Surrey Horticultural Federation Spring Newsletter 2023

Hello and welcome to the Surrey Horticultural Federation Spring 2023 Newsletter!

Surrey Horticultural Federation Garden Visit to ‘Grattons’ in Dunsfold

We are very grateful indeed to Sheri Sticpewich, who has very kindly agreed to open her garden, ‘Grattons’ in Dunsfold, exclusively for Surrey Horticultural Federation clubs and societies from 2.30pm until 4.30pm on Sunday 2nd July 2023!

Please add this date to your diaries and share this information with your members; we hope to see you there.

Arranging Visits to National Garden’s Scheme Gardens in Surrey

I received this message from Sarah Wilson from the NGS:

Dear Garden Club organiser,

I know that a lot of the garden clubs in the Surrey Horticultural Federation like to arrange group visits to Surrey NGS gardens. Feedback to me over the years has mentioned that the NGS website is not very easy to navigate, and some garden owners are rather elusive! We are addressing this in 2023 to try and increase the number of arranged visits.

To facilitate this the NGS have set up a separate page for prearranged visits to Surrey Gardens with a plan for next year to set up an online booking and payment system.

To access the new pages there is a simple link : https://ngs.org.uk/surrey-by-arrangement/  – unfortunately, you cannot access this via the public website.

We have also prepared a document, which can be emailed or printed, which gives garden visit organisers all the information they need to set up a visit and includes a QR code which takes you straight to the garden description.

With Best Wishes

Sarah Wilson

Publicity Lead and Assistant County Organiser for the Surrey NGS

Surrey Gardens Open By Arrangement 2023

Download Open Gardens PDF

Crosswater Farm in Churt is Opening for the National Gardens Scheme

Crosswater Farm Gardens will open on Sunday 7th May 2023 and Coronation Holiday Monday 8th May 2023 in aid of the National Gardens Scheme from 10am to 4.30pm. This year marks the 30th Anniversary that the garden has opened in aid of the NGS and the Millais family aim to reach £30,000 raised for the charity during this time.

The idyllic 6 acres of woodland garden feature thousands of varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas as well as companion trees such as Sorbus, Magnolias and Acers, in a beautiful setting including ponds and a stream. The garden contains one of the areas’ most comprehensive collections of rhododendrons, many of which have been raised by the Millais family from seed collected in the Himalayas or from their breeding programme.

Adjoining the garden is the specialist rhododendron grower Millais Nurseries, who are Royal Warrant holders and RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medalists. Over 900 different varieties are grown ranging from tiny alpine dwarfs to architectural big leaved specimens. The plant centre and trials garden featuring new varieties from around the world should be in full bloom at this opening.

Crosswater Farm can be found in the village of Churt, just off Jumps Road.  The address is:

Crosswater Farm
Crosswater Lane
Churt
Farnham
Surrey GU10 2JN

Admission £6, children free. Teas are in aid of Christian Aid.

New Speaker recommendations

I’ve just recently had two speakers recommended to me – see the information below.

Simon Horrill

After an extensive career in the world of ballet and musical theatre, Simon Horrill wanted to find a new creative path. He retrained at the London Collage of Garden Design. His time at London Collage of Garden Design taught him many new skills but also showed him that his background helped him understanding space and working in three dimension. Simon now combines his passions, designing gardens and teaching dance.

Simon gives two two talks at the moment – ‘Small Space Big Idea’ – A practical look at making spaces work to their best and ‘Springing into another year’ – Ideas and musing of where gardens maybe moving in the year ahead by looking at predicted trends, products that Simon has found helpful and some plant thoughts and ideas.

Simon charges £85, plus travel costs of 40p a mile. Simon’s email is simonhorrillgardendesign@gmail.com


Steven Edney

Steven Edney is a plantsman and co-owner of The No Name Nursery and The Land, a former Head Gardener at The Salutation. Steven is a Member of the RHS herbaceous committee, a garden consultant to Canterbury Cathedral, the holder of two National Plant Collections, and winner of Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show gold medals!

Talk titles include:

  • Drought tolerant plants
  • Dahlias for the garden (not exhibition)
  • A horticulturalist’s home garden – open for the NGS
  • Think beyond the flower, perennials for winter structure – seed heads
  • Our jungly journey with exotics
  • The Land and The No Name Nursery – our gardening life
  • The Long border (planning plants and maintenance of our 100m long border)
  • Other titles available and Zoom talks available.

Fee: £100 plus travel @ 45p per mile.
Steve has his own computer and projector so will just need a screen to be provided.
When giving talks, Steven will bring plants from the nursery for sale.

Contact:
Sweetbriar
69 Chequer Lane
Ash
Kent
CT3 2AX
steven.edney@live.com
01304 448476 (Email preferred. Website coming soon!)

Speaker Feedback

Has a speaker given a talk to your society over the past few months?  Please share your feedback with the other Surrey Horticultural Federation clubs and societies by emailing me your thoughts, both positive and negative on the speakers you’ve heard – thank you.  My email is beth@pumpkinbeth.com.

Publicising Your Club or Society’s Events

If your club or society is a fully paid up member of the Surrey Horticultural Federation, I will be delighted to add your society or club’s events to our website. Please email me, beth@pumpkinbeth.com.  To successfully publicise your event, I need to know:

  • What date your event takes place.
  • What time your event starts.
  • Where your event is held.
  • What type of event you’re holding? If it’s a talk, please let me know the name of the speaker and their talk title.
  • Finally, I need to know the entrance fee for visitors.

Do You Have Anything You Would Like Me to Add to My Next Newsletter?

Do you have anything you would like me to add to my next newsletter?  Please email me, beth@pumpkinbeth.com.

On behalf of our Chairperson Janet Arm, Our Membership Secretary and Treasurer Katharine Deaville, and all the Surrey Horticultural Federation Council, I’d like to send you our very best wishes for a happy Easter and a successful spring growing season ahead!

Kind regards
Beth

Beth Otway
Website & Events Secretary
Surrey Horticultural Federation

If you are a member of the Surrey Horticultural Federation and you have something you would like me to add to my next newsletter, please contact me, my email is beth@pumpkinbeth.com

March 2023
Thu 9-Mar-2023 The Heather National Collections at RHS Garden Wisley: a talk by Mark Tuson Plant Heritage, Surrey Group (NCCPG) Wendy Bentall 01276-858256
Thu 9-Mar-2023 Beyond the Garden Gate: a talk by Annabel Alford-Warren Egham Gardens and Allotment Association Mrs. Wendy Flight 01932-455910
Fri 10-Mar-2023 Colours of the Caribbean, Wild & Garden Flowers: a talk by Carol Watson Froyle Gardening Club Madeleine Dowding 01420-85530
Fri 10-Mar-2023 Tips on Showing: a talk by Peter Almond Banstead Horticultural Society Mrs. Diana Beck 01737-271243
Fri 10-Mar-2023 British Alstoemerias and UK Cut Flowers Industry: a talk by Ben Cross from Crosslands Nursery in West Sussex Leigh and District Cottage Garden Society Jean Griffin
Sat 11-Mar-2023 50 Shades of Grey: a talk by Colin Moat Kingswood, Walton, & Tadworth Horticultural Society Mr. K.G.Lewis 01737-210707
Sat 11-Mar-2023 Cherrill Sands: Women Gardeners of the 20th Century Hardy Plant Society Southern Counties Group Mrs Anne Grabaskey
Sun 12-Mar-2023 Growing Redhill Working Party at Merstham Train Station: Tidying Up & Weeding Growing Redhill Ms Debbie Fox 07717-678968
Tue 14-Mar-2023 Flowers for Fun! Tilford Gardening Club Mrs. Janet Arm 01252-783133
Tue 14-Mar-2023 Fish Go Deep: a Demonstration by Jennifer Thompson The Reigate Flower Club Wendy Jolley 01737-764004
Tue 14-Mar-2023 Rhododendrons from the Himalayas to Chelsea: a talk by David Millais Worplesdon Garden Club Tim Bonnert 07708 455096
Wed 15-Mar-2023 Gardening Quiz with Seed Swap & Fish and Chip Supper Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Georgia Lacey 01428 683120
Wed 15-Mar-2023 Sandhurst & District Gardening Club’s Daffodil Show & The World of Alpines: a talk by Jon Evans Sandhurst & District Gardening Club Julie Sheppard 07711 056 815
Wed 15-Mar-2023 Farming in Thursley: a talk by local Farmers, Robert Ranson, Peter & Teresa Goble Thursley Horticultural Society Mrs. Pat Clake 01252-706869
Wed 15-Mar-2023 Leatherhead Horticultural Society Spring Show & AGM Leatherhead Horticultural Society Mr. Euan Niven 01372-279079
Wed 15-Mar-2023 80 Things You Didn’t Know About Horticulture: a talk by Ray Broughton Plus Daffodil Show Onslow Village Garden Club Mrs Anne Bradbeer 01483 563421
Wed 15-Mar-2023 The Way to a Wimbledon Lawn: a talk by Paul Patton Wallington, Carshalton and Beddington Horticultural Society Christine Hockham 01243 824726
Wed 15-Mar-2023 Wonersh & District Garden Club Members’ Only Conducted Tour of Wisley Wonersh and District Garden Club Mrs. H. Goodridge 01483-535108
Thu 16-Mar-2023 Encouraging Wildlife in the Garden: a talk by Andrew Halstead Churt Horticultural & Produce Society (CHAPS) Mrs. Maggie Wright 01428-715304
Thu 16-Mar-2023 Dunsfold and Hascombe Horticultural Society Zoom Talk: Growing Dahlias with Expert Darren Everest Dunsfold & Hascombe Horticultural Society Paul Goudie
Fri 17-Mar-2023 Frensham & Dockenfield Horticultural Society’s Guided Tour of RHS Garden Wisley Frensham & Dockenfield Horticultural Society Ruth Murphy 01252 793267
Mon 20-Mar-2023 Super Seasonal Display Ideas: a talk by Mark Saunders Ripley and District Horticultural Society Mrs. Sue Stranger 07887 996374
Mon 20-Mar-2023 Asters – History & Propagation: a talk by Jacqueline Aviolet Basingstoke Horticultural Society Mr. Philip Wraight 01256-324185
Mon 20-Mar-2023 Rhododendrons: a talk by David Millais Epsom Garden Society Catherine Flitter 07821-277708
Mon 20-Mar-2023 Jim Buttress, 65 Years in Horticulture (My recollections and memories of a long lifetime in horticulture) Brockham Green Horticultural Society Ruth Johnson 01737 842691
Thu 23-Mar-2023 Surrey Gardens Trust Zoom Talk: English Gardens Through the Eyes of Country Life by Kathryn Bradley-Hole Surrey Gardens Trust Sheri Sticpewich
Sat 25-Mar-2023 Tilford Gardening Club’s Spring Show Tilford Gardening Club Mrs. Janet Arm 01252-783133
Sat 25-Mar-2023 Frensham & Dockenfield Horticultural Society Spring Show Frensham & Dockenfield Horticultural Society Ruth Murphy 01252 793267
Sat 25-Mar-2023 Warlingham & District Horticultural Society AGM Warlingham & District Horticultural Society Mr. Richard Bransby 01883 623839
Sat 25-Mar-2023 Newdigate Horticultural Society Spring Show Newdigate Horticultural Society
Sat 25-Mar-2023 Meeting of the East Surrey Horticultural Societies Growing Redhill Ms Debbie Fox 07717-678968
Sat 25-Mar-2023 Wokingham Horticultural Association’s Spring Show Wokingham Horticultural Association Pauline MacBrayne 07941 352411
Sun 26-Mar-2023 Tilford Gardening Club’s Spring Show Tilford Gardening Club Mrs. Janet Arm 01252-783133
Tue 28-Mar-2023 Spring into Action 1: Pests of Vegetables: a talk by Andrew Halstead Dorking Allotment Holders’ Association Andy Whitehouse
Wed 29-Mar-2023 Horsley Garden Society Spring Show & Supper Horsley Garden Society Mrs. K. Clifton
Wed 29-Mar-2023 Sydney Scott Talk: Making the Most of What you Have: a talk by Ben Pope Ewhurst Horticultural Society Mrs. Anne Dyball 01483-271812
April 2023
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Dunsfold & Hascombe Horticultural Society Virtual Spring Show Dunsfold & Hascombe Horticultural Society Paul Goudie
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Ewell Horticultural Association Spring Show Ewell Horticultural Association Ms. Lynne Mason 0208-393-9257
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Froyle Gardening Club Spring Show Froyle Gardening Club Madeleine Dowding 01420-85530
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Wonersh & District Garden Club’s Spring Show Wonersh and District Garden Club Mrs. H. Goodridge 01483-535108
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Churt Horticultural & Produce Society Spring Show Churt Horticultural & Produce Society (CHAPS) Mrs. Maggie Wright 01428-715304
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Witley Gardening Association Spring Show Witley Gardening Association Christine Cox 01428 684883
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Thursley Horticultural Society Spring Show Thursley Horticultural Society Mrs. Pat Clake 01252-706869
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Headley Horticultural Society Spring Show Headley Horticultural Society Mrs. Jill Howard-Duff 01428-714073
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Spring Seed Swap, Plant Sale, & Fun Day Growing Redhill Ms Debbie Fox 07717-678968
Sat 1-Apr-2023 Ewhurst Horticultural Society Spring Show Ewhurst Horticultural Society Mrs. Anne Dyball 01483-271812
Sun 2-Apr-2023 Banstead Horticultural Society Spring Flower Show Banstead Horticultural Society Mrs. Diana Beck 01737-271243
Mon 3-Apr-2023 A talk by Carol Gubler from Little Brook Fuchsias Shalford, Peasmarsh and Chilworth Garden Club Rosa Bond 01483 539260
Wed 5-Apr-2023 The Victorian Gardener: a talk by Dr Judy Hill Send Gardening Society Fiona Collett 01483 765730
Tue 11-Apr-2023 The Magic of Spring: a Demonstration by Eleanor Bracken The Reigate Flower Club Wendy Jolley 01737-764004
Tue 11-Apr-2023 Hardy Geraniums: a talk by Jacqueline Aviolet Worplesdon Garden Club Tim Bonnert 07708 455096
Wed 12-Apr-2023 The Veg Garden in Spring: a talk by Barnaby Miller National Vegetable Society (NVS) Surrey District Association Beth Otway
Wed 12-Apr-2023 Plant Propagation: a talk by Ray Broughton, Lecturer at Sparshot College Grayshott Gardeners Sue Wheeler 07719 457821
Wed 12-Apr-2023 Companion Planting: a talk by Belinda Allen Ashtead Horticultural Society Mrs. Jennie Pilfold 01372-373348
Thu 13-Apr-2023 George Forrest and Ernest Wilson: In Search of Special Plants: a talk by Matthew Biggs Plant Heritage, Surrey Group (NCCPG) Wendy Bentall 01276-858256
Thu 13-Apr-2023 Egham Garden & Allotments Association Spring Show Egham Gardens and Allotment Association Mrs. Wendy Flight 01932-455910
Fri 14-Apr-2023 Lightwater Gardening Club Daffodil Show Lightwater Gardening Club Ms. Lynn Bull 01276-502497
Fri 14-Apr-2023 British Alstromerias & the Cut Flower Industry: a talk by Ben Cross Woodham & New Haw Horticultural Club Louise Clubley 01932-347297
Sat 15-Apr-2023 Kingswood, Walton & Tadworth Horticultural Society Spring Show Kingswood, Walton, & Tadworth Horticultural Society Mr. K.G.Lewis 01737-210707
Sat 15-Apr-2023 Andy Pinder: Unusual Trees for Small Gardens Hardy Plant Society Southern Counties Group Mrs Anne Grabaskey
Sat 15-Apr-2023 Grayshott Gardeners’ Spring Show Grayshott Gardeners Sue Wheeler 07719 457821
Sat 15-Apr-2023 Caterham & District Horticultural Society Spring Show Caterham & District Horticultural Society Mrs. J. Manning 01883 349491
Mon 17-Apr-2023 My Greenhouse Year: a talk by Gillian Taylor Basingstoke Horticultural Society Mr. Philip Wraight 01256-324185
Mon 17-Apr-2023 Propagation – A Practical Demonstration by Mark Dobell Brockham Green Horticultural Society Ruth Johnson 01737 842691
Mon 17-Apr-2023 Hever Castle Gardens: a talk by Neil Miller, Hever Castle’s Head Gardener Leigh and District Cottage Garden Society Jean Griffin
Tue 18-Apr-2023 Pollination & Bees: a talk by Margaret Lennard Tilford Gardening Club Mrs. Janet Arm 01252-783133
Wed 19-Apr-2023 Woodland Crafts in SE England: a talk by Tim Winter Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Georgia Lacey 01428 683120
Wed 19-Apr-2023 Late Spring Show & Growing for the Kitchen: a talk by Paul Patton Albury Produce Association Mrs. S. M. Cook O1483 202106
Wed 19-Apr-2023 Taking Cuttings: a talk by Glynis Maynard-Bligouras Onslow Village Garden Club Mrs Anne Bradbeer 01483 563421
Wed 19-Apr-2023 Flowers for Urban Wildlife: a talk by Sarah Foss Wallington, Carshalton and Beddington Horticultural Society Christine Hockham 01243 824726
Thu 20-Apr-2023 Herbs – their Growth & Care: a talk by Belinda Allen Witley Gardening Association Christine Cox 01428 684883
Sat 22-Apr-2023 Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Spring Show Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Georgia Lacey 01428 683120
Wed 26-Apr-2023 Banstead Horticultural Society Coach Trip: Tulips at Arundel Banstead Horticultural Society Mrs. Diana Beck 01737-271243
Thu 27-Apr-2023 Spring into Action 2: Pests of Fruit: a talk by Andrew Halstead Dorking Allotment Holders’ Association Andy Whitehouse
Thu 27-Apr-2023 South-West Coast Path and Flora: a talk by Mark Rosling Frensham & Dockenfield Horticultural Society Ruth Murphy 01252 793267
Fri 28-Apr-2023 Basket Planting Evening Tilford Gardening Club Mrs. Janet Arm 01252-783133
Sun 30-Apr-2023 Plant Heritage Plant Fair at Denbies Wine Estate Plant Heritage, Surrey Group (NCCPG) Wendy Bentall 01276-858256
Sun 30-Apr-2023 Growing Redhill Merstham Planters Working Party at Merstham Train Station Growing Redhill Ms Debbie Fox 07717-678968
May 2023
Wed 3-May-2023 Wonersh & District Garden Club Members’ Only Visit to a Private Rhododendron Garden Wonersh and District Garden Club Mrs. H. Goodridge 01483-535108
Fri 5-May-2023 Fascinating Fungi: Friend or Foe? a talk by Dr. Peter Herring Woodham & New Haw Horticultural Club Louise Clubley 01932-347297
Fri 5-May-2023 Hardy Geraniums: a talk by Jacqueline Aviolet Lightwater Gardening Club Ms. Lynn Bull 01276-502497
Sat 6-May-2023 Ewhurst Horticultural Society Plant Sale Ewhurst Horticultural Society Mrs. Anne Dyball 01483-271812
Sun 7-May-2023 Dunsfold & Hascombe Plant Sale at Dunsfold Village Fete Dunsfold & Hascombe Horticultural Society Paul Goudie
Mon 8-May-2023 Send Gardening Society at The May Fair Send Gardening Society Fiona Collett 01483 765730
Tue 9-May-2023 The Good, The Bad, The Ugly & The Beautiful: a talk by Chris Stewart Witley Gardening Association Christine Cox 01428 684883
Tue 9-May-2023 The History & Trees of Brookwood Cemetery: a talk by Kim Lowe Worplesdon Garden Club Tim Bonnert 07708 455096
Wed 10-May-2023 Unusual Edibles: a talk by Matt Oliver National Vegetable Society (NVS) Surrey District Association Beth Otway
Wed 10-May-2023 Pottering with Pottage: Wisley the Flagship Garden of the RHS: a talk by Curator of RHS Garden Wisley, Matthew Pottage Grayshott Gardeners Sue Wheeler 07719 457821
Wed 10-May-2023 Brockham Green Horticultural Society Plant Sale Brockham Green Horticultural Society Ruth Johnson 01737 842691
Thu 11-May-2023 Growing for the Kitchen: a talk by Paul Patton Egham Gardens and Allotment Association Mrs. Wendy Flight 01932-455910
Fri 12-May-2023 The Perennial Garden Through The Seasons: a talk by Sandy Worth Froyle Gardening Club Madeleine Dowding 01420-85530
Sat 13-May-2023 Woodham & New Haw Horticultural Club Plant Sale & Silver Cake Sale Woodham & New Haw Horticultural Club Louise Clubley 01932-347297
Sat 13-May-2023 Witley Gardening Association Afternoon Plant Stall Witley Gardening Association Christine Cox 01428 684883
Sat 13-May-2023 Thursley Horticultural Society Plant Sale Thursley Horticultural Society Mrs. Pat Clake 01252-706869
Sat 13-May-2023 Grayshott Gardeners’ Plant Sale Grayshott Gardeners Sue Wheeler 07719 457821
Sat 13-May-2023 Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Plant Sale Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Georgia Lacey 01428 683120
Mon 15-May-2023 Foraging for Wild Food: a talk by Charlotte Fyfe Basingstoke Horticultural Society Mr. Philip Wraight 01256-324185
Tue 16-May-2023 It’s a Flowery Thing: a Demonstration by Kate Thomas The Reigate Flower Club Wendy Jolley 01737-764004
Wed 17-May-2023 Plant Poisons Used by Agatha Christie in her Books: an illustrated talk by Dr Kathryn Harkup Chiddingfold Horticultural Society Georgia Lacey 01428 683120
Wed 17-May-2023 Gardening for Wildlife: a talk by Peter Almond Sandhurst & District Gardening Club Julie Sheppard 07711 056 815
Wed 17-May-2023 Companion Planting: a talk by Belinda Allen Onslow Village Garden Club Mrs Anne Bradbeer 01483 563421
Wed 17-May-2023 Drought Tolerant Plants: a talk by Michaela Freed Wallington, Carshalton and Beddington Horticultural Society Christine Hockham 01243 824726
Sat 20-May-2023 Banstead Horticultural Society Mini Show Banstead Horticultural Society Mrs. Diana Beck 01737-271243
Sat 20-May-2023 Horsley Garden Society Plant Sale Horsley Garden Society Mrs. K. Clifton
Sat 20-May-2023 Headley Horticultural Society’s Plant Sale Headley Horticultural Society Mrs. Jill Howard-Duff 01428-714073
Sun 21-May-2023 Growing Redhill Merstham Planters Working Party at Merstham Train Station to Plant Summer Bedding Plants Growing Redhill Ms Debbie Fox 07717-678968
Wed 24-May-2023 Gardening to Save the Planet: a talk by Dave Goulson, Professor of Biological Sciences at Sussex University Thursley Horticultural Society Mrs. Pat Clake 01252-706869
Thu 25-May-2023 Gardeners’ Question Time (FDHS Panel) Frensham & Dockenfield Horticultural Society Ruth Murphy 01252 793267
Sun 28-May-2023 Grayshott Hidden Gardens Grayshott Gardeners Sue Wheeler 07719 457821
Mon 29-May-2023 Grayshott Hidden Gardens Grayshott Gardeners Sue Wheeler 07719 457821

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