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www.ruspidgegardeningclub.net Logo

Ruspidge Gardening Club

 

meets at Ruspidge Memorial Hall GL14 3AE, on the third Tuesday of every month (unless otherwise specified) at 7.15pm - 9.15pm.

 

Annual membership - £12.00 or £2.00 per meeting, pay as you go

 

Raffle and refreshments at every meeting 

Club Events for 2023

 

Tuesday 21st November Marion Stainton will give a talk entitled ‘Murder, Magic and Plant Potions’.  You will never view your garden in the same way! Usual time of 7:15pm for 7:30pm start. There will be no tea or coffee provided but please feel free to bring your own ready made. 

 

Please let Sally know by Monday 20th November if you would like to go on the gin tour on Thursday 23rd November. All payments to be made by Tuesday 21st. If you are not able to go to this months meeting and are going on the gin tour the directions are - go to Winner Garage Skoda, there will be 'orange' arrows signposted for parking and entrance to Woodside Distillery. Please arrive by 7:30pm.

 

Change of date for your diary/calendar, next months meeting is on the earlier date of Tuesday 12th December. Club will provide alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks but we are asking you to bring along buffet style (Christmas) food. More details to follow next month.

May 2022

July 2022

 

URGENT! The visit planned for July 19th has been cancelled due the weather. The owner, Sue Ems, has made the decision to close the garden because the hot weather is damaging many of her plants, causing them "go over" early.

There will be no Gardening Club meeting in July.

 

 

RUSPIDGE GARDENING CLUB 

   

Plant Sale

 

At RUSPIDGE MEMORIAL HALL

 

Saturday 7th May 2022

 

2.00p.m. – 4.00p.m.

 

       Plants, Raffle, Drinks & Homemade Cakes                                     Entrance Free!

 

www.ruspidgegardeningclub.net

 

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.

 

The Club Plant Sale is coming up on Saturday 7th May, please sow a few extra seeds and strike a few extra cuttings in order to generate plants to sell 

February 2022

 

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.

January 2022

 

John, the head brewer from The Bespoke Brewery in Littledean (and coincidentally Mayor of Ross on Wye) will speak at this months meeting on Tuesday 18th January. Tastings will be available so please bring along a small gl ass if you wish to partake. Also, gift packs and extra beers will be on sale. You are welcome to invite a spouse, friend, relative. There will be the usual charge of £2 per visitor.

 

As there is no ventilation in the hall and it’s too cold to have the doors open it has been decided that masks need to be worn at all times unless you have an exemption. If it becomes necessary (increase in Covid numbers, Government guidelines) to have the doors open please wear layers and be prepared to keep warm. Please bring along a hot drink in a travel mug or similar if you would like one. The raffle will run the same as last month. Pay for a raffle ticket at the start of the meeting when you sign in. Sarah and Lou will draw a ticket and stick it on a prize. On the way out please have your raffle ticket ready, check if you have won and pick up your prize if you have. This proved the most efficient and safest way at the December meeting.

Programme of Club events 2021

 

Christmas 2021

 

Wendy's Potpourri demonstration

 

What is Potpourri?

It’s been around since ancient times! In fact, you might remember a dusty (likely ancient) bowl of potpourri in your grandmother’s bathroom, if you’re anything like me!

The word “potpourri” translates from the French word pot-pourri, which might have come from words for “stew” and “pot” quite literally.

Potpourri is a blend of dried, naturally fragrant plant materials. When blended and enhanced, they provide a gentle scent in your home in a more natural way.

Why You’ll Love this Homemade Potpourri

·       So easy to make

·       Natural ingredients

·       Great alternative to synthetic scents and room sprays

·       Doubles as both fragrance and decor

·       Perfect for gifting

 

Fresh Potpourri

Recipe

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries OR 1/2 cup dried cranberries

2-3 cinnamon s ticks crushed

1-2 star anise optional

2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 fresh pine or 1 sprig rosemary

1 cup Satsuma or tangerine 

Ingredients

·       Apples      Fresh in round slices! Any of your favourite variety will do.

·       Oranges   Fresh, sliced in rounds. The large variety or the mandarin/tangerine variety

·       Cinnamon Cinnamon sticks are beautiful, long lasting and hold scent exceptionally well.

·       Cloves      This is the one spice that sings all things holidays to me. Keep a jar on hand for all your holiday recipes.

·       Star Anise I really like the sweet, liquorice scent of star anise, especially during the holidays. The whole stars make a beautiful presentation for the potpourri gift, too!

·       Cranberries Fresh Cranberries look spectacular in a gift bag or jar a truly seasonal addition.

 

Variations

·       Try pretty dried orange peels for an added decorative element.

·       Add dried flowers (whole or petals) for another pretty touch.

·       Want it to be a little stronger? Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

·       To make a truly Christmas potpourri, try adding touches of dried cranberries and pine cones.

How To Make Dried Oranges or Apples

·       Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F) degrees.

·       Slice the apples and oranges.

·       Place on baking sheets and bake.

·       Once dry, blend with remaining ingredients.

·       Place inside a jar or bag for gifting.

Homemade Potpourri Tips

·       Use a mandolin to slice the fresh fruit for the best thin and even slices.

·       Placing the sliced fruit in a single layer ensures the slices will dry evenly. Use two baking sheets, if needed.

·       Apples will continue to crisp once they’re removed from the oven. Oranges will stay about the same texture.

Allow the flavours to mix together for up to 3 days before gifting.

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a fabric or cellophane bag or glass jar. Decorate as desired.

If using fresh cranberries and oranges gift the potpourri within 2-3 days of making and keep stored in the fridge. If you use all dried fruits, the potpourri can be stored at room temperature for up to a month.

To make the Potpourri, add the contents of your bag (or jar) to a medium size pot. Add water until it comes 3/4 the way up the pot. Simmer on the stove over low heat, adding water every so often to keep it from drying up. Alternatively pop in your slow cooker and it will last for hours.

 

Dried Potpourri

Things to consider when making potpourri

Time of year

It may sound obvious but a Christmas potpourri for your hall or lounge may be very different to a winter bedroom potpourri in smell, colour and ingredients.

Placement

Hall, lounge, bedroom or bathroom

Colour

As a Christmas example, you can decorate your potpourri to match your other decorations or leave it completely natural

Texture

Think about what will be interesting to look at. Are you using your potpourri just for the pleasant scent or for example with candles?

Smell

Our summer potpourri could have a lovely smell of summer flowers such as roses, or you could have a bathroom potpourri with pine, lemon or honeysuckle

 

Ingredients

·       It is possible to use all kinds of ingredients such as:

·       Fir cones

·       Pebbles

·       Tree bark

·       Dried fruit peel or segments

·       Flower petals

·       Seed heads

·       Nuts

·       Pine sprigs

·       Cinnamon

To name but a few

Have fun, experiment with your ingredients and chose the ingredients you like the most. There is no right or wrong, just personal preferences.

Merry Christmas to you all, see you next year.

 

Tuesday 14th September 7.00 pm Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Club AGM followed at 7.30 pm by "The Curious History of Vegetables", an illustrated talk by Bill Laws.

Tuesday 20th July 7-15pm Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Paul Green from Greens Leaves Nursery for Specialist and Rare Plants. His talk is entitled "Shade, Damp, Dry, a Plant for Every Situation". Paul will also have plants for sale.

Appropriate Covid regulations will be in force.

Saturday May 8th 2pm to 5pm - The Old Corn Mill, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7LW. Mrs Jill Hunter is opening her garden especially for Club members, their friends and relatives. There is a trail for children, therapeutic open spaces and plenty of parking. More information on ngs.org.uk the National Garden Scheme website. No need to book,cost £5.00 per person, to include a drink and cake. Children Free, but will have to pay for refreshments. Contact Sally if you would like to go.

Programme of club events 2019/2020

February 12th, 2020

Julie Ritchie ~ Plants for Awkward Corners

Ideas for those tricky spots in the garden, from pond side to dry shade.

March 11th, 2020

Andy Pedrick ~ What's in Compost

Compost it’s composition, how to make your own, and advice on which to use.  Andy has been a professional gardener for many years, and will answer questions on propagation, giving many helpful tips.

April 8th, 2020

Bill Laws ~ The Curious History of Vegetables

Bill is an entertaining speaker and author of a best-selling book.

From guinea fowls to G.M. seeds, and from aphrodisiacs to naked allotment holders, no stone is left unturned

May 14th, 2020

Successes and Failures 

Advice from our own gardeners, and preparation for the Plant Sale

Saturday May 16th, 2020

Annual Plant Sale

June 10th, 2020

Visit to Local Gardens

We are most grateful to these gardeners for sharing their gardens with us.  They are each stunning, reflecting the passionate interests of their owners

July 8th, 2020

TBC

August 12th, 2020

TBC

-------------------------------

September 2019

AGM

October 9th, 2019

Chris Wedge ~ Natural England

His topic will encompass orchards which are his speciality, and the wildlife of this environment. Also Pat from Jolter Cider will be popping in to update us on the progress of finding the Forest Styre. 

November 13th, 2019

David Cropp ~ Allotted Time

Allotment Gardening

December 11th, 2019

Christmas Crafts & Christmas Cheer

January 8th, 2020

Allan Wells ~ A Sting in the Tail

Programme of club events 2018/2019

August 8th, 2018
Butterfly Walk (see home page)
September 12th, 2018
Speaker ~ Mervyn Reed
'Buying Abroad Experiences of a Plant Buyer’
Mervyn was Plant buyer for Chepstow Garden Centre for many years.
October 10th, 2018
Speaker ~ Nick Morgan
A Considered Approach to Managing Garden Pests and Diseases
 
November 14th, 2018
Speaker ~ Dr. Keith Ferguson
'The Hidden World of Pollen Grains' 
Keith is a retired professional botanist who worked in the USA and then at Kew Gardens for 28 years. He has since retired to Longhope where he and his wife have created a new garden of 4.5 acres. He will tell us about the broad and important role pollen plays, not only in the reproduction of plants of plants, but in many other aspects of our lives. The illustrated talk will also demonstrate the diverse and fascinating shapes of the pollen grains of different species .

December 12th 2018

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

January 9th, 2019
Following the talk by Pat Lock last year, we are having an update from Mitcheldean cider makers Jolter press with samples to taste and buy.
 
Plus our own 'Gardeners' Question Time' Four distinguished founder members of the club will be acting as the expert panel to answer your questions about aspects of gardening. If you have a question you want to ask them, then they will use their accumulated wisdom to answer your query. If you can, please let us have your questions in advance
 
 
February 13th, 2019
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY GARDEN
A start was made on the Community Garden last year when planters were put in the playing field  and filled with vegetables and flowers -and very lovely they were! 
This year, we hope that the club members can take the idea further and we need your ideas and help to develop a community garden with style!
 
Some good ideas have been suggested by a gardener ,who has experience of other Community Garden projects, and we look forward to discussing all of these and many more ideas.
There will also be a  Seed Swap when you are invited and encouraged to bring along any spare seeds which you may to swap with others.
They can be commercial seeds or those which you have gathered from your garden but please make sure that they are well labelled. 
Perhaps you can take some to grow plants for yourself and also for the plant sale in May?
We will also continue the Gardeners’ Question Time slot. 
If you have any gardening questions you  want to ask the experienced gardeners, this will be a good time to do so and all members can maybe glean a little more knowledge about some aspects of gardening. 
 
March 13th, 2019
Gail Plant
from Mrs Plant's Scented Garden, Much Marcle
Spring and Winter Scent in the Garden

Saturday March 30th, 2019

10am - 1pm

Community Garden Sow and Grow

Sowing and Growing for the Community Garden in Ruspidge Park

We are adding more containers to the ones we put in last year, with a view to filling them with lovely bee friendly plants sometime in May. Everything is provided, including tools.  We will also have compost, pots and seeds in the hall for children should they wish to do a little sowing 

April 10th, 2019
Speakers ~ Sue Dodd and Sue Smith
Gardening for Butterflies and Moths

The speakers Sue Smith and Sue Dodd are 20 year veterans in giving talks to gardening clubs  and they are well known and respected throughout the Gloucestershire circuit.  Both ladies are passionate advocates of gardening to encourage wildlife and Sue Smith’s husband has recorded 600 species of moths in their garden. 

May 8th, 2019
Try it, Test it, and Label it Session.
TRY planting unusual containers, and see how they work for future public involvement Eg. wellies, tetrapacks, large plastic milk containers. Those who don’t fancy this can use more conventional containers, no more than 2 litres.
TEST planting various seeds in them, or cuttings from trailing plants. Eg nepeta or creeping Jenny.
LABEL and check plants for sale, assembling as many as possible in or outside Lower hall.

Saturday May 11th, 2019

Plant Sale

10.30am - 12.30pm

Our annual Plant Sale will be at the hall. Please come along and join us for this lovely community event.

Maybe pick up a bargain or just come

and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake!? There will be plants for sale, refreshments, cakes, and a raffle.  We hope to see you there!

June 12th, 2019
Mervyn Reed ~ Roses
Aan insight into the history and development of the English rose. 
July 10th, 2019
Garden Visit
Glencoe Farm, Longhope
Glencoe Farm Garden has an area of 4.5acres (2hectares). It lies in a picturesque valley to the west of May Hill 10 miles from Gloucester and is surrounded by farmland. The soil is neutral, moisture retentive fertile clay with good structure. Until 1996 the garden was the half acre by the house. Since 1996 about a further acre has been developed as a new garden and the rest of the land is now restored orchard. The garden is particularly attractive in spring with expanses of snowdrops, daffodils and spring woodland plants.
August 14th, 2019
Club 10th Anniversary Celebration
A party and celebration of the ten years of our Ruspidge Gardening Club. Past, present and future.

Programme of club events 2017/2018

September 13th, 2017
AGM and Practical Social Evening
Collecting and drying for Christmas meeting. Please bring in seed pods, grasses, cones, or anything else you can think of, to dry and wire. We can store them to use at our Christmas meeting when Jackie Beard, Ruspidge's award winning florist will be on hand to demonstrate and advise us. Labelled trays can be used to store our efforts, for those short of space. 
October 11th, 2017
Preserves and Pickles
Pickles, jams, chutneys, cheeses, leathers, bottling and any other form of preserving you might like to try and astonish fellow members with.

 

Please bring along your preserves made from fruits, vegetables or fungi from your gardens (or even other people’s gardens) or from hedgerow forages to spread information about your favourite preserves and their flavours, textures and good methods of making them.

Especially welcome will be products with elusive and difficult to identify flavours so that members can have fun in trying to identify the hidden ingredients.

 

If you are bringing a preserve, please e-mail Sally Graham so that she knows how many items to expect for the evening.  

November 8th, 2017
Speaker ~ Diana Parsons
Funghi, with examples
Diana is an expert on fungi and is the leader of the Worcestershire Fungi Trust having been involved in mycology for 18 years. She hopes to illustrate her talk with specimens of fungi – depending on local availability prior to the talk. Her talk will include folklore associated with fungi, edible and poisonous species and many more aspects of the subject.
December 13th, 2017
Decorating for CHRISTMAS with Jackie Beard
 
 

 

Jackie Beard

 Decorating for Christmas!

Make a Christmas Swag/Garland or Table Decoration

 

also

 our favourite quizmasters Lisa & Woody return with our ever popular Christmas Quiz 

 

So don't miss out, come and join us for

refreshments, Christmas nibbles, 

and be there to celebrate with the rest of the gang :) 

 

January 10th, 2018
Jolters CidersCider Making

 

Pat from JOLTER’s CIDERS at Mitcheldean will be bringing samples of Cider and Perry to sample and he will also give a brief talk on the company and generally about the drinks.
 
 Also we will be holding a SEED SWAP when excess seeds from our collections can be swapped for other seeds. 
Please bring along seeds which are excess to your needs which can be used by other gardeners. 
Please:
  • Pack seeds in small quantities
  • Place in paper bags or envelopes
  • Label adequately and clearly with the name of the seeds and any other information which will be useful for the new owner of the seeds e.g. size, type of plant, possible date of expiry or date of gathering from your garden. 

Happy New Year! Look forward to seeing you.

 

February 14th, 2018
Speaker ~ Carl Woodman
Trugmaking
Carl Woodman is from Woodmans’ World, Longhope.  He was originally a lecturer in Rural Studies, and became skilled in working with wet timber.  He will demonstrate the making of a trugg, and will also bring a few examples with him, for sale £25 plus.  He is a traditional craftsman who has made authentic sets and props for Star Wars and War Horse amongst other films.  As well as making a trugg he will chat about famous gardeners he has worked with.

Saturday 10th March

Community Sow and Grow

10.30 -12.30 

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.

Ruspidge Memorial Hall GL14 3AE

Poster

March 14th, 2018
Speaker ~ Andy Pedrick
Propagation
Including root cuttings and layering
April 11th, 2018
Speaker ~ Jerry Green (Westbury Court Garden)
Soft fruit 
May 9th,  2018
Speaker ~ Andy Pedrick
Clematis and unusual climbers

Saturday May 12th, 2018

Plant Sale 

10.30am -12.30pm

It's time again for our annual Plant Sale at the hall. This is a lovely community event so please come along and join us. Maybe pick up a bargain or just come and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake? There will be plants for sale, refreshments and cakes, a raffle, book sale and gardeners' question table!  We hope to see you there!

June 10th, 2018
Garden Visit to
South Lodge Clearwell
June 13th, 2018
Meeting CANCELLED
Due to Highgrove visit
July 11th, 2018
Herbs and Edible Flowers
Ruspidge Garden Club experts
No speaker, so please grow your favourites, or try a recipe using herbs or edible flowers. All efforts welcome!

 

 

Programme of club events 2016/2017
September 14th, 2016
AGM plus
Speaker ~ Pam Sheppard
Drugs in your Garden (with examples)
Our member Pam is a retired pharmacist, knowledgeable botanist and gardener, with a keen interest in the use of plants as drugs.

 

October 12th, 2016
Speaker ~ Jerry Green of Westbury Court Gardens

'How to choose and plant an apple tree'

Members can please bring in apples they like or dislike to compare with Jerry's choices

 

November 9th, 2016
Speaker ~ Chris Evans of Dundry Nurseries
also The Butterfly Garden Project
www.dundrynurseries.co.uk

 

December 14th, 2016
Christmas Social Evening 
Make a Christmas Swag/Garland with Jackie Beard

 

also

 our favourite quizmaster returns Woody returns with our ever popular Christmas Quiz 

 

So don't miss out, come and join us for some Christmas fare, refreshments,

and be there to celebrate with the rest of the gang :) 

 

January 11th, 2017
Speaker ~ Mike Ayland 'Following the Wye Valley Railway'

 

 

February 8th, 2017
Speaker ~ Jo Ward-Ellison  'Creating a Country Garden'

 

Jo Ward-Ellison is an award winning garden designer
and works locally as a gardener and garden designer.  She
has a particular interest in herbaceous perennials and grasses.
Her approach to gardening is naturalistic and she creates gardens which are good for wildlife and which are low maintenance. She will talk to the club on ‘Creating a country garden’ which will reflect her interest in perennials and grasses.
Jo Ward-Ellison Gardens
www.ward-ellison.com

 

 

March 8th, 2017
Speaker ~ Paul Green of Green Leaves Nursery, Newent

A practical, "hands-on" talk showing a diverse range of
plants (including details about scented and butterfly plants)
Greens Leaves started supplying plants back in 1994 and rather than emulate many other nurseries already in existence, decided to specialise in rare and unusual plants from around the world, suitable for growing in the UK.  They are a specialist plant nursery supplying a wide selection of choice plants,  all grown in their Gloucestershire nursery. They also attend a number of specialist fairs and shows throughout the UK where a selected range of plants are on view and available for sale.
www.greensleavesnursery.co.uk

 

April 12th, 2017
Speaker ~ Andy Pedrick

Andy spoke to the club at a previous meeting about propagation but this time he will focus on propagating plants we can sell at the May plant sale, and he will bring examples for us to grow. He will also bring some of his own plants to sell to club members.

 

For this meeting, please bring plants, seedlings and any other material you would like to propagate or thin out, either for yourself or for the sale, and at approximately 8.30p.m.the more experienced members will help out with a practical session. Hazel will bring some easy seeds to grow and Judy and Lisa will help. Andy has promised to help with any awkward problems as he has vast experience in the horticultural business.

 

 

Come and have an informal, practical session and bring along any materials as long as they involve propagation!  Materials, such as compost, pots and trays will be available. Members can help themselves to drinks at anytime in the practical session

 

May 10th, 2017
Preparation for Plant Sale
Short talk from Lisa ~ How to look after our soil
Question & Answer Session

 

May 13th, 2017 (Saturday)
10.30am - 12.30pm                       Plant Sale
Ruspidge Memorial hall

 

It's time again for our annual Plant Sale at the hall. This is a lovely community event so please come along and join us. Maybe pick up a bargain or just come and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake? There will be plants for sale, refreshments and cakes, a raffle, book sale and gardeners' question table!  We hope to see you there!

 

June 14th, 2017

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 Pearl Bordered Fritillary

 

 

July 12th, 2017
Garden visit
The Meeting House, Flaxley

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 ours, 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

 

August 9th, 2017
Garden Visit

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 7th 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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Programme of club events 2015/2016

September 9th 2015:  
Speaker ~ Adrian James ~ 'Hidden Gardens of Cornwall'
 
October 14th 2015:    
Speaker ~ William Scott ~ 'Restoration of a Walled Garden'
 
November 11th 2015:  
Foody social evening - Quiz, Chutneys, Preserves and Apples etc.
Please bring in any nibbles you like, bread, preserves, apple cake, etc. 
Auction of any spares.
 
December 9th 2015
Practical Social Evening - Make a Wreath or Table Decoration
Choose to make a Christmas wreath £2, or a table decoration £1, refreshments provided.

 

January 13th, 2016

Seasonal Soup Tasting

Accompanied by a quiz from our favourite quizmaster Woody

 

February 10th, 2016

Speaker ~ Sarah Sawyer

Sarah is coming to tell us about the projects she is involved with in the Wye Valley.

Sarah is Community Links Officer from Wye Valley AONB, also formerly worked at Bristol Botanic Garden, Highgrove and the RSPB, so have your questions ready!

 

March 9th, 2016
Speaker ~ Mark Moir of Newent Plant Centre
Scented Plants and Spring Colour 

 

April 13th, 2016
Speaker ~ Max Wilson of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Mark will be giving us the buzz about bumblebees!
Max is a local volunteer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.  He will be giving us an introduction to the UK' s most effective pollinators.  Their species,  life cycle,  enormous contribution and the worrying threats to their survival which will affect us all, and what each one of us can do to help preserve them.

 

May 11th, 2016
Preparations for Plant Sale
Our own gardeners' question time.

 

May 14th (Saturday)
PLANT SALE at Ruspidge Memorial Hall
10am - 1pm
It's time again for our annual Plant Sale at the hall. This is a lovely community event so please come along and join us. Maybe pick up a bargain or just come and have a cup of tea and a slice of cake? There will be plants for sale, refreshments and cakes, a raffle, book sale and gardeners' question table!  We hope to see you there!

 

June 8th, 2016
Garden visits to:~
Ruspidge & The Ruffit
Meet at the hall at 6.30 for 2 garden visits, one in Ruspidge and one at the Ruffit.
In Ruspidge the garden we are visiting is a charming cottage garden, bordering the woods.  As well as being the most picturesque cottage garden, it has additional areas, like rooms of a house, adding delightful dimensions and harmonising with the adjoining woodland.
In contrast our other visit, near the top of the Ruffitt, has a garden majoring on vegetables enriched with green manure.  This pristine garden feeds their extended family throughout the year. They are firm believers of good husbandry.  As well as spectacular views over the Severn Valley we will see an innovative garden, and be privileged to learn from it's owner.  There are also delightful shrub and flower borders.
Back to the hall afterwards for Pimms and Scones

 

July 13th, 2016
Speaker ~ Sally Twyman
Combination Planting

 

August 10th, 2016
Garden Visit to Barn House
Owner Kate Patel

 

 The garden at Barn House is located on a secluded hillside above the beautiful Wye Valley. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, it’s an inspiring place to create a garden.
The acre garden is divided into two, with the house sitting at the bottom of what was a rocky slope.
On the other hand, the site is south facing and catches the valley winds which makes it ideal for growing ornamental grasses.
http://thegardenbarnhouse.com

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Programme of club events 2014/2015

 

September 10th, 2014

Cheese & Wine Evening

Pete Graham ~ Winemaking

 

October 8th, 2014

Speaker ~ Duncan Jackson

Presentation on Permaculture

 

November 12th, 2014

Speaker ~ Roger Keyes

*Also this night book sale

 

December 10th, 2014

Christmas Quiz night and Buffet

Quiz night & Social Evening, mulled wine and Christmas nibbles

After something a bit different last year, a return to our much enjoyed

Christmas quiz hosted by Woody, and with homemade mulled wine  provided by Pete.

How could you refuse?

 

January 14th, 2015

Speaker ~ Julie Ritchie

The Perennial Year

The Nursery says:

‘Hoo House Nursery has been offering perennials and alpines for more than 25 years.

We grow and propagate as many of our own plants as possible and for the last 8 years have been using peat-free compost.

We maintain a list of about 900 varieties which although not all available at one time, we aim to have the majority of them on offer around the beginning of May.

We pride ourselves on having a good range of plants for every garden situation and can offer advice and suggestions for anyone in need of a little inspiration.’

*Also this night Bring and Buy Sale

 

February 11th, 2015

Speaker ~ Belinda Legge

'A Gardener view of Australia'

Brenda former member of the Pludds Gardening Society shares her visits to gardens in Australia.

 

March 11th, 2015

Speaker ~ Andy Pedricks

'Hands on propagation'

 

April 8th, 2015

Speaker ~ Paul Moir

Painswick Rococco Garden

'The History and Restoration of an 18th Century Regency Playground'

 

May 9th, 2015

Plant Sale

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

Plants, cakes, raffle and refreshments!

Come along and join in the fun, pick up a bargain or come and have a cup of tea and a bit of cake?

 

May 13th, 2015

Speakers ~ Sue Smith/ Sue Dodd

Wildflowers of the Cotswolds

Myths, remedies and Legends

  

June 10th, 2015

Garden visit ~

Composting at Lisa's

Lisa dishes the dirt on the good stuff!

 

July 8th, 2015

Garden visit ~ 

Two NGS gardens in Longhope

Refreshments included

 

August 12th, 2015

Trials and Triumphs

AGM/Social Evening and Pimms

Tell us about what you have been up to in the garden, successes, failures, anything you want to tell us about or show us.  If you have any gardening questions, email them to us in advance so we can put it to 'the panel'.

 

 

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Programme of club events 2013/2014 

September 11th, 2013

Members group meeting

Membership renewals

Bulb sales

 

October 9th, 2013

Speaker:  Fiona Warin

'Lost the Plot'

A humorous talk about allotments and tips for our gardens

 

November 13th, 2013

Severn Cider, Awre

Talk with cider samples and food ideas

 

December 11th, 2013

Sadie Kilby

Wreath making demonstration

Come along  have a go at making your own wreath, and then why not enter it in to the competition before you take it home?

Please bring some greenery for making your wreath if possible, or anything you would like to decorate it with. 

 

December 14th, 2013 (Saturday)

Christmas Dinner Meal 

The White Hart, Ruspidge

7.30pm

Three course meal plus coffee and mince pies.  Entertainment.

£20 per head.  Book with a deposit now, pay the balance in November.

 

January 8th, 2014

January Social Evening

with Soup and Roll supper

We will be having a  Quiz devised specially for us by our member and plant knowledge

expert Judy!

New* Small 'Bring and Buy Sale'

 

February 12th, 2014

Speaker: Bob Train

'Learn how to get more from your camera'

Bob has 30 years of award winning experience and will share with us how to:

Photograph your garden

Capture special moments easily

Compose stunning shots with confidence

Understand your camera programes.

So bring along your camera for advice from Bob. You might find a feature you didn't know about!

 

March 12th, 2014

Speaker: Dr Ferguson

'Growing and storing vegetables'

Dr Keith Ferguson trained as a professional botanist, and after working in the USA for a time, he then spent 29 years at Kew before retiring to Gloucestershire and creating a new garden in Longhope. A keen and widely travelled plantsman who gives talks to many garden clubs and societies around the country.

 

April 9th, 2014

Speaker: John Fitzpatrick

Editor of the Alpine Garden Society publication and was part of the gold winning team at Chelsea last year.

 

May 10th, 2014

Plant Sale

Ruspidge Memorial Hall

10am - 1pm

Plants, Raffle, Refreshments and Cake!

Why not come along and join in the fun.  Pick up a bargain or come and have a cup of tea and a bit of cake? To learn some more about us come to the club stand.

 

May 14th, 2014

Speaker:  Gail Plant

"A scented garden year"

Gail Plant of Mrs Plant's Herbs in Much Marcle, a sensory, scented, and bee friendly garden designer and plantswoman.

 

June 11th, 2014

Speaker: Rebecca Hoyland

Blakeney Hill Growers

We met Rebecca at the Community Grant Awards ceremony where Blakeney Hill Growers received a grant to help with the bee-keeping side of their garden. She has agreed to come and tell us a bit more about the community gardens at Blakeney Hill.

From their website - 

'Everything we do holds to our core values of sustainable and wildlife friendly growing. We want to add to the bio diversity and care for the environment and wildlife as well as produce healthy food and have places to relax.

Sustainable Food Production and Recreation with Fewer Food Miles

We’re using part of our land to house goats, bees and chickens as well as space for a community vegetable plot, garden and orchard. We’re producing a range of food products from goats milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, and honey.'

 

July 9th, 2014

Garden visit:

Visit to Blakeney Hill Growers following on from our previous meeting to see the community gardens.

Cost is £2 per person

Travel arrangements: Meet at the Hall at 7 pm (car share as usual )

Directions:  Follow the road from Ruspidge through Soudley, just before you reach Blakeney turn right( signposted Blakeney Hill). 

Where the lane widens please park here and walk up the hill to the "garden". The less able will be able to go right up to the entrance, but parking will be difficult.

 

August 13th, 2014

AGM and Fruit Punch Evening

Official business out the way as soon as possible hopefully. A bit of a social afterwards, fruit punch and nibbles. Share with us any hints or tips you might have, what worked for,  what didn't? What do wish you had grown?

 

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Programme of club events 2012/2013

 

September 12th, 2012

Members group meeting

Membership renewals

Sweet potato trials

 

October 7th, 2012

Mass bulb planting

Ruspidge Park 2pm

 

October 10th, 2012

Speaker:  Catherine Williams

                 'How to make the most of your garden'

 

November 14th, 2012

Winter tool maintenance and tool sharpening

Club workshop

 

December 12th, 2012

Mulled wine, mince pies & Christmas nibbles

Raffle

You are invited to come and enjoy this social event with Woody, our Quizmaster for the evening, posing the questions… join a team and pit your wits….

 

January 9th, 2013 

Homemade Soup and roll evening

Gardening quiz

Seed orders

 

January 19th, 2013

Social evening

Skittles match

The White Horse, Soudley

Buffet - Ploughmans £5

(Postponed)

 

February 13th, 2013

Speaker: Mark Moir

                 Edible gardens

 

March 13th, 2013

Speaker: Steve Frost

‘Preparing for the village show’

Pot of bulbs competition

Seed swap

 

April 10th, 2013

Speaker: Marion Stainton

Murder, magic and plant potions from your garden

Marion's talk is guaranteed to get your attention and may produce a few surprises!

 

April 20th, 2013

Skittles evening now rescheduled

The White Horse, Soudley

7pm

Buffet £5

 

May 8th, 2013

Speaker: Owen Vaughan 

Talk on managing a 4 acre public garden with all year round interest by RHS award winning Head Gardener and skilled plantsman

  

May 18th, 2013

Trip to Kew Gardens

Leaving the hall at 7.30am

 

June 12th, 2013 

Garden Visit

to The Meeting House, Flaxley 7pm

Meet at the hall at 6.30pm for car sharing to the garden  

  

July 10th, 2013

Speaker:  Paul Greene

Paul has a specialist plant nursery in Newent  and will give advice on grouping plants to get the best effects. He will bring plants with him.

 

August 14th, 2013

AGM and Pimms night

 

 

Programme of club events 2011/2012

 

September 

Bulb evening

Membership renewals

Highgrove arrangements 

 

September 28th

Highgrove visit 

SOLD OUT

 

October 12th 2011

Speaker:  Samantha Brown

                www.thegaliumgarden.co.uk

                Garden Design

 

November 9th 2011

Speaker:  David Ballard

                ‘Bump in the Forest’

 

December  14th 2011

Christmas Quiz

& Party Night

 

January 11th 2012

Social evening

Seed orders and suggestions

 

February 8th 2012

Speaker:  Mr Perkins

                ‘Island Gardens of Britain’

 

March 14th 2012

Social evening

 

April 11th 2012

Speaker:  Rachel Salisbury

                'Container gardening'

 

April 21st 2012

RGC table at Souldey monthly market

From 9.30am

Plants and cakes

 

May 9th 2012

7PM  Plant sale at Judy's garden, Kibble Lane

and afterwards Social evening at the hall 

 

May 20th 2012

Visit to Lydney Spring Gardens, Lydney Park Estate

Meet at the garden car park at 1pm  

 

June 13th 2012

Trip to Wilton Castle, Ross on Wye

Guided tour and refreshments 

Car sharing from hall 

 

July 11th 2012

Speaker:   Bee keeping

Honey related nibbles

Bee friendly plants

 

August 8th 2012

AGM/ Pimms evening