Programme 2024-25

LAST MEETING REPORT: 

A record turnout for our AGM and discussion groups, including 9 new club members. Welcome to you all.  The AGM was preceded by a presentation to Ros and Los Hammerton of an RHS Recognition Certificate to mark their outstanding long service to the club.  The Chairman made his annual report and the Treasurer presented the Accounts which were approved. A Vice-Chair and two new committee members were elected and there being no other business we adjourned for refreshments, during which the members present voted for the Best In Show from the display of the Christmas Challenge bulbs (Leucojum aestivum). Heather-Jane Hold's presentation won best in show and was awarded an RHS Best in Show Certificate. Well done HJH.

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Following refreshments we split into six discussion groups, based on member's suggestions, and lively debate followed. It was agreed this was a very valuable experience, both socially and in sharing our combined knowledge, and we will do this again . Thanks to new committee member, Roger Bushell, for organising this. The raffle was then drawn.

 

Next meeting 

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Sunday 28 April 10.00-3.00pm

Rhosygilwen Plant Fair

We will be running the Tombola and Plant Creche as usual. Ros & Los are organising the event for us. Thank you to all our volunteers and plant suppliers.

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Wednesday 8 May at 7.30pm

'Sarracenia - The Pitcher Plant' with Ilona Trimbrei

Fascinating members of the plant kingdom, Sarracenia have developed their own strategy to deal with the less than ideal conditions they grow in. This talk shows the different types and where the grow. It also includes tips on how to grow them yourself, which is really easy. Plant Sales Table.
(Teas: Gillian Morley & Sue Brown)

 

Wednesday 12 June at 7.30pm

'10 Ways to use Willow in your Garden' with Justine Burgess

Justine and her husband run West Wales Willows and supply cuttings and rods to grow your own willow for basket weaving, fuel for wood burners, early nectar for bees, ornamental uses and living structures such as arches, domes and tunnels. They hold the National Collection and grow over 300 varieties. Plant Sales Table. (Teas: Lesley Cutter & Alma Stanford)

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Wednesday 10 July at 7.40pm

'My Very Succulent Story' with Howard Drury 

This beautifully illustrated and informative talk was postponed due to snow last year, so we are pleased Howard has been able to return to talk about his vast collection of succulent plants, where they come from and how to grow them. He will touch on new plants and plant breeding and will have a selection of rare, but easy to grow, plants for sale. (Teas: Nina Weatherhead & Heather-Jane Hold)

 

Thursday 18 July from 2.00-6.00pm

Open Garden: Cilbronnau Mansion, Llangoedmor, SA43 2LP, courtesy of Lyn & Roger Bushell 

Lyn and Roger Bushell moved in to Cilbronnau Mansion during lockdown in 2020. Some members may remember Bob and Betty Hobbs who lived there around forty years ago. The two and a half acre garden is now a work in progress and includes a courtyard cottage garden, a Mediterranean garden, vegetable plots, orchard, ancient trees and woodland, developing lawns, beds and borders. All areas are at various stages of development. 

 

Wednesday 14 August afternoon

Summer Social with details to be confirmed.

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Wednesday 11 September at 7.30pm

'An Introduction to Fungi' with Jessica Sendall

Jessica is a self-taught fungi enthusiast, who has lived in West Wales for the last three years. For over 10 years she's foraged and explored, acquainting herself with the flora, fauna, and fungi of the British countryside. The mystery of the fungi kingdom knows no bounds, but that which we do know paints an incredible picture of diversity, intelligence, uniqueness, and versatility, and an ancient history of use in food, as medicine, and an essential presence in our natural ecosystems across the world. Jessica loves to teach people about fungi, how they grow, where to find them, and what you can do with them. At home, Jessica enjoys a busy life on an off-grid smallholding where she manages a vegetable garden, and keeps two parrots. Plant Sales Table. (Teas:)

 

Wednesday 9 October at 7.30pm

'Flower Farming in Wales' with Sara Redman

Since moving to a smallholding in Penrhiwpal, Sara has has hit the sweet spot of monetising her passion and still living a charmed life. It hasn't always been so rosy as Sara and her husband regularly took 8 hour round trips to ready their five acre plot for their semi-retirement project, living onsite in a caravan. Their hard work paid off and in 2017 The Flower Meadow was launched. In 2019 Sara became the welsh co-ordinator of 'Flowers from the Farm', a multi award winning, not for profit co-operative of over 700 UK flower growers. Plant Sales Table. (Teas:)

 

Wednesday 13 November at 7.30pm

'Houseplants' with Ruth Bramley

Ruth will be highlighting the joys and pitfalls of growing houseplants and showing a range of common and more unusual plants suitable for growing indoors. Annual Seed Swap. (Teas:)

 

Saturday 14 December at 2.00pm

Christmas Social with details to be confirmed.

 

Wednesday 8 January 2025 at 7.30pm

'Plants I Have Killed' with Paul O’Neill

A garden of four acres, closely planted with many rare trees, shrubs and perennials open to the public for the NGS, Llwyngarreg continues to develop further, delighting plant lovers with its many rarities. Species Primulas, bamboos with Roscoea, Hedychium, and Salvia extending the season through to riotous autumn colour. Trees and rhododendrons have been underplanted with perennials. The sunken garden for tender/exotic gems and gravel terraces with formal pool continues to mature. Springs form a series of linked ponds across the main garden, providing a colourful bog garden. (Teas:)

 

Wednesday 12 February 2025 at 7.30pm

'Maximising the flavour of Home Grown Tomatoes' with Darren Shipp

Darren decided to turn his long-standing interest in growing edibles into a fully-fledged business. As the business focused on growing plants for the kitchen garden, it began under the name Ediplants. In 2020, after successfully expanding the nursery to now supply a large selection of ornamental as well as edible plants, Darren decided to change the name to Bedwen Plants. He is based in Henllan. (Teas:)

 

Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 7.30

'Gardening in Difficult Places' with Jenny Matthews
Jenny covers the challenging locations that many gardeners in West Wales have to contend with and suggests plants that can cope with exposed, coastal and cold sites. She will also consider microclimates within gardens that are considered awkward and recommend plants to provide attractive displays. Plant Sales Table. (Teas:)

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Wednesday 9 April 2025 at 7.30pm

AGM

(Teas:)

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