
If you’re curious about the sex life and vices of garden plants (propagation & plant droop or attractor of black fly to us gardeners!) as well as just keeping your plants alive then come along! Paul Green will be joining us and sharing his expert tips about what plants to grow as well as where and when for best effect. Paul runs the Green Leaves nursery in Gloucestershire so has plenty of valuable experience to share.
Tues 4th April:
Successful Seeds: Sharon Cooper
Local garden designer and our very own Chair, Sharon will be sharing all sorts of fantastic facts about seeds with us as well as giving us some tips and demonstrations on getting them to grow well for you.
Sunday 2nd April (2-4pm):
Creating New Borders – Working Party
We’ll be continuing work on creating the new borders behind the Village Hall. Anyone is welcome to come along and help out. There will be experienced gardeners on hand to show you what to do. You can bring your own tools or borrow ours. Learn how to recognise and deal with weeds, mark out a new border, cut and lift turf and dig over effectively to prepare ground ready for planting. Hopefully accompanied by lots of friendly chatter!
Tues 2nd May:
Death in the Garden: Michael Brown
A What-dunnit or Who-dunnit…?!
Sunday 7th May (noon – 4pm):
‘The King’s Feast’ Race at Kingston Bagpuize House
Join the rest of the village at Kingston Bagpuize House in an afternoon of fun to mark the King’s Coronation. Take part in our wacky race to get the vegetables from the ground onto the table as fast as possible so the King gets his supper! There will be prizes! Fun for adults and children alike. Free event.
Monday 8th May (2-4pm)
Coronation ‘Big Help Out’ free event!
Everyone is welcome – adults and accompanied children. Come along and help us plant up the new borders and take part in our sunflower competition too! Plants and tools will be supplied. Hopefully we’ll get lots of plants into the ground to help make the new borders look great and we’ll be happy to share tips on how to plant successfully.
Tues 6th June:
A Year in the Gardens at Adwell House: Colin Brown
Adwell House and gardens are located near Thame and are known for their peace, tranquillity, beautiful herbaceous borders and water gardens, so Colin will hopefully have plenty to teach us.
A visit to see this garden may be arranged for a later date if there is sufficient interest.
Saturday 24th June:
Plant Sale – KBS Village Fete
Donations of good quality plants accepted nearer the time. Healthy young plants and established divisions appreciated and particularly anything that will be in bloom!
Saturday 1st July:
Garden Party (ticketed event)
More details to follow nearer the time.
Tues 5th September:
Permaculture: Andrew Mikolajski
If you have less time and energy for working in your garden then Permaculture could be perfect for you. Learn all about it from experienced gardener and speaker Andrew.
Sat 9th September:
Village Show – why not volunteer to help out?
Tues 3rd Oct:
Container Planting: Harriet Rycroft
Planting up containers to provide Winter interest and Spring joy.
Tues 7th November:
Annual General Meeting
A light-hearted look back at the year – with wine and cheese.
Tues 5th December:
Christmas Party (ticketed event)
Details to be confirmed nearer the time.