Our next meeting is Thursday September 10th when photographer Nick Martin shows us the Secret Wildlife of my Garden.
Over the last ten years Nick has transformed his bland garden into a wildlife haven and has been rewarded with some amazing wild visitors. From nest boxes, nectar rich plants, a pond and more we’ll see how the garden has changed and which wonderful species have responded. He is an amateur wildlife photographer with a passion for nature and the countryside.
We have a coach trip this month on Thursday 17th September to Warwick and Coventry, stopping first at Hill Close Gardens, Warwick. The hidden hedged gardens of Warwick – Hill Close Gardens are a rare piece of Warwick’s history, cared for with the help of the community. We will have a guided tour of the gardens and a cuppa with cake is included in your fare. We then travel on to Avondale Nursery and The Library Garden in Baginton – a family-run business situated just outside Coventry. They’re happy to reserve plants for collection, and also offer a limited mail order service on selected plants. There are other nurseries and places to visit here as well places for lunch, although you may prefer to bring your own. Places are still available.
This summer’s weather has caused many plants to flower much earlier than usual (asters in July?!) but, hopefully, the forecast rain will reinvigorate our gardens and encourage some repeat flowering. There are plenty of gardens to visit and events happening throughout September from plant fairs to open gardens and shows.
There are three Plant Hunters Fairs coming up that are not too far away – Sun 5th Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster; Sun 13th Weston Park, Shifnal, and Sun 20th Arley Hall, Northwich.
25-27th September The Malvern Autumn Show takes place at the showground just outside Malvern.
RHS Bridgwater is bursting with autumn colour this month – 12-13th Sept Flavours of Autumn – talks, tours, demonstrations and music! Also on 13th Sept North-West Counties Early-Flowering Chrysanthemum Show. and on 26-27 Sept the Opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden – celebrate the new garden and the Chinese Festival of the Moon.
And then there are gardens open for the NGS this month – 2 Sept Wollerton Old Hall, 9 Sept Goldstone Hall Gardens, 19-20 Sept Upper Farm Gardens near Shrewsbury, Sept 20 Buntingsdale Park Gardens, Market Drayton, and 24 Sept John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries.
Finally, if you enjoy Citizen Science projects the Woodland Trust have a long-running one on the signs of autumn – from leaves changing and berries ripening to migrating birds flying over your garden. Further details and sign-up on the website.
Stone Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society 