TALKS IN HARNHAM MEMORIAL HALL STARTING AT 7.30pm
21 JANUARY “Designing, Planting & Maintaining Garden Ponds & Water Features”, Andy McConnachie from Aqua Landscape Design Ltd in Sherbourne, DT9 5NR, has over 17 years’ experience of all things aquatic, including a vast range of specialist plants.
18 FEBRUARY “The Restoration of Hestercombe Gardens”, David Usher was Head Gardener at Hestercombe for 18 years and was closely involved with the faithful restoration of the once abandoned gardens. In June 2011 members of HGS will travel to Hestercombe to enjoy the Georgian garden, the Shrubbery and the Edwardian gardens.
15 APRIL “Hanging Baskets”, Roger Savage from Choice Plants in Timsbury, near Romsey, SO51 0NB will bring a selection of baskets, containers and plants to demonstrate the technique of preparing hanging baskets for year-round colour in the garden. Choice Plants stock a wide range of plants suitable for hanging baskets.
20 MAY “Nectar Plants for Sunny Gardens”, Lyn Miles from Boscombe Village, SP4 0AB, has previously given interesting talks at HGS, so we look forward to hearing her new, topical talk about insect-friendly nectar plants. Her garden is open five times during 2011 (NGS Yellow Book). HGS members will go on a mini-visit at the end of May.
17 JUNE “Growing Clematis”, Marcus Dancer from Sandleheath, SP6 1PT, is an expert on Clematis species. He will give a talk, show photographs, give a practical demonstration of pruning, and bring clematis plants for sale.
16 SEPTEMBER “Pests and Diseases & Soil Management” Ray Broughton from Littleton near Winchester trained at RHS Garden at Wisley and is an RHS Lecturer. In September we will be starting to put our gardens to bed for the winter; Ray will help us to recognise and deal with pests and diseases and give advice about soil management.
18 NOVEMBER “Plants and Bulbs for Shade” Irene Bowron from MacGregors specialist nurseries in Lockerley, SO51 0GL, a very well qualified plantswoman, will help us tackle those difficult, shady parts of our gardens where things are reluctant to grow.
MAIN VISIT BY COACH
28 JUNE Hestercombe Gardens , Cheddon Fitzpaine, near Taunton, Somerset TA2 8LG. Once abandoned, now being faithfully restored, a Georgian landscaped garden, a shrubbery, and the stunning Edwardian gardens designed by Lutyens and Jekyll with 40 acres of walks, streams and temples, terraces, woodland, lakes and wonderful views, Courtyard Cafe, shop and plant sales. Partial disabled access. www.hestercombe.com
MINI-VISITS (TRAVELLING INFORMALLY IN MEMBERS’ CARS, NOT BY COACH)
26 APRIL 2.30pm Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, SO45 1AZ. Junction 2 west of M27, follow A326 to Fawley, signposted off B3054. A 200 acre woodland garden on the east bank of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest National Park. www.exbury.co.uk World-famous springtime displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias
29 MAY 2.30pm Two NGS Open Gardens at Boscombe Village, SP40AB, ”Westcroft”, owned by Lyn Miles, and nearby, “The Cottage in the Trees”. Entrance fee of £4.50 covers both. Nursery gardens with a wide variety of plants on show and for sale..
24 JULY 11.30am Boveridge House & Gardens, Boveridge Park, near Cranbourne, Dorset BH21 5RU. This is now a school. One weekend per year, at the end of the summer term, the gardens, designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Thomas Mawson, are open to the public from 10am to 4pm, entry fee £3.50 per person.
22 SEPTEMBER 11am Houghton Lodge Gardens, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6LQ. (1.5 miles south of Stockbridge, signed to Houghton). Orchid house, kitchen gardens, formal gardens and Hydroponicum – growing plants without soil. Cafe. Entry fee £5 per person. Also, water meadow walk and Alpacas for additional £2.50 per person. www.houghtonlodge.co.uk
SHOWS
SPRING SHOW 26 MARCH
SUMMER SHOW 9 JULY