Programme 2023/2024
This years programme is quite varied and will hopefully appeal to members and visitors. Our indoor meetings are held in Dodford Village Hall, Priory Road, Dodford B61 9DD and open at 7.30pm with the talk or demonstration starting at 7.45pm. Complimentary tea or coffee and biscuits are available after the talk. The annual membership remains at £15.00 and visitors pay £3.00 per meeting.It is possible to become a member at any time of the year and the subscription fee is then calculated on a pro-rata basis.
A Summer Social Evening is organised in a member’s garden and there is always at least one group visit to a fairly local unknown garden.
September is when members and non members can exhibit their homegrown or home made produce in our Village Show. The Show Schedule is available on this website or telephone Penny on 07706 153618 for further information.
Monday 9th October
Gems for Autumn - Josh Egan Wyer
On Monday 9th October Josh will come and give a talk with cut material and live plants this will not be a digital presentation. Plants will be for sale, usually relating to the plants that have been discussed.
Josh is a professional horticulturist, working in ornamental plant production as well as beingHead of Horticulture at Pershore College.
Plants for sale
Monday 13th November
Unusual Fruit and Veg - Kevin Alvetti
On Monday 13th November Kevin will come and give us loads of information on "Unusual Fruit and Veg", that we can grow at home.
Monday 12th December
AGM and Bring and Share Christmas Supper
Monday 8th January 2024
Nature of Wyre - Rosemary Winnall
This talk will be a celebration of a special ancient woodland. Rosemary has lived and worked in the Wyre Forest for 40 years. She is a general naturalist with an interest in biological recording and wildlife photography. Rosemary was awarded the MBE in the 2015 New Years Honours List for her “services to the natural environment.”
Monday 12th February
Please note that this month's talk is not as previously advertised in the programme due to the speaker having to cancel at short notice.
'The Incredible Dutch Auction at Aalsmeer and New Garden Plant introductions' - Ian Sadler
Ian's talk will be light hearted and informative and will include some information on a range of fabulous brand new plant introductions from the best breeders/nurseries in the UK and Europe. Ian has over 50 years' experience with the commercial production of a wide variety of hardy plants in the UK, Europe and North America.
Monday 11th March
Recent and New Discoveries at Hanbury Hall - Neil Cook
Neil's talk will tell us about the journey to build a new kitchen and cafe at the rear of Hanbury Hall a Grade 1 listed building. We will learn about the new biomass heating system and what it replaced. Both projects found unexpected items and features and finally will will hear about planting the last missing avenue in the Park.
Monday 8th April
Alpines - Diane Clement
What is an alpine, where do they grow and why? We will go on four alpine walks at different altitudes to look at alpines in the wild and then see how we can adapt our gardens in order to grow different types of alpines. Lots of wonderful mountains and flowers!
Diane is a member of the Alpine Garden Society and several other Alpine and specialist genus societies. She is currently the Director of the Seed Exchange for the Alpine Garden Society which is the largest seed exchange of its type in the world. She has been growing and showing alpine plants for over 20 years and is a keen exhibitor and Alpine Society judge.
Plants or seeds for sale depending on the weather
Wednesday 1st May - Garden Visit
Moreton Hall Gardens @ 2.30pm
In addition to intricate tulip planting schemes in formal borders and pots, swathes of naturalized bulbs may be enjoyed in the glorious spring meadows and woodland gardens
Cost - Members £17.00 per person to include entry into gardens, guided tour by the Head Gardener or Mrs. Oliveri, followed by afternoon tea.
Payment - Register and pay at a Club meeting ASAP
Wednesday 12th June - Coach Trip
RHS Wisley - Coach departs Dodford @ 8.30am
If you fancy a day out, come and join us. Wisley is one of the world's great gardens, packed with horticultural inspiration. For more info. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
Cost - £30 for Garden Club Members and £35 for Non-Members (cost to include Admission and Coach)
Payment - To book or for more details please see Lorraine at a Club Meeting ASAP or contact Lorraine on 07799 060790 or email dodford-gardening@hotmail.com.
Saturday 7th September
The Dodford Show
THE DODFORD SHOW on SATURDAY 7th SEPTEMBER. We hope to see members and non members on the day either exhibiting or supporting this annual event in its 68th year. Geoff Oke is the Show Judge for the vegetable, fruit and flower classes so lets put on a fantastic display of our home grown produce and members don’t forget that you can also enter the W.I Classes as well!
All members of the community can come along to the Village Hall and see the exhibits when the show opens at 3.00pm(FREE ENTRY).Catch up with your friends and neighbours whilst enjoying a cup of tea with a slice of WI homemade cake! There will also be a raffle and auction of produce.
Reminder : Members, if you can spare an hour, on Friday 6th September come along to the village hall at 2.30pm to help set up the tables etc. for the show.