Perfect Plants for Problem Places
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We were privileged to host “the nicest man in Horticulture", Matthew Biggs, for our autumn talk in October 2025. Matt is one of those amazing people who is able to speak unscripted and engagingly on his subject and we were totally enthralled. Before talking about specific plants, he explained the importance of studying the intrinsic characteristics of a particular ‘problem place’ including its aspect, drainage and soil type and ideas for addressing the problems, including of course the value of good garden compost for soil improvement.
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Turning to the specifics, we gathered planting suggestions for hot, dry sunny spots through plants for dry shade, north facing walls, clay and chalk, all embellished with his own personal anecdotes.
If you would like a copy of his handout listing specific plants for different problem places, please drop an email to [email protected] or contact us via our website
Finally, Matt spoke movingly about his long battle with cancer and exciting plans for creating more congenial outside spaces at Mount Vernon hospital where he’s received regular treatment for some years.
If you would like a copy of his handout listing specific plants for different problem places, please drop an email to [email protected] or contact us via our website
Finally, Matt spoke movingly about his long battle with cancer and exciting plans for creating more congenial outside spaces at Mount Vernon hospital where he’s received regular treatment for some years.
Savill Garden July 2025
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Following the successful visit to RHS Wisley in 2024 and as part of our community commitment, we arranged a group visit to The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park on 24th July 2025
The trip included coach travel from the village, entrance fee, tour of the gardens and, by special arrangement, the Royal Heritage Tour by coach around Windsor Great Park (perfect timing, the rain held off until the afternoon). The trip was well attended by about 40 people and judging by the feedback, everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day. |
Creating Rowan Garden Centre
with Alison Pao
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In a very engaging evening talk, Alison Pao from Rowan Garden Centre told us her story of creating and developing one of our favourite local garden centres (in Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles). As a very experienced plantswoman Alison also answered a number of gardening questions from the audience.
Visit Rowan Garden Centre |
Planning for early summer colour in your garden
A talk by RHS & Garden Organic-accredited speaker, George Lockwood. George learnt his trade at Capel Manor Horticultural teaching college where he now gives talks to the general public.
George is an organic gardener and looks after five large gardens and he never uses pesticides. In his talk he was happy to discuss watering; when to water and how much. He explained about certain insects and how to deal with pests.
For every plant that he explained when it flowers, what soil, and what aspect it needs. Below is an expandable list of George's favourite plants to bring added colour to your garden. You can also check out George’s recipe for garlic water - a top tip for controlling slugs and snails.
George is an organic gardener and looks after five large gardens and he never uses pesticides. In his talk he was happy to discuss watering; when to water and how much. He explained about certain insects and how to deal with pests.
For every plant that he explained when it flowers, what soil, and what aspect it needs. Below is an expandable list of George's favourite plants to bring added colour to your garden. You can also check out George’s recipe for garlic water - a top tip for controlling slugs and snails.
George's favoURITe plants
Euonymus alatus compactum
Euonymus alatus burning bush
Viburnum maresii
Gladiolus byzantinus
Marjoram
Borage
Salvia amistad
Acer griseum
Physioicarpus magic ball
Japanese blood grass
Hydrangea annabell arborensis
Chrysanthemum spartan fire
Chrysanthemum spartan canary
Cercis hearts of gold
Cercis royal white
Viburnum bodnantense
Alstroemeria Indian summer
Melianthus major
Abelia Grandiflora
Molinia caerula
Dianthus rocking red
Salvia farinacea white
Cercis eternal flame
Daphne adora
Uvularia grandiflora
Physiocarpus magic ball
Calycanthus Aphrodite
Viburnum mariesii
Euonymus alatus burning bush
Viburnum maresii
Gladiolus byzantinus
Marjoram
Borage
Salvia amistad
Acer griseum
Physioicarpus magic ball
Japanese blood grass
Hydrangea annabell arborensis
Chrysanthemum spartan fire
Chrysanthemum spartan canary
Cercis hearts of gold
Cercis royal white
Viburnum bodnantense
Alstroemeria Indian summer
Melianthus major
Abelia Grandiflora
Molinia caerula
Dianthus rocking red
Salvia farinacea white
Cercis eternal flame
Daphne adora
Uvularia grandiflora
Physiocarpus magic ball
Calycanthus Aphrodite
Viburnum mariesii
RHS Wisley July 2024
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Through our affiliation with the Royal Horticultural Society we organised a group visit to RHS Wisley on Wednesday 24th July 2024.
As part of our community commitment we arrange the group visit with coach travel to the gardens located at: RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. The trip was well attended and 47 people enjoyed a delightful sunny day out taking a tour and exploring the gardens. RHS Wisley website |
Located in Surrey, South West of London, RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens, offering an inspirational day out for groups throughout the seasons.
Growing vegetables for beginners
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In January 2023 we were delighted to present a humorous and informative talk from local gardener Alan Clark for those of us who need help growing veg!
In the 1960’s Alan trained as a horticulturist and nurseryman. He also spent 20 years running his own landscape gardening business before retiring. He currently has 9 allotment plots and 2 fair sized gardens. |
What have plants ever done for us?
We were delighted to kick off Spring Fest March 2022 with a talk by Timothy Walker.
In his talk titled 'What have plants ever done for us?' he examined the role that plants play in our lives,
and how we can help them in these very difficult times for the environment.
He also supplied very valuable general gardening advice and answered our questions.
Many thanks to Jordans Environment Trust for their financial support for this event.
Birdsong Walks with Richard Tomlin
We were delighted that Richard Tomlin from Amersham Birdwatchers agreed to be our guide for early (and not quite so early) morning walks around Hodgemoor Wood.
The small group walks were thoroughly enjoyed by all.
There was no charge for tickets. Donation were made to the Buckinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
