2026 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 6th Jan:

For the love of Salvias: Colin Roberts

Salviaholic Colin, head gardener at Adwell House, will explain how to grow this useful group of plants.

Tues 3rd February:

Successional Planting: Chris Day

Tips on getting more from your garden from a professional horticulturalist.

Tues 3rd March:

Gardening for Butterflies & Moths: Peter Philip

How to help ‘Butterfly Conservation’ in their aim of saving these beautiful insects by the way you garden.   

Tues 7th April:

Making the Most of your Greenhouse: Katherine Woods

Ideas for using your greenhouse to expand your produce beyond summer tomatoes!                          

Tues 5th May:

Life as the Head Gardener at Trinity College (Oxford): Kate Burtonwood

Life in the gardens come rain or shine!

Date TBC:

Visit to Trinity College gardens in Oxford

Following on from our talk in May we hope to plan a visit to the gardens.

Tues 2nd June:

Gardens of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka: Natalie Mignotte

A great traveller and keen horticulturalist combines and shares her two passions.                                             

DATE TBC:

Guided Butterfly Walk

A follow up to our March talk. We hope to join Peter Philip and Butterfly Conservation to take a walk around local meadows or woodland to spot butterflies. Location and date TBC

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 27th 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 1st September:

Herbs: Cultivation, Culinary & Medicinal Uses: David Hinckley

A holistic journey through the world of herbs.     

Sat 22nd August:

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 6th Oct:

Grow Yourself Happy: Kathy Slack

Food writer and kitchen gardener, Kathy, on the benefits of growing food for your mental health.                        

Tues 3rd November:

Annual General Meeting

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

Tues 1st December:

Christmas Party (ticketed event)

Details to be confirmed nearer the time.Edit