Moulton and District Gardeners' Society (MDGS)

2024 Programme

 

January 24th ‘Spring in the Garden’ - Timothy Walker (Plant List)
Gardeners know spring has arrived when there is too much to do in the time available! This talk looks at what needs to be done for a great spring display, with suggestions of some plants to grow for March to May.
   
February 28th ‘Gardening in Dry & Drought Conditions’  -  Geoff Hodge
Numerous plants have developed adaptations that help them reduce how much water they need & their dependence on water. Geoff explains these adaptations & which are the best plants to help you reduce your summer watering regime.

   
March 27th Garden Quiz & Hot Cross Buns
April 24th 'History of the Chrysanthemum in Art & Culture’  -  Dr Twigs Way
  This talk follows the fortunes of the flower through philosophy, art, literature and death, recounting the stories of the men and women who became captivated by it.
   
May 22nd 'The Swiss Garden at Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire'  -  Corinne Price
  Tonight we will hear about this complete example of a late Regency landscape (See July 17th trip below)
   
July 24th ‘A Concise History of our Great British Parks’  -  Paul Rabbitts
This is a fascinating insight into the history of parks. It illustrates their origins, and gives examples of lodges, lakes, bandstands, fountains & floral displays.
   
September 25th ‘Planting Pots for Winter Interest & Spring Joy’  -  Harriet Rycroft
For this talk Harriet will discuss how to create container plantings which last from September to May.
  Photograph Competition: ‘Native Fruit’
   
October 23rd AGM Cheese & Wine Evening
  (Annual subscriptions due)
   
November 27th 'Unexpected Tales of Plants and Gardens'
  This talk covers all topics offered by a good book: History, money, royalty, intrigue, even a little sex!

The society also arranges a number of trips throughout the year:

Tuesday April 30th Day trip to Coton Manor  -  Bluebells & Refreshments
  For lovers of gardens, this must surely be one of the finest in England. Every corner you turn provides a ‘wow’ factor with millions of bluebells for us to see on this trip. This beautiful 10 acre garden at Coton Manor has luxuriant borders with colour and interest throughout the seasons, and beyond the garden is a magical five acre bluebell wood and wildflower meadow. Refreshments are included with garden admission, and following our walk around the gardens, we will be treated to sandwiches, tea/coffee or a cold drink and a selection of homemade cakes in the Stable yard Café. There is a large variety of plants for sale.
   
Wednesday June 12th Drive-yourself daytime garden trip & optional village walk to Cottesbrooke
   
Sunday June 23rd to Thursday 27th Weekend Away to Hayling Island
   
Wednesday July 17th Day trip to The Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire
This is a late Regency, 9-acre garden which has 13 listed structures including a Swiss Cottage, Indian Kiosk, and Grotto. The gardens are easy to walk around with made up pathways & lovely views of woodland and lakeside areas.
   
Saturday September 14th

Day trip to Thorncroft Clematis & Arley Arboretum

  This is the right time of year to plant & grow clematis, so come to view & purchase as many plants as we can load in the coach! Arley arboretum provides wonderful walks through its ancient trees with, hopefully, beautiful Autumn colours.
   
December 1st Trip to Olney: 'Dickens of a Christmas', with Christmas lunch at The White Hart, Hackleton

And finally the two main events of the year:

Saturday May 11th Plant Sale & Coffee Morning
  Doors open to receive plants: 9.00 – 10.00 am 
  Open to public: 10.30 – 12.00 noon
   
Saturday August 10th Annual Show   
  Doors open for exhibitors: 9.00 – 10.15 am
  Doors open to public: 2.00 – 3.30 pm

  

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