Garden Visits
Important news about the Garden Visits Group, formerly the Gardening group.
As from January 2020, after over 8 years of meeting every month to hear and talk about numerous aspects of gardening, we are trying out a new format for this coming year,
Many members have joined us on our regular coach visits over the years, so these Days Out will be the main focus in 2020 As usual these visits will be open to all previous Gardening group members, with spare seats being offered to any other U3A members.
I have been collating a list of anyone who would like advance notice of these visits, as we usually have more members wishing to come, than coach seats.
To book places please contact Janice Evans on 01562 755660 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful and Happy 2020
Garden Visits Programme - 2020
Date and Time | Visit Details in 2020 |
Garden Visits Programme - 2019
Date and Time | Visit Details in 2019 |
Sunday 10th March Leaving Brinton's Park at 9am Money to be paid by Monday 18th Feb.
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National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. This visit includes looking around the Plant Hunters Fair on the NMA site. The Plant Fair includes specialist nurseries selling perennials, shrubs, rare species and heritage varieties. The National Memorial Arboretum is a special place of memorial and inspiration, with so much to see in the peaceful gardens. There will be a free talk in the Chapel at 2pm. Restaurant and coffee shop both open all day. Cost of this visit: £10 each, which includes the coach fare, driver's tip and donation to the N M A. Leaving approx 3 - 4pm dependant on the weather. |
Wednesday 8th May. Leaving Brinton's Park at 8.45am Money to be paid by Wednesday 10th April.
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Attingham Park Mansion, Shrewsbury. The 18thC mansion and estate of the Berwick family shaped by a story of love and neglect, has been in the care of the National Trust for 70 years. So much to see inside the now glorious mansion, which inspires the sense of beauty, space and awe. Visit the iconic Picture Gallery and the Springtime planting in the Walled Garden. The Carriage House cafe will be open all day. There will be an introductory talk about the Berwick Family on our arrival. Cost of this visit: For NT members, £9.00 each. Cards to be shown on arrival. Cost for NON NT members, £20.90 each Both prices include the coach fare, driver's tip, Family talk and entrance fee for non members. Leaving about 4.15pm. |
Wednesday 26th June Car Share, Arrive 1.15 - 1.30pm Gardening Group and Local & Social History Group and Quizzing Group Members Only, Sorry |
Visit to the Confetti Flower field near Wick, Pershore A unique farm that grows multicoloured flowers which are then harvested and dried to produce beautiful flower petals. These are then sold for use at weddings, celebrations and floral displays etc, throughout the year. The field is only open for a few day a year, after blooms appear. The flowers are then harvested when they are at their best. There is a pop up cafe available for drinks and cake, and there are toilets. 2019 entrance fee £5 each Date Confirmed CANCELLED DUE TO FIELDS & TRACKS FLOODED |
Wednesday 10th July Leaving Brinton's Park at 8.45am Money to be paid by Monday 24th June |
Trentham Gardens, Stoke. Visiting the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens, led by the renowned designer, Tom Stuart-Smith. See the Rivers of Grass and the Floral Labyrinth, designed by Piet Oudolf. The Capability Brown Lake lies in the garden's centre with its beautiful lakeside walk. Cost for this trip is £17.00 each, this includes coach fare, driver's tip and entrance fee into the Gardens. |
Wednesday 4th September 2019 |
Coach Visit to Middleton Hall and Gardens, Tamworth. Leaving Brintons Park at 8.45am. Visit this Historic Manor House with over a 1000 years of history. Wander around the Georgian Walled garden and nature trail. All renovated by a volunteer led charity.
The cost of this visit is £20 each which includes the coach fare, driver's tip, entrance fee, introductory talk with morning coffee/tea.
One hour tour of the hall, members split into small groups with their own guide. Entry into the Sir Robert Peel Museum, he was twice Prime Minster and founded our Police service.
There are independent shops in the Courtyard and the restaurant and cafe will all be open. Money to be paid by 31st July please.
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Gardening Programme - 2018
Tuesday 9th January |
We will be having our Christmas lunch today, postponed from Dec 13th Just for this meeting we will begin at 10.30am, with the speakers' talks. At 12noon we will sit down to eat our lunch, so that members who attend groups in the afternoon can be in time. Speakers: Bee-keeping and Honey tasting Rhydwen Flower arranging demonstration Pauline Please bring your garden photograph for the competition, and there will still be the free raffle. Food arrangements will remain the same as the original date. |
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Tuesday 13th February |
Trees in the Garden and the Law illustrated talk by Ian McDermott |
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Tuesday 13th March |
Cuttings, Graftings Plant division by Pauline Members to bring herbaceous plants to share with other members |
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Tuesday 10th April |
Change of programme due to the speaker being unavailable |
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Tuesday 8th May |
Plant Fair provided by Twigs Horticultural Project, a local charity which provides work experience for the disadvantaged and disabled. Plants and garden ornaments and sundries will be sale. Bedding plants will be available. There will be refreshments in the hall with money going to the charity. |
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Wednesday 6th June |
Coach trip to Aulden Gardens and Nursery, Leominster; well known for their Irises. Morning visit will include a talk and refreshments. Lunchtime and afternoon will be spent in the National Trust property Berrington Hall. Coach will leave Brinton's Car Park at 9.15am Cost: NT members £13.30. Non NT members £22.30, this includes coach fare, driver's tip, entrance fee and refreshments at Aulden and entrance fee to NT house if not a member. Monies to be paid on or before 16th April, the April monthly town hall meeting. |
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Wednesday 11th July | Visit to Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcester. By shared car, arrival time 11am. Cost £6.50 which includes the entrance fee and personal audio tour. Lunch in the cafe can be pre-booked nearer the time. | |
Tuesday 14th August |
British Native Garden Orchids Dr. Wilson Wall Illustrated Talk He will bring plants to show and to sell |
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Wednesday 12th September | Coach visit to National Trust property, Shugborough Hall, Stafford. Cost for NT members £8.30, for non NT members £19.70. This includes coach fare, driver's tip and entrance fee for non NT members. The Mansion, Gardens, Farm, Servants quarters and Patrick Lichfield apartments and exhibition will all be open. The Apartments will be by timed tickets. Monies to be paid on or before July 16th, the town hall July monthly meeting. Coach will leave Brinton's Park Car park at 9am prompt | |
Tuesday 9th October |
Robin Pearce from World's End Nurseries Illustrated talk on Hostas, there will be plants to see and to buy. |
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Tuesday 13th November |
During the morning we will see Memories of the places we have visited during 2018. This will be followed by a light lunch, places to have been booked before 1st November. |
Gardening Programme - 2017
Wednesday 11th January |
Vic Aspland " Trees and Shrubs" |
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Wednesday 8th February |
Roger Pannell " My Wild Year" Illustrated talk |
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Wednesday 8th March |
Adam Greathead (Ashwoods Head Gardener) "A Garden Divided" talk about his own garden |
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Wednesday 12th April |
Paul Cook of Cook's Nurseries at Stourport |
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Wednesday 10th May |
Mark McCormack Head gardener at "Arley Arboretum" |
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Friday 26th May Gardening Group Fundraising Day |
Plant Sale and Coffee Morning 10.30am - 12.30pm Derek Walker will bring plants, hanging baskets and planted pots, all will be for sale. This event will be open to all U3A members. Drinks and Cakes will be available. Quizzers who attend and want to bring a picnic lunch to save going home are very welcome, drinks will be provided. |
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Wednesday 14th June |
Ian Nex "The Herbaceous Border" |
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Wednesday 28th June |
Evening visit to "Duck Pools" details sent via email. Home garden of Adam Greathead £4 |
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Wednesday 12th July |
No evening meeting |
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Friday 14th July |
Summer Garden Party at Martineau Garden, Priory Road, Birmingham. B5 7UG By shared car, 2pm - 4pm Guided tour, drinks and food, £4 max. 20 |
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Wednesday 9th August All details are confirmed |
Gardening Group Coach Visit. Visit to Kenilworth Castle and Gardens followed by visit to Coventry Cathedral. Leaving Brinton's Park at 9.10am arriving home by 5.30pm Cost includes: Coach Fare, Driver's tip, entrance fee, donation to E H. £14.00 each Members of the U3A Local and Social History are invited to join. |
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Wednesday 13th September All details are confirmed |
Coach visit to Sudeley Castle and Gardens. Leaving Brinton's Park at 8.45am. Cost £22.50 includes coach fare, driver's tip, Castle entrance, History talk and morning coffee/tea. Members of the Local & Social history group are invited. Money due by 17th July. |
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Wednesday 11th October |
" Illustrated Memories of Gardening Outings Throu the Years" | |
Wednesday 8th November |
Robin Pearce of World's End Nurseries, Hallow "Ornamental Grasses and Hardy Ferns. |
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Wednesday 13th December |
"Christmas Celebrations" Supper 6pm Christmas arrangements demonstration Judging of Photography competition, "My garden flowers at their Best" |
Gardening Programme - 2016
January 13th |
Sylvia Sheldon "Early Seasons in Wyre Forest" Illustrated Talk |
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February 10th |
Philip Aubury "Garden Ponds and Water Features" Illustrated Talk |
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March 9th |
Ian Thwaites "Cactii and Succulents" Will be bringing a collection of plants |
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April 13th |
David Morgan The Organiser for Worcestershire NGS Illustrated Talk |
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May 11th |
Derek Walker "Hanging Baskets and Patio Pots" Demonstration and will be bringing a collection of plants |
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June 8th |
Susan Russell "Old Fashioned Roses" Illustrated talk and will be bringing a collection of Roses. |
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Wednesday 29th June |
Coach trip to Ralph Court Gardens, Bromyard. Coach will leave Brintons Park at 9.15am |
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Wednesday 13th July |
Visit to Barbara Mallins garden, Hartlebury, 2pm |
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Friday 29th July |
Coach trip to Dewstow Gardens & Hidden Grottos in the morning Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens in the afternoon Coach will leave Brintons Park at 8am |
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Wednesday 10th August |
An afternoon visit to the English Heritage Witley Court. 1.30pm We will share a Summer Picnic following the tour and viewing the Andromeda and Perseus Fountain. Beautiful Baroque Witley Church will be open to visit. No E H charge but donation of £1.50 towards cake and drinks. Members to bring savoury food to be shared please. |
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September 14th |
Mick Poultney "Raised beds and 'No Dig' cultivation" Illustrated Talk |
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October 12th |
Mike George Ex Hereford and Worcester Radio presenter "The Gardens I have Visited" |
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November 9th |
"Summer Memories" |
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December 14th |
"Christmas Celebrations" Christmas Supper Please note that the 2016 supper is fully booked |
Gardening Programme - 2015
Wed 14 January |
Linda Eggins: Broadleaved Evergreens. Plants to see and to take for cuttings |
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Wed 11 February |
Paul Wilkinson: Creating a Wildlife Haven on your Doorstep |
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Wed 11 March |
Derrick Aston: Question and Answer Session |
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Wed 15 April Change of Date! |
Ingrid Millington: Herbaceous plants for colour through the year Plants for sale Meeting is on the Third Wed evening due to Easter Week! |
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Weds 29 April |
Visit to Webbs Garden Centre, Wychbold, by car
We have been invited to take a tour and talk around the Riverside Gardens, with the Grounds Manager. The garden planting will be looking its best. The tour will begin at 10.30am, leaving the rest of the day for you to enjoy the restaurant and this lovely garden centre. Cost £3 each. Please contact Janice to reserve a place for this visit. |
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Wed 13 May |
Roger Umpelby: Useful, beautiful and unloved an alternative look at Weeds |
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Wed 10 June |
Cliff Ash: The Fuchsia Man. Talk and Plants to see |
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Frid 12 June |
Visit to Worralls Mill, Abberley by car. Home to Mr & Mrs Merriman. Country garden with strong Japenese influence, containing streams, old water mill, fish pond. Planted mixed borders, hot bed, terracing and "jungle" |
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Tues 23 June |
Visit to 19 Waterdale, Compton by car. Home of Anne & Brian Bailey Secluded town garden with a folly, gothic summerhouse, shell grotto and oriental garden. Featured on TV in George Clarke's "Amazing Spaces" |
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Thurs 2 July |
Visit to Westacres, Prestwood by car. Home of Joyce Williams 3/4 acre plant collectors garden with many varieties of acers, hosta and shrubs. Large koi pool and woodland walk, plants for sale. |
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Wed 8 July Instead of usual indoor meeting |
Evening visit to the home of Rosemary and Tony Winnall, Callow Hill.
Garden tour by Tony, SSI site tour by Rosemary. |
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Fri 10 July |
Coach trip to Birmingham Botanical Gardens and to Winterbourne House and Gardens |
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Tues 4 August |
Visit to Langdale, Offenham by car. Home of Adrian James Small evolving plant lovers garden. A follow up event since the visit by Adrian to last year's gardening group meeting. " A Garden from Scratch" |
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Mon 10 August |
Coach trip to National Trust Powis Castle, Gardens & Clive Museum, Welshpool |
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Wed 19 August |
Visit to New House Farm, Elmbridge by car. Home of Carlo Caddick. A large garden planted with many rare shrubs, amongst the water, dry and rose gardens. Dahlias from the National Collection are planted here. Plants on sale. |
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Tues 1 September |
Visit to Lyndale House, Astley Abbots, Bridgnorth by car.
Large 20year old garden, with terraces, pool waterfall, working greenhouses and vegetable garden. |
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Indoor Programme begins again | ||
Wed 9 September |
Joe Hawkins, Landscaper of Hagley Hall, Illustrated Talk |
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Mon 14 September |
Coach trip to Biddulph Grange Gardens Coach will leave Brinton's Park at 9.15am prompt. We will leave about 4.30pm depending on the weather. |
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Wed 14 October |
Dr. Mike Jones: Mistletoe, Facts, Myths and Legends Illustrated Talk |
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Wed 11 November | Photographic Memories of 2015 Evening will begin at 6.30pm | |
Wed 9 December |
Christmas Supper |
Gardening Programme - 2014
Wed 8 Jan: |
Seasons in the Wyre Forest Illustrated talk by Sylvia Sheldon |
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Wed 12 Feb: |
Accessories to Plants in Gardens Illustrated talk by Ian Nex |
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Wed 12 Mar: |
"Hidden Places, Secret Lives" Illustrated talk by Rosemary Winnall who recently featured on BBC Countryfile programme |
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Wed 9 April: |
Perfume in the Garden Illustrated talk by Susan Russell |
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Wed 14 May: |
Change of Speaker Linda Eggins. Illustrated talk on New Plants, Old Plants, Who Cares! |
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Sat 17 May: |
Coffee morning, Bring and Buy and Plant Sale. 10am - 12noon in Broadwaters Church Hall Please start thinking about what items you can bring to sell, all monies raised go towards funding our speakers throughout the year. |
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Frid 23 May: |
Coach outing to Dorothy Clive Gardens, Market Drayton. Arrive 10am, leave at 2pm after lunch and go onto Hodnet Hall Gardens, Market Drayton. Arrive at 2.30pm leave at 4.45pm. Total cost inc. coach fare, 2 entrance fees & drivers tip, £20.50 based on a full coach. Coach leaving Brinton's park at 8.30am. |
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Mon 2 June: |
Walk & Talk with Bill White at his nursery and plant centre at Far Forest. 6.30pm - 8.30pm £2.50 inc refreshments, 10% off purchases made on the visit. |
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Wed 11 June: |
Bulbs through the Year Illustrated talk by Vic Aspland |
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Frid 13 June: |
Meet Reg Moule at David's Nurseries, Martin Hussingtree; at 2.30pm. Talk and refreshments £5 |
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Frid 27 June: |
Pump Cottage, Alvechurch 2pm. Talk, garden tour & food £6 with Barry Knee |
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Wed 9 July: |
Evening visit to Stone Cottage Garden. 6pm £5. Talk & refreshments with Louisa Arbuthnot |
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Frid 18 July: |
Meadow Farm, Feckenham. Diane Cole 2pm £5 Talk, tour & food. ( min 15 members) |
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Mon 11 Aug: |
Coach trip to Hampton Court Castle & Gardens, Leominster. Arrive at 10.30am, leave at 4.45pm. Total cost inc. coach fare, driver's tip, entrance fee including guided tours of Castle & Gardens based on a full coach, £16.50. Groups will be split into 2 for both tours. Coach leaving Brinton's Park at 9am. There are catering facilities within the grounds. |
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Frid 29 Aug: |
Towne House, Astley, Stourport. Tim Smith 2pm £7 Talk, guided tour of sub tropical & refreshments. ( min 10 members) |
Members' names now being taken for this visit |
Back to Indoor Meetings, which start promptly at 7pm | ||
Wed 10 Sept: |
Illustrated talk on "Carnivorous Plants" by Mike King He will bring some of these amazing plants to show and to sell. |
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Wed 8 Oct: |
A Garden from Scratch Illustrated talk by Adrian James |
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Wed 12 Nov: |
Memories of the Gardening Year 2014 |
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Wed 10 Dec: |
Christmas Shared Supper. Numbers will be limited, to regular members of the gardening group. Please note all places have now been reserved. Please arrive before 5.45pm and remember your plate, utensils and food. Desserts & drinks will be provided. |
Gardening Programme - 2013
Wed 9 Jan: |
John Spires will be giving an illustrated talk about orchids, the types and their care. There will be a question and answer session so bring along your sickly plants and get the information needed to make them flower again |
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Wed 13 Feb: |
Rosemary Winnall will present an illustrated talk, titled "Gardening for Wildlife" |
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Wed 13 Mar: |
Bill Auger of Augernik Fruit Farm. The Growing of Soft Fruits |
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Wed 10 Apr: |
David Cropp. Gardening for Climate Change. With the change in weather patterns, managing the garden in a different way will become important. |
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Sat 27 Apr: |
Car Trip: Orchid Show. Perton Civic Centre, Church rd, Nr. Wolverhampton WV6 7PD. Open 11am - 4pm. Admission £2, and I have some 50p off vouchers. Displays, advice, stalls and refreshments. Combine the show with a visit to nearby David Austin Roses Centre. |
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Wed 8 May: |
Paul Allen. Wyre Forest District Council Ranger. Illustrated talk about the nature reserves and wildlife of Wyre Forest |
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Sat 11 May |
Special Event: Bring & Buy Coffee Morning. 10am - 12.30 at Broadwater's Church Hall, Kidderminster. There will be plant, cake, book & gift stalls to buy from, also grandchildren's books & games for sale. Please bring items to sell. Members & visitors wecome, please support this event the money raised will be used for forthcoming speakers.
Thank you to everyone who came to this event. We received plant donations from Rowberry Nurseries and Knight Brothers Landscape Materials, as well as from our own members. We made the wonderful total of £185 which will be used to pay for speakers to attend our future Gardening group meetings. |
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Thurs 6 June |
Coach trip to Abbey Dore Court Gardens and Laskett Gardens, home of Sir Roy Strong, the landscape designer. |
Report |
Wed 12 June |
Pauline Pitchford. Flower arranging Demonstration. Members to make a Tussie Mussie. |
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Frid 21 June |
Car Trip: Whitlenge Gardens, Hartlebury, Stourport. Meet at 2pm. Lovely sunny day. Beautiful gardens with many unusual features |
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Mon 1 July |
Coach Trip to Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry. |
Report |
Wed 10 July: |
Stella Bagnall will give a guided walk around Broadwater's Park. Starting at 6pm, please meet by the Water Mill in the Park. Back to the Church Hall afterwards for refreshments and to finalise arrangements for the Summer outings. |
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Frid 12 July |
Car Trip: The Walled Garden, Rose Terrace, Worcester. Meet at 2pm. |
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Frid 26 July |
Car Trip: Worlds End Garden Nursery, Hallow, Holt Heath. meet at 2pm |
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Frid 9 Aug |
Car Trip: Stockton Bury Gardens, Kimbolton, Leominster. The cafe now opens at 11am, so please arrive anytime between 11am & 12noon. Pay the entrance fee direct to the gardens. |
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Frid 23 Aug |
Car Trip: Rose Bank Vineyard, Fernhill Heath, Worcester. Meet at 2pm. |
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Wed 11 Sept |
Monthly meetings begin in Broadwater's Church Hall at 7pm. Illustrated show of Members' Memories throughout Spring & Summer. |
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Mon 23 Sept |
Car Trip: The Picton Garden, Colwall, Malvern. Meet at 11am, lunch can be eaten at The Kettle Sings.
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Wed 9 Oct |
Andy Pedrick. The Art of Pruning. Will include a practical demonstration and time for members to have a go! Please bring a pair of secateurs. |
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Wed 13 Nov |
Sheena Clarke. Presents with a Difference! Do not do your Christmas shopping until you have seen Sheena's demonstration! |
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Wed 11 Dec |
Christmas shared Supper with Entertainment!
Please note, this evening's event begins at 5.45pm. Don't forget your plate, dish, cutlery and drinks; but no alcohol please. The food lists for the shared supper will be available at gardening group meeting, Numbers will be limited. All places have now been booked. |
The Language of Flowers
Carnations Pink - I Will Not Forget You
White - Endearment
Striped - Maybe
Mixed - Health & Energy
Roses Deep Pink - Gratitude
Peach - Appreciation
Red - Love
Pink - Friendship
Yellow - Happiness
Rose Leaves - Hope
Chrysanthemums Yellow - Slighted Love
Red - I love You
White - Truth
Grass - Submission, Utility
Corn - Riches
Ivy - Friendship, Fidelity, Marriage
Fern - Sincerity
Gerbera - Gaiety
Jasmine - Grace & Elegance
Sweet William - Gallantry or A Smile
Honeysuckle - Bonds of Love & Devotion, Generous & Devoted Affection
Pansy - Thoughts, Thinking of You
Clover White - Think of Me
Pink - Industry
Rosemary - Remembrance
Sage - Esteem, Long Life, Health
Lavender - Serenity & Grace
Sweet Basil - Good Wishes
Thyme - Activity, Courage
Parsley - Festivity
Stocks - Bonds of Affection
Palm - Victory
Veronica - Fidelity
Lettuce - You are Cold Hearted
Nettle - You are Spiteful
Tendrils of a Climbing Plant - Ties
The Gardening Doctor
Do you suffer from PLUMBAGO is your back a little sore?
Or perhaps it's PYRACANTHUS which you caught in Singapore?
You've a nasty little HOSTA which I think I'll have to lance,
and I notice a SPIRAEA has been leading you a dance!
Are you getting forgetful? Is NEMESIA the cause?
Does your ANTIRRHINUM pain you when you're walking out of doors?
You've had SKIMMIA RUBELLA I can see that by your nose,
and CORNUS CAPITATA has played havoc with your toes!
How is your VIBURNUM TINUS? Have you lost your sense of smell?
Use a SYRINGA REFLEXA that should help as well.
I'm afraid your MACROCARPUS isn't really up to scratch,
and do avoid NIGELLA it's a nasty thing to catch.
Still, I think you're doing nicely, but watch the QUERCUS in your knees.
Take your BERBERIS twice nightly.
Cheerio! Next patient please!