2025 Programme

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 7th Jan:

Plant Hunting in Australia: Timothy Walker

One of our favourite speakers returns with an account of his plant hunting trip in Australia. Plants for heat and drought?

Tues 4th February:

Crayfish on the Lawn!: Joff Elphick

All sorts of weird and wonderful tales from this experienced gardener and podcaster.

Tues 4th March:

Plants as Pets: Andrew Mikolajski

Choosing and caring for house plants.

Tues 1st April:

So Many Plants, So Little Space: Bob Brown

We all know the feeling! How to choose. Warning: there may be plants for sale.

Tues 6th May:

Finding the Angle at Chelsea: Mandy Bradshaw

A light-hearted glimpse at what happens behind the scenes at Chelsea Flower Show.

Sun TBC May:

Member’s Open Garden (2 – 4pm – address to be advised)

Members only perk! Chance to look around the garden of one of our members. 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 3rd June:

Tiggywinkles: Looking after Wildlife: Louise Brown

Find out about the work of the world’s busiest wildlife rescue centre and get tips for looking after wildlife – hedgehogs in particular – in our own gardens.

DATE TBC:

Visit to Tiggywinkles

A follow up to our June talk. We hope to have a tour of the facility in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, and see first hand what goes on.

Sun TBC June:

Member’s Open Garden (2 – 4pm – address to be advised)

Members only perk! Chance to look around a local garden. 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.

Sat TBC 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!

Sat TBC July:

Garden Party (ticketed event)

Details will be circulated nearer the time. Open to members and guests.

Tues 2nd September:

The Living Jigsaw: Val Bourne

The secret life in your garden. Award winning writer and organic gardener on how to cultivate a healthy eco-system and create natural balance in your garden. A masterclass in natural gardening.

Sat 6th September:

Village Show – why not volunteer to help out?

This year’s Show Schedule with lists of categories you can enter will be available nearer the time. With classes for fruit, vegetables, flowers, arts & crafts, jams & jellies, cakes & biscuits , photography, flower arranging and special categories just for children, it’s a highlight of the village calendar.

Tues 7th Oct:

Sensory Sensations: Paul Green

Choosing plants with extra interest to stimulate all your senses! There will be plants for sale.

Tues 4th November:

Annual General Meeting

A light-hearted look back at the year – with wine and cheese.

Tues 2nd December:

Christmas Party (ticketed event)

Details to be confirmed nearer the time.