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 2nd Jan:
Wildflowers of the UK: Sally Cunningham
From the comfort of your own home, you’ll be able to take a close-up look at some of our beautiful native flowers which are becoming less common, as well as several more overlooked species. The link will be emailed out to members before the event so, if you haven’t yet renewed your membership or joined, now is a good time to do so to make sure you don’t miss out!
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 6th February:
Bridewell Garden: Ruth Madder
Helping with Mental Health: An acclaimed walled garden and vineyard using gardening to improve well-being and mental health. We hope to follow up this talk with a visit to Bridewell Garden later in the year.
Tues 5th March:
Growing Alpines: Katharine the Tea Break Gardener
Information on alpine plants, how to build a rockery and other options for growing alpines in any garden. These often dainty plants are great at adding interest and often do well on our local sandy, limey soil so a great addition to most gardens.
Tues 2nd April:
Boggery in the Garden: Tim Walker
This talk was put together following the renovation and extension of the Bog Garden at the University Botanic Garden. Water adds an extra sensory dimension to a garden in addition to extending the range of plants that one can cultivate. The talk begins by looking at the types of water feature and then goes on to explain how the new pond was built in the Botanic Garden and a much smaller pond in our new garden. Emphasis will be placed on the plants that can be grown in a water garden – the “boggery” of the title.
Tues 7th May:
Creating a Community Garden: John Green
Learn how Oxford Barracks Lane Community Garden developed and continues to grow. (Is this something we could do in KBS?) We hope to follow up this talk with a visit to Barracks Lane Community Garden.
Sun 19th May:
Member’s Open Garden (2 – 4pm – address to be advised)
Members only perk! Chance to look around a well-established working kitchen garden where you can ask questions, compare techniques and chat with other gardeners. The address will be provided to members nearer the time. Guests / visitors may be allowed at the discretion of the owner in exchange for a small donation to the Gardening Club.
Tues 4th June:
Grow your ‘5-a-day’: Chris Day
Props-driven guide to growing fruit, vegetables and herbs when time and space are limited.
Sun 9th June:
Visit to Bridewell Gardens
A follow up to our February talk. Join us in our visit to see the stunning walled garden and vineyard – an inspiring trip to a beautiful setting where nature, horticulture and community support better mental health. £5 donation requested. Car share. Times TBC most likely pm.
Sun 23rd June:
Member’s Open Garden (2 – 4pm – address to be advised)
Members only perk! Chance to look around a local garden focused on growing produce, where you can ask questions, compare techniques and chat with other gardeners. The address will be provided to members nearer the time. Guests / visitors may be allowed at the discretion of the owner in exchange for a small donation to the Gardening Club.
Saturday 29th 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 13th July:
Garden Party (ticketed event)
Details will be circulated nearer the time. Open to members and guests.
Saturday 31st August:
Village Show – why not volunteer to help out?
More details to follow nearer the time.
Tues 3rd September:
The Cutting Garden: Rachel Siegfried
Growing perennials and shrubs for cutting.
Tues 1st Oct:
Bats in the Garden: David Endacott
Come and meet these fascinating creatures and find out how to attract them into your garden!
Sun 13th OR 20th Oct:
Visit to RHS Wisley
Join us on our visit to see what we hope will be spectacular Autumn colours. Entry is free for Gardening Club members. If we have spaces, guests will be welcome for a small surcharge to cover temporary membership. We’ll be travelling by coach so you can relax and enjoy the day. The trip cost will be advised when known.
Tues 5th November:
Annual General Meeting
A light-hearted look back at the year – with wine and cheese.
Tues 3rd December:
Christmas Party (ticketed event)
Details to be confirmed nearer the time.