September 2023

Next months meeting is on Tuesday September 19th. 

PLEASE NOTE, start time is now 7-00, NOT 7-15 for 7-30 as previously posted. September is always the AGM so please remember to bring your subscription for next year, £12. a bargain! Visitors welcome.

The AGM should only take about 15 minutes.

There will be the usual raffle.

It would be interesting if you could bring in any fruit, veg or flowers that are still about and that have done well (or been horrible failures!) to show everyone. Also anything that’s grown that you don’t know the name of.

If you have any produce to share on the evening such as  chutney, jams, cordials, home made alcohol etc please bring them along. Club will provide cheese, biscuits, soft drinks and samples of the latest local beers and ciders. Any beer and cider remaining at the end of the evening will be sold, so bring some money!

We will be having a slide show during the evening. Please take photographs of any plants that have done well, or badly, in your or your friends and neighbours gardens. Please email all photographs to Mike - oldrunner4873@gmail.com

August 2023

We had a bit of a wet meeting at the Asha Centre last month. Still it was a really lovely visit. The roses had been battered by the previous weeks weather and so were not in full bloom as hoped.

Walking around the garden there were lots of surprises, the pond with a view through a bridge to a statue of Buddha, the labyrinth, the willow circle and lots more. It’s a retreat and that is evident by how peaceful it felt. We were made very welcome.

This months meeting on Tuesday 15th August at 7-15 for 7-30 start is  about composting.

We are delighted to welcome Ken Power, who is a Master Composter from GCC, (the council not the cricket club!), Ken will give us a practical talk entitled "Composting and Soil Health".

Composting is an important part of gardening and every garden should have a compost heap.

Ken will be happy to answer any questions you may have afterwards. 

Coffee and tea available from 7-15.

Occasional visitors £2

As always, raffle prizes are appreciated.

Finally, we have two photographs, taken by Fiona, of flowers in her garden.

July 2023

The garden visit to Weir Reach, Maisemore last month was well supported and the hosts were very welcoming and eager to answer any questions. We did have a slight shower but managed to stay dry and enjoyed a drink and a piece of cake in their fabulous garden.

On Sunday 25th some of us visited a garden in Yorkley. Although much smaller than the one in Hartpury it was nevertheless inspiring and over £300 was raised for Cancer Research.

This months meeting on Tuesday 18th July is another garden visit, this time to the Asha Centre in Flaxley and it’s free. Could everyone please meet near Ruspidge Hall, possibly Railway Road, at 6:45pm. For those of you who would like a lift please contact Sally, sallymg@live.co.uk or 01594 781449 or if you could offer a lift to someone please do so. If you haven’t already looked at the Asha website it might be worthwhile:

https://ashacentre.org

There is a lot more than roses to see.  A biodynamic vegetable garden, orchards and a herb garden for example. We will be able to help ourselves to tea or coffee and biscuits. Also, for those who haven’t been to St Anthony’s well, a stroll along the track to see it, and taste the pure spring water, after the visit, is a possibility.

Don’t forget to take any photos of your garden for the website etc. and send to peterjg17@live.co.uk

June 2023

Dear Members, a reminder that next weeks meeting on Tuesday 20th June will be a garden visit to:

Weir Reach, The Rudge, Maismore, Gloucester, GL2 8HY

Meet at Weir Reach at 7pm. If you haven’t already contacted Sally it’s not too late (sallymg@live.co.uk)

Do not go to the Memorial Hall.

Do not phone Sally, she is away Friday and Saturday.

About

Country garden by the River Severn. Approx 2 acres, half cultivated with herbaceous beds and mixed borders plus fruit and vegetable cages. Clematis and acers, stone ornaments, small sculptures, bonsai collection. Planted rockery with waterfall and stream connect 2 ponds. Large specimen koi pond borders patio. Meadow with specimen and fruit trees leading to river and country views.

Another garden visit 😀. It’s a small, new garden at 3 Woodland Place, Yorkley GL15 4SA. They’re opening their garden on Sunday 25th June, 10am-4pm in aid of Cancer Research UK, a very worthy cause. There will be a bucket for donations and a few plants for sale. I do hope that members will be able to support them, even for an hour, as it’s their first venture into opening their garden and they hope to make it an annual charity event. There’s a vegetable patch, flowers and shrubs. If you decide to go please let me know (lynn.e@btinternet.com or 01594 822511) as they would like to know numbers as free refreshments and cakes will be available.

May 2023

Just to update you about future events and remind you about the Plant Sale next Saturday.
If possible please bring any plants and or cakes (cakes are nearly as important as plants!) to the Hall between 12 noon and 1pm on Saturday.

Please label  your plants, it helps the sellers if they know what they are selling.

Plants can be left on the patio by the Lower Hall if you are not around on Saturday.

Sally can collect tender plants or cakes on Friday or Saturday morning. (sallymg@live.co.uk , 01594 781449.)

Please tell your friends and neighbours about the Sale, word of mouth still works.

Garden Cub meeting Tuesday, 16th May.
Viv and John Whitney have kindly invited us to visit their wonderful garden, hopefully the wisteria will be out.  They live at 22, Hewletts Way, GL14 3AJ. Parking is difficult, if possible walk from Ruspidge Road or Railway Road.

Anytime after 6-30pm is fine, then back to the Hall (7-30 to 8pm) for a glass of Pimms. Bring nibbles if you want.

Any left over plants from the sale will be distributed,🤞none. 

Visit to Bramblegarth, Upleadon, near Newent, Sunday 21st May, 11am.
Many members were impressed by the photographs of Pam Turner’s garden, easy to maintain, with a large variety of alpines. Pam is happy for a small group of us to visit.

Lifts can be arranged on the 16th. The cost is £5, all proceeds donated to rehoming earthquake survivors.

Thanks in advance for anything sent for Saturday, and for all the help being offered.

April 2023

At our April meeting, Pam Turner gave us a fascinating illustrated talk entitled "Alpines", with slides showing alpine plants throughout the year.

March 2023

Thank you to Nicky and Lisa for demonstrating seed sowing and answering questions at our meeting in February.

For our meeting on March 21st Ian Sadler will give us a talk entitled "Formative, Restrictive or Renovation pruning or Plant a Witches Broom". Described as "Formative for a balanced framework, restrictive to maintain size, or tough renovation pruning when things have got out of hand-or perhaps select a witches broom for an easier life!"  As usual, the hall will be open at 7-15 for a 7-30 start. Also as usual there will be a raffle at £1 for a ticket.

Sally will bring along all the seeds left over from last month, please take any you would like, no need to swap (better used than wasted).

On Tuesday 18th April, Pam Turner will give us an illustrated talk entitled "Alpines".

Primulas coming into flower in the greenhouse on March 15th.

February 2023

Welcome to February, things are starting to dry up and its feeling a little bit warmer.

Mary Fenton, gave us a fascinating illustrated talk on 'The Wonder of Trees or Life in the Slow Lane' for our January meeting. 

The Club February meeting on Tuesday 21st at 7-15pm will be our annual seed swap. Left over commercial and home harvested seeds will all be welcome. Paper bags will be available if packets need to be shared.
Knowledgeable members will give us guidelines on sowing seeds, making paper pots from old newspaper, rooting tree cuttings and ground preparation during February and March.

Please send photographs of unseasonal flowering or growth you have seen in your gardens to our treasurer, Mike, email oldrunner4873@gmail.com

For our meeting on March 21st Ian Sadler will give us a talk on "Formative, Restrictive or Renovation pruning or Plant a Witches Broom", quite a mouthful!
More information closer to the date.

January 2023

Happy New Year! It's been a wet, miserable start to the year, but spring is on the way as these snowdrops in Sally's garden demonstrate.

On Tuesday 17th January our speaker is Mary Fenton, giving an illustrated talk on 'The Wonder of Trees or Life in the Slow Lane', what amazing plants trees are, so much life depends on them.
The meeting starts at 7-15pm, cost for non-member visitors is £2.  There will be an optional raffle, tickets £1 each. 

December 2022

Dear members, a little reminder that our meeting on Tuesday 6th December will be our club Christmas Party. The hall will open  at the usual time of 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start. We will begin with Woody’s Quiz, always a firm favourite, and then proceed to food and drink. This years theme is port and cheese. Non alcoholic drinks will also be available. If anyone has any homemade chutneys etc to go with cheese please feel free to bring them along. The meeting will be extended to 10pm to give you all time to eat, drink and be merry 🧀🍷🤸

We hope to have a bumper raffle so please bring along a wrapped prize if you have anything to hand. You can  wrap it in any type of paper, Christmas, birthday or even newspaper. Don’t feel that you have to go out and buy something.

 Also please bring a glass suitable for port or a soft drink. There are a limited number of glasses in the hall cupboard if you forget. 

Many thanks, RGC committee.🧀🍷🤸

November 2022

Dear Members, last months Q&A session was very informative. It seems that we will have to adapt to the climate change. It wasn’t all doom and gloom by any means and many of you are now planting more exotic things to eat and make your garden look beautiful.

On Saturday 12th November we have some crocus bulbs to plant at the Hall. These have been donated by the Forest of Dean Rotary club. If you are able to help, it shouldn’t take too long, we are meeting at 2pm. Please bring along a metal trowel or small spade. 

The next meeting on Tuesday 15th November, at the usual time of 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start, is a talk by Duncan Coombs entitled ‘Barks, Stems and Evergreens for the Winter Garden’. Mr Coombs has recently retired as a lecturer in Decorative Horticulture.

The December meeting on Tuesday 6th December will be our club Christmas Party. The hall will open  at the usual time of 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start. We will begin with Woody’s Quiz, always a firm favourite, and then proceed to food and drink. This years theme is port and cheese. Non alcoholic drinks will also be available. If anyone has any homemade chutneys etc to go with cheese please feel free to bring them along. The meeting will be extended to 10pm to give you all time to eat, drink and be merry 🧀🍷🤸.

Keep Gardening, RGC committee.

October 2022

Dear Members, at last months AGM the committee stood down and the following were elected for the coming year:-

Chair - Lisa Woodward

Vice Chair and Events - Sally Graham

Treasurer- Mike Wild

Secretary- Lynn Hyndman

Webmaster - Pete Graham

Committee members - Angela Dale

                                   John Powell

                                    Veronica Ford

                                     Rosie Merrell

Lisa thanked Sarah and Lou for organising the raffle every month. If anyone could donate a raffle prize it would be gratefully received. Produce, plants etc from your garden etc is always popular.

Mike thanked John Powell for auditing the books.

After a very quick AGM 2 ladies from Wild Hog Rescue came along to talk about hedgehogs. Everyone found this most interesting. Many thanks to Nicky Herbert for advertising the talk. This brought in 8 visitors and hopefully a few will come again.

Next meeting on Tuesday 18th October is a general gardening question and answer session plus any successes with the drought. Lisa, Nicky and others will be only too willing to answer any questions you may have and even ones you haven’t yet thought about. It would be helpful if you have any questions to email them in advance/asap, also any photos.

Again we are collecting tree cuttings and saplings. Please see the list below for what is needed-

Field Maple - Acer Campestre

Mountain Ash - Sorbus Aucuparia

Silver Birch - Betula Pendula

Hazel - Corylus Avellana

Crab Apple - Malus Sylvestris

Bird Cherry - Prunus Papus

Gorse - Ulex (any type)

Redcurrants 

Blackcurrants 

The committee has decided to move the December meeting as the third Tuesday is the 20th and too near Christmas, therefore the meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th December. Please put this date in your diary or on your calendar. 

Keep Gardening, RGC committee.

Success or failure?

Find out tonight!

September 2022

This months meeting on Tuesday 20th September is the AGM followed by a talk ‘Hedgehog Conservation and Rehabilitation’ 

Start time is a little earlier with the AGM at 7pm and talk at 7:30pm prompt. Annual subscriptions are also due. The membership fee is the same as in previous years £12. You can pay this by 3 different ways -

1. Cheque (payable to Ruspidge Gardening Club) 
2. Cash (please put in an envelope with your name on it) 
3. Bank transfer -

Ruspidge Gardening Club

Sort code  77-69-39

A/c no  01608960

Please use your name as reference. 

Of course you can continue to pay £2 per meeting as a visitor if you wish. Treasurer Mike will be available from 6:45pm and after the meeting to take subscriptions.

 Ruspidge Garden Club welcomes Emily Harper to speak on 'Hedgehog Conservation and Rehabilitation’.  Emily is Deputy Manager at Wild Hogs Hedgehog Rescue, Frampton on Severn, and is also studying for a PhD in hedgehog ecology. 

Visitors are welcome, cost only £2.  Emily will be bringing some hedgehog items to sell, and will be delighted to take donations of cat food back with her to feed their hungry hogs!

August 2022

The theme of the meeting next Tuesday 16th August is ‘Garden Supper’, usual time, 7-15 for 7-30.

Please bring along anything that you have grown in your garden for others to taste. This can be any unusual fruits/vegetables/herbs/edible flowers, or anything you have made using produce from your garden or the countryside, eg something that’s baked, made into a drink, a salad.

Alternatively you might like to bring something that isn’t unusual but others might like to try.
Please bring your own plate, cutlery and a tub to take away anything that may be left over.
Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks will be provided but not tea or coffee.

In September it’s the AGM and also membership renewal, please note earlier time of 7-00pm in order to deal with business before 7:30pm, when we have a talk on Hedgehogs. More of that in next months newsletter.

We already have a few new volunteers for the committee but a few more would be good. Please consider joining the committee, it’s not time consuming and it is rewarding.

July 2022

URGENT- GARDEN VISIT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER.

There will be no Gardening Club meeting in July

Dear Members, sadly Sue Emms has made the decision not to open her garden to the public next week. Whilst we can understand her reasons for doing so it is still a disappointment.

Morning Sally,

I don’t think the garden or I will be ready for visitors after the weekend heat .

So with regret I feel I must cancel your visit. We are actually contemplating ‘closing’ from now … we sort of have ‘optional’ opening in august as the garden’s main interest is the perennials and august is always a tricky month before the early autumn interest begins. This year the early dryness followed by this heat is I think responsible for things going over very quickly and looking sad despite our efforts at irrigation.

Thankyou for your interest - hope we may meet at another time !

Sue

Visit, Tuesday 19th July, we’re off to Church Cottage, Hentland, meet at 6:30pm. Entrance fee is £3:00. Refreshments, coffee/tea and cake, will be available on the day at a small charge of £2:50. Please let Sally (sallymg@live.co.uk /01594781449) know if you would like to go and if you would like refreshments. No payment needed in advance.  Also, please let Sally know if you require a lift or if you can offer a lift. Further details re parking etc will be sent out nearer the time. If the weather is inclement then the visit can be deferred to the Wednesday.

CHURCH COTTAGE

Hentland, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 6LP.

Sue Emms & Pete Weller,

01989 730222, sue.emms@mac.com,

www.wyegardensbydesign.com. 

Garden designer and plantswoman's

½ acre garden - feels much larger

than it is! Series of garden rooms

melting seamlessly into one another.

Huge variety of plants, many of which

are for sale, unusual varieties mixed

with old favourites, providing interest

over a long period. Wildlife pond, rose

garden, potager, mixed borders, white

terrace. Interesting plant combinations

and design ideas to inspire. Articles

in

'Country Homes and Interiors' and ‘House Beautiful’.

THERE WILL NOT BE A MEETING AT RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL IN JULY.

Keep Gardening, RGC a committee.

After a brilliant visit to Highnam Court in June our July meeting wil be another garden visit. This time it will be to Church Cottage, just outside Ross on Wye. This is the garden of Sue Emms and Pete Weller and can be seen on their website: www.wyegardensbydesign.com

Further details will be made available shortly.

May 2022

Well done everyone! The plant sale was a great success and raised £417:00.  Many thanks to everyone who helped in whatever way, it couldn’t have been done without you. There are still a few plants left and they can be found behind the Hall so please help yourself.

Next weeks meeting on Tuesday 17th May is a talk by Roger Umpelby on ‘The Kitchen Garden Today’ covering fruit and vegetables. Roger is a part-time advisor to the RHS and an occasional lecturer at Pershore College

There will be no meeting on June 21st as we have a garden visit to Highnam Court, Gloucester. There are 600 new roses, an extensive vegetable gardens, parterre, knot garden, orangery ……. and the place to ourselves. The cost will be £5.50 per person and there are only 30 places. Please let Sally know a) if you are going and b) if you require refreshments. To make things easier please put your £5:50 entrance fee in an envelope with your name(s) on it and if you require refreshments. Please give this to Sally at next weeks meeting to secure your place. Refreshment money (£4 for tea/coffee and cake) is payable on the night. The entrance fee money goes to the Pied Piper Appeal and they donate on average £10,000 per year, refreshment money goes to the local church. Lifts can be arranged from the Hall.

Keep Gardening, RGC committee.

RUSPIDGE GARDENING CLUB  

Plant Sale

At RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL

Saturday 7^th May 2022

2.00p.m. – 4.00p.m.

   Plants, Raffle, Drinks & Homemade                                  Cakes

Entrance Free!

www.ruspidgegardeningclub.net

The Hall will be open 12 until 1 on Saturday afternoon for drop off of cakes and plants for sale. At other times plants can be left over the hall wall or in Lisa's garden, next to the hall, with multi-coloured railings.

April 2022

Welcome to April, spring is finally here in my greenhouse!

The talk on Tuesday 19th April is titled "Marvellous Moths".

Bob Smith will talk about the moths to be found in gardens, their life cycles and what they do for the garden.

Dont forget the plant sale on May 7th, we need everyone to sow seeds, strike cuttings and divide plants so that we have plenty for the sale.

March 2022

Last months talk by Lisa, followed by our seed swap was enjoyed by all.

This months talk on Tuesday 15th March is ‘The Birds and Bees’ by Nathalie Mignotte of the Fairview Gardener in Birdwood. The talk is on how to attract wildlife into your garden and create a haven for insects, birds and small mammals whilst retaining the beauty of plants. Nathalie will also give tips on propagation. There may be a few plants for sale.

Don’t forget that Northwood Green gardening club have invited us to their March talk, ‘A Diary of a Seed Saver’ with Adam Alexander (guests £3.00) on Thursday 10th March, 7:30pm (TONIGHT!) at Northwood Green Social Hall. Adam is seed guardian for the Heritage Seed Library. Some seeds will be available for purchase.

February 2022

Last months visit by John from the Bespoke Brewery, Littledean, was most enjoyable and very informative. John described the brewing process and passed around samples of malted barley and hops for tasting. We then progressed to tasting the various beers produced by the Bespoke brewery, which went down very well with everyone!

John, very kindly donated a presentation pack of beer for this months raffle.

Lisa thanked John, and the assembled members showed their appreciation.

Please have a look at the Bespoke Brewery website, they are hosting a quiz night on the 17th at the Mitcheldean Tap.

This months meeting on Tuesday 15th February will be a seed swap and talk about what seeds to sow and when. If you have any seeds to swap please bring them along. Alternatively if you don’t have any seeds there will be plenty for you to take home. Paper bags will be available for you to put a few seeds in if you don’t want a whole pack. Pens and pencils will also be available for you to label your packs. If you have any empty containers (from buying such things as mushrooms, tomatoes, yoghurts etc) please bring them along as you will have the opportunity if you wish to plant seeds at the meeting. A demo will be given. Also, there will be a short talk on planting seeds and a Q&A session.

Finally, when you’re out in your garden dividing perennials please put any you don’t need in a pot for the plant sale in May. This year the sale will be open to the general public and it would be good to have a wide variety of flowers and vegetables on offer.

As usual please bring your own drink although tea and coffee will be available for you to make your own if you forget.

January 2022

"Happy New Year" to everyone, hope you are all well.

Our December meeting was a real success, Wendy gave us a talk on potpourri, what it is, the different varieties and how to make it. This was followed by a practical demonstration and then we all got our hands dirty and made our own packs of potpourri with the ingredients Wendy supplied. Pictures and instructions are being put onto the events page.

We then had "Woody's Christmas Quiz" which was won by Sarah, Louise, Fiona and Sally.

Thanks go to Wendy and Woody and also to Sarah and Louise for running a successful raffle. 

Details of Wendy's recipes can be found on our Events page.

Our January meeting on the 18th will be a presentation from "Bespoke Brewery" with samples! Further details to follow in the next few days.

Full details on our Events page.

Christmas 2021

The November "Gardener's Question Time" went very well, thanks to Nicky and Lisa (The Panel)and all those who asked questions.

We are now fast approaching our Christmas meeting which will be held on Tuesday 14th December at 7-15 for 7-30.

This year will be different from usual due of course to Covid. We are asking everyone who is able, to wear a mask when moving about the hall. You may bring your own hot drinks, or make them yourself in the kitchen.

We will have mulled wine and cider available.

There will not be the usual buffet, but you may wish to bring your own supper with you.

Raffle tickets will be on sale as you enter the hall and the draw will be made at the end of the evening.

Wendy wiil be holding a "Pot-Pourri" class during the evening, but if you wish to take part you must book in. Please contact Sally if you are interested.

The highlight of the evening will be "Woody's Christmas Quiz", see you there!

"Merry Christmas"

November 2021

After a very entertaining talk by Lisa last month, we are now in November looking forward to "Gardener's Question Time" on 16th November, 7-15 for 7-30 start. Gardening Club experts will be available to answer any garden related queries that you may have. You may email questions in advance to the secretary, or just ask them on the night.

We will also sharing prennials, if you have any that you have already split up, or some that need splitting, bring them along and swap with others. please wrap anything you bring in newspaper so that there is not too much clearing up after the meeting.

Angela has made gin by adding some botanicals to vodka, so if you would like to have a taste please bring your own glass/mug!

Please bring your own hot drink if you would like.

In view of the current Covid numbers, please wear a mask when not seated in the hall.

Advanced notice, the December meeting will be on Tuesday 14th, a week earlier than usual. This is to avoid the busy week before Christmas.

October 2021

If you have any saplings for the Ourboretum scheme please contact Sally, do not bring them to the club.

The outline programme for the remainder of the year has now been finalised by the committee.

Membership remains at £12.00 per annum with occasional visitors paying £2.00 per session.

October 19th new chair Lisa will give a talk entitled:

"Tool Stories"

The talk will be illustrated with tools  from Lisa's collection.

After her talk, Lisa will answer any questions anyone may have.

If you have any perennials or herbs that need dividing, please bring any spare bits you have to share with other members.

November will be a Gardener's Question Time concentrating on vegetables and herbs.

December will be a Social Evening with an American Supper and Festive Drinks followed by Woody's Christmas Quiz.

Further details of the November and December meetings will be sent out closer to the dates.

All meetings will take place in Ruspidge Memorial Hall (unless notified otherwise) on the third Tuesday of the month, 7-15pm to 9-15pm

September 2021

The AGM will be held at 7.00pm in Ruspidge Memorial Hall on Tuesday September 14th.

The Committee would like to hear any suggestions from members regarding future topics or practical sessions.

The AGM will be followed at 7.30 by Bill Laws with an illustrated talk entitled "The Curious History of Vegetables" 

September is the month for harvesting main crop potatoes and Lisa has sent this photograph of her digging potatoes on the field with her friend Rupert.

July 2021

The website editor apologises for missing May and June, due to circumstances beyond his control. Hopefully, July will be back to normal.

Barbara, Sylvia and Lisa have all sent us photos of their gardens, they can be seen by clicking on the tabs to the upper right of this page, I don't know why they are not in the main list. Individual photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Angela has sent photographs of the Club visit to the Old Corn Mill, and Linda and Dave have sent photographs of the visit to Weston Court. They can also be seen by clicking on the appropriate title in the right hand corner of the Gallery page.

Please look at the Events section for details of the next meeting in Ruspidge Memorial Hall on Tuesday 20 th July.

April 2021

Saturday April 24th the Club had a stand at the Forest Food Growing Fair, held at the new Medical Centre in Valley Road. Sally and the committee would like to thank all those who manned the stand and also came to support us. We promoted the Club, sold plants and seeds and also provided planting and seed sowing activities for children.

Sunday April 25th Lisa has discovered a very rare mushroom, a Morel. These mushrooms have a short growning season, late April to early May, and are highly prized by chefs because of their flavour. 

Welcome to April, it is Spring, but feels more like Winter. The committee has a Zoom meeting tonight to discuss what events, if any, can be held this month. Any decisions will be posted on here and in emails to members. I will also attempt to post any events in the "Events" section of this website, something I have not yet attempted!

Did everyone enjoy last months Zoom talk by Bill Laws? If you have any views, good or bad, please contact Sally.

The auriculas are coming into flower ready for the shows at the end of this month, unfortunately there are no shows!

March 2021

Firstly, the Zoom talk by Bill Laws, entitled "50 Plants that Changed the Course of History", will go ahead on Wednesday March 10th.The Zoom waiting room will open at 07:00pm, and the talk will start at 07:30pm. Lynn has emailed the access code to all members, if you haven't received this, please contact Sally.

Thanks to Angela for hosting this meeting for us. 

Secondly, we are hoping to hold a seed and seedling swap on 

Saturday April 17th, Covid restrictions, and weather permitting. This will be behind the Hall, for members only, to dispose of any surplus seeds and seedlings they may have.

We may be able to hold a proper plant sale in May, but it is too early to plan.

Finally, most people will know that the Club's 10th Anniversary tree was "accidently" strimmed by the contractors who maintain the field. The contractors have now replaced the tree, and it's bigger!

Thanks go to Nicky and any one else who badgered them on the subject

February continued:

Before we finally say farewell to February 2021, Fiona has sent us a photograph of snowdrps in her garden:

Nicky has suggested that we create a section in the website entitled "Old Garden Books and What Got You into Gardening". Please send any suggestions to Nicky or Sally.

Finally, Bill Laws is giving us Zoom talk on Wednesday March 10th entitled "Plants that Changed the Course of History"

Further details regarding the time and the Zoom code will be emailed closer to the date and also posted on here

February 2021

Hello everyone, I'm sorry this update is late, I have no excuses! 

For those of you who have been waiting for the answers to the Christmas Quiz they are below.

 Ruspidge Gardening Club

Christmas Quiz with Answers 2020

1. What are Crown Prince, Butter Bush and Autumn Crown? Squash
2. When is the traditional time to plant Shallots/Garlic? Winter Solstice
3. What is Zaboca known as in Britain? Avocado

4. When is St Stephen’s Day? 26th December
5. What is the name for sculpting hedges? Topiary
6. What are Pink Fire Apple, Blue Danube & International Kidney varieties of? Potatoes
7. Where do Pelargoniums originate from? South Africa
8. What herb/plant beginning with ‘A’ has soothing qualities? Aloe Vera
9. Shepherds Purse is a type of what? Weed
10. What is a Whip? A young seedling/grafted tree without branches.
11. What yellow flowering tree is poisonous? Laburnum
12. Where are the Highland Cattle currently grazing in the Forest of Dean? (December 2020) WoorsGreen Nature Reserve
13. What would I be doing if I used the terms: Heathering, Pleachers & Maul? Laying Hedges
14. What is the name of the Sculpture of the old man on the Blue Rock Trail? Nearly There
15. A beer trap can help control what type of pests? Slugs and Snails
16. Rhizomes are a type of what plant? Bulbous
17. What colour Rose is associated with Lancashire? Red
18. Soil can be Acid, Alkaline or …….? Neutral
19. Name the organic gardener with flower in his name. Bob Flowerdew
20. Does all Mistletoe have berries? No.

The  committee held a Zoom meeting on February 9th. A decison was made to carry over the membership for this year to 2021/22, in view of the fact that the club has been unable to meet. If you have paid your membership already this year you will not have to pay this September. If you have not paid for this year your subscription will be due at the AGM in September.

The Club will be holding a free draw later this month for all Full Members, (last year or this). Membership numbers will be placed in a hat and prizes will be allocated as the numbers are drawn. Some of the prizes are unusual, swapping between members may be a good idea!

Providing a minimum of 15 members are prepared to Zoom, a virtual meeting could take place on the 2nd Tuesday or Wednesday in March. The host would be Bill Laws, author of several books and the title of his illustrated talk would be "HardyPlants". All members, full or occasional, are welcome. If you are interested, please contact Sally before February 20th.

Flexible plans have been made for more meetings this year and also a plant sale and/or seed swap. More details will be made available after the Government Coronavirus update on February 22nd.

Finally, before we start thinking about spring, Lesley would like to remind us that winter is still here, with these photographs:

However, Lesley has taken pity on us and sent us a few photographs of the approach of spring:

I have also discovered that some of my auriculas think spring has come early:

January 2021

Happy New Year everyone from Sally and the RGC Committee. Let's all hope that 2021 is an improvement on 2020!

Current restrictions mean that unfortunately, the Club cannot meet at present. We do have a speaker booked for March but he can be rescheduled depending upon the restrictions in force at the time.

We had awinner for our Christmas Quiz, they have chosen as their prize a pink cactus dahlia tuber.

If you missed the quiz the questions are shown below. We will publish the answers in the February update, but no prize this time

Finally, a glimpse of spring, Sally spotted this primrose whilst out dog walking.

CHRISTMAS 2020 UPDATE

 Hello everyone, we would like to aplogise for the long delay in updating the website. We are however hoping that we can restart the site for 2121 and keep it going. This is the first attempt, by a novice, to add text and pictures, apologies if it looks a bit odd.  

Thank you to those members who have made and photographed something "Christmassy", the photographs are displayed below.

Finally, the Chair and Committee wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, hoping we can all meet again in the not too distant future.

10th Anniversary Pictures

Posted- 16th August 2019 

  10th Anniversary Pictures here

10th Anniversary Collage Pictures

Posted- 16th August 2019 

 10th Anniversary Collage Pictures here

Ruspidge Gardening Club
It's our 10th anniversary!!
Welcoming all members old or new to come and join us for a party and celebration of the ten years of our Gardening Club. As well as some drinks and nibbles, we'll be seeing some photos of member's gardens and having a chat and a laugh about events past, present and future. To mark this special occasion we will be planting an Amelanchier (June berry) tree in the park. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday 14th August 2019 

7.30- 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

June Meeting

Posted- 9th June 2019

Speaker ~ Mervyn Reed

An insight into the history & developement of the English Rose

Wednesday 12th June 2019

7.30- 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Plant Sale Success

Posted- 12th May 2019

The Plant Sale once again a huge success! Thanks to everyone for donations of plants and cakes, for volunteering and for supporting us.

Also see gallery

Community Growing Pictures

Posted- 10th April 2019

Check out some photos of our of our community growing projects

Community Growing Projects

Instagram

Posted- 10th April 2019

The Ruspidge Gardening Club

Community Garden Growing Project

now has its very own Instagram page 

ruspidgegrows at www.instagram.com

April Meeting

Posted- 3rd April 2019

Speakers ~ Sue Smith & Sue Dodd

Gardening for Butterflies and Moths

10th April 2019

7.15- 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Community Garden Sow and Grow

Posted- 4th March 2019

Sowing and Growing for Community Garden at Ruspidge Park

March 30th 2019

10am - 1pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Lower Hall

March Meeting

Posted- 8th March 2019

Gail Plant

Mrs Plant's Scented Garden, Much Marcle

Winter and Spring Scent in the Garden 

13th March 2019

7.15- 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Raffle and Refreshments

Jolterisms

Posted- 11th February 2019

Fame at Last

Pat from Jolters Press Cider and Perry came to visit us in January. Jolters is named after ol' Jolter, a character well known in the Forest for his sayings! Pat collects these saying which are known as Jolterisms.

Louise, one of our members told Pat about a line she had in a play at school using the name Jolter. This Jolterism has now been used on a label for 'Katy' a single variety medium sparkiling cider!!

Louise is the one not looking at the camera in the red scarf!

View label here

February Meeting

Posted- 10th February 2019

 

January Meeting

Posted- 2nd January 2019

9th January 2019

7.15- 9.00pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Pat Lock from JOLTER CIDER  will be re-visiting  the club (with samples for sale) to update the club with news from the cider making business. 

          Then.......

GARDENERS' QUESTION TIME

A panel of experts from the club will be answering your questions about any gardening problems or queries you might wish to  put to them. This is a great opportunity to make use of their  expert knowledge  .

It will be helpful if any questions are sent to us in advance so that we have an idea of how many queries need to be answered!

All members and non-members will be warmly welcomed to this meeting.

A Raffle and refreshments are available.

December Meeting

Posted - 19th  November 2018

Jackie Beard

Christmas Decorations 

Back by popular demand-

Making Christmas Decorations with Jackie Beard

Bring along greenery, seed heads, berries,

ribbons and baubles to make a beautiful wreath, swag or table decoration to decorate your home for Christmas.

Jackie will give guidance on how to assemble a decoration but do bring along a pair of secateurs and gloves.

After the crafting is complete, join us for festive nibbles and drinks to continue the seasonal celebrations

October Meeting

Posted - 6th  October 2018

Speaker ~ Nick Morgan

A Considered Approach to Managing Garden Pests and Diseases 

August Meeting

Posted - 6th August 2018

8th August 2018

Garden Visit to South Lodge, Clearwell

Posted - 11th June 2018 

Gallery

Plant Sale

Posted - 12th May 2018 

Also see Gallery

May Meeting

Posted - 9th May 2018 

Speaker ~ Andy Pedrick

Clematis and other unusual climbers 

May 9th 2018

7.30pm - 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial hall

 

Andy is a professional horticulturalist. He has worked with Clematis for a long time and he will simplify the mysteries of their care for us - such as when and how to prune the different types and growing conditions. He will also bring along some other unusual climbers such as the Wag-a-waga vine.

 

There will be plants for sale  including some new varieties of clematis. They are all priced at about £6 per plant.

April Meeting

Posted - 7th April 2018 

Speaker ~ Jerry Green

Westbury Court Garden 

April 11th 2018

7.30pm - 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial hall

 

Soft Fruit 

Hanley Swan Open Gardens

Posted - 7th April 2018 

Hanley Swan Open Gardens 

May 5/6/7th May

Open from 12 - 5pm every day

 

A beautiful english village in the foothills of the wonderful Malvern Hills, with a award winning village pond and pub!

 

Tickets are £6, children under 16 free, and the ticket covers all three days.  

 

Plant sales, free parking, disabled toilets, Go Potty competition in the church.

 

Light lunches and afternoon teas served at No.1 from 12 noon.  Cream Teas in the church from 2.pm.

 

Sat Nav WR8 0DN 

Questions - 01684 310920 

Dogs welcome 

 

Full Poster

Sow and Grow Results

Posted - 24th March 2018

Many thanks to Edward and his family for sending in these pictures of his seedlings growing!

Sow and Grow

Posted - 10th March 2018

 Well done to everyone who worked hard to make this such a success. 

Please send me your photos (Candice)

Full Gallery

Tallest Sunflower Competition

Posted - 9th March 2018

Copies of the entry form for the 'Tallest Sunflower Growing Competition' are available from at the Community Sow and Grow or from Nicky

Community Event

Posted - 4th February 2018

Community Sow and Grow Event 

Saturday 10th March

10.30am - 12.30pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

This is a free event, everyone is welcome…

children and adults! 

Choose from a variety of vegetables and flower seeds to plant

with the seeds, compost, and containers provided free

There will be lots of advice and help at hand

for those who have limited skills

There will also be a competition:

Plant yourself some sunflower seeds …

Will your sunflower be the tallest at the end of the summer?? 

                    Refreshments - available for a nominal charge.

                           (WARNING….this will involve cakes!!!)

Please join us Saturday 10th March 10.30 -12.30  

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

(Ruspidge Road GL14 3AE)

March Meeting

Posted - 1st March 2018 

Speaker ~ Andy Pedrick

Wednesday 14th March

7.30am - 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Back by popular demand is Andy Pedrick. Our propagation expert, Andy has worked in the gardening trade since he was teenager.

He brings with him compost, plants, rooting powder and pots to start propagating for our own gardens and the plant sale.  He will also demonstrate root cuttings and layering. 

All non-members and newcomers most welcome

Raffle and Refreshments 

February Meeting

Posted - 10th February 2018 

Speaker ~ Carl Woodman

Wednesday 14th February

7.30am - 9.15pm

Ruspidge Memorial Hall 

Potato Day

Posted - 11th January 2018

There is a Potato Day at Littledean community centre on Saturday 17 th February 10 am to 2pm.  There will be 60 varieties of potato all for sale, by the single tuber, plus onion and shallot sets, heritage seeds, fruit trees, soft fruit, kitchen garden plants and much more.  

All provided by Pennard Plants.  Entry fee £1

January Meeting

Posted - 3rd January 2018 

Jolter's Cider  

Wednesday 10th January 2018 

7.30pm - 9.15pm 

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

All non-members and newcomers most welcome

Raffle and Refreshments

Gardens Supplies

Posted - 14th December, 2017

*NEW* Gardening and Plants Suppliers Page.

If it's garden supplies you need, you can find it here.

All the favourites you know and love and maybe a few you don't!

Great suppliers of everything you need for the garden, plants and seeds. All highly recommended. 

Garden Supplies 

Christmas Social Evening 2017

Posted - 14th December, 2017

Smiles all round. A lovely evening.

See some more snaps here

Posted - August 26th, 2017

See gallery

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Open Garden 

Posted - August 26th, 2017

Poole Cottage Open Garden

Coppett Hill, Goodrich

Saturday & Sunday

9th & 10th September 2017

11am - 5pm

Admission Adults £4

Tea, coffee and homemade cakes plus plants for sale.

Due to limited local parking please park in the village (HR9 6HX)

and use the shuttle service that will be running all day

or walk the 10-15 minutes up the hill.

This garden belongs to Jo Ward-Ellison who came to speak for us back in February.

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Members discount

Posted - August 26th, 2017

Ashridge Nurseries 

Ashridge Nurseries are currently offering a 10% discount for members of gardening clubs, and horticultural societies. The web address is www.ashridgetrees.co.uk

Enter HORT10 at the checkout stage. 

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August Meeting/Garden visit  

Posted - August 3rd, 2017

THE GABLES, at BROADOAK 

This is at the home of Brian and Christine Bamber.

The Garden was established 11 yrs

ago from blank canvas. It is a large flat garden with formal lawns, colourful herbaceous borders, shrubberies and long border with mini stumpery. It includes a wild flower meadow incorporating soft fruits and fruit trees, an allotment-size productive vegetable plot, greenhouse and composting area. 

Meet at the hall at 7.00pm and share cars as for the previous meeting. 

It would be appreciated if you would let Sally Graham know by Monday 7^th August if you will be going to the garden as the owners need an approximate number of people attending (sallymg@live.co.uk ).

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The Meeting House photos  

Posted - July 15th, 2017

See gallery

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July 12th, 2017                

Chris and Sally Parsons at the Meeting House, Popes Hill, have 27 acres of land, which includes 3 Meadows, two with fruit trees, and one with three friendly cows. They also have beautiful gardens, and there are fruit and vegetable areas as well as large scale composting.  Chris is passionate about the benefits of meadows, and has even offered to sickle cut our meadow, if we decide to have one.

Meet at Ruspidge Hall at 7pm, those who find early difficult could meet us there.  Members could look at the area behind the Hall before we set off, sharing cars, at 7.10pm.  There are barns and outdoor covered areas where we could shelter in poor weather, but blankets or foldable chairs would be needed.  

There will be no cost to members. £2 to non members.  The Club will make a donation of £30 to Dean Meadows.  See their website for more info at www.deanmeadows.org.uk

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Butterfly talk

Posted - June 1st, 2017

Speaker 

Simon Glover

Forest Butterfly Conservation Officer

Butterfly Conservation

(Gloucestershire branch)

Wednesday 14th June 2017

Butterfly walk CANCELLED

Meet at the hall as usual at 7.30pm

Simon is especially interested in the

Small PearlBordered Fritillary (pictured)

All non-members and newcomers most welcome 

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Plant Sale photos

Posted - May 14th, 2017

Also see Gallery

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