In this strange world we find ourselves in at the moment – ‘socially-distanced’ and isolated from friends and wider families – we do at least have the consolation of the warmer weather than comes with this time of year. We may not be able to get out to buy Easter chocolate, or plants but we can get out into our gardens.

As promised we have been putting a photo a day on our Instagram account and some of these have been posted on our Facebook page too. For those of you not signed up to either of those here is a taster –

first up are the daffodils

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

next it’s random shrubs and flowers

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

and finally its tulip time –

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

If you are desperate for plants, seeds, compost or pots then be aware that although the nurseries and garden centres are closed some of them are doing online and/or phone orders – its worth contacting them to find out.

We hope you are all keeping safe and well and look forward to being able to meet again in September.

Under the circumstance we have cancelled all our meetings for April, May, June and July. We hope to be able to book these speakers again soon.

The May Plant Sale is cancelled.

The June and July bus trips are cancelled.

We are sorry to have to do this but we feel the health and well-being of our membership is a priority.

We hope that the Annual Show will be able to go ahead in September, but keep an eye on the website to check.

Follow us on Instagram (Stone_CandD_Garden_Club) where we are hoping to post a daily Spring flower to cheer us all up in these uncertain times.

This was our trip to Keele to see the collection of cherry trees – a reminder of happier times.

All being well, we will see you in September.

Our April meeting is on Thursday 9th when our speaker will be Heather Godard-Key from Fibrex Nurseries. This is a family business based at Pebworth near Stratford on Avon. They specialise in Pelargoniums and ivies – holding National Collections of both groups.

Don’t forget the Annual Plant Sale next month – May 2nd. Please keep growing and splitting those surplus plants!

Our March meeting takes place at the Christ Church Centre, Stone on Thursday 12^th March when our speaker is Colin Parkes, Vice-Chairman of the National Gladiolus Society. Unsurprisingly(!) his talk is entitled – Gladioli.

All are welcome to meetings which start at 7.45pm and cost just £1.50 payable on the door that evening.

Don’t forget our trip to see the Snowdrops on February 19th.

Our meeting this month is on 13^th Feb when Anthony Tavenor will talk about the discovery of Plas Cadnant hidden garden.

Plas Cadnant is an historic garden under restoration, situated between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey.  Anthony Tavenor, the current owner, bought the 200 acre estate in 1996 and started the restoration.

The photo above has been taken from the Plas Cadnant Gallery page.

Meetings are held at the ChristChurch Centre, ChristChurch Way, Stone, starting at 7.45pm. All are welcome at a cost of £1.50 payable on the door that night.

This month is your last chance to book a place on our trip to see the snowdrops at Colesbourne gardens. Details are on our Events Page.

May we take this opportunity to wish all our members and readers a merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Our AGM and meeting (members only) will take place on Thursday January 9th, 2020. The AGM  is at 7.30 pm.  Our speaker this month is David Wilkinson on his Favourite Staffordshire Places.

David Wilkinson was Stafford Borough Council Archaeologist until retirement and his talk is a personal choice of some twenty favourite places.

Please note that new car parking charges are coming into force at the beginning of the year – so check before you leave your car for the evening.

Book this month to go on our trip to Colesbourne Gardens to see the snowdrops in February. Full details are on the Events Page.

Our December meeting is on Thursday 12th at the earlier time of 2.30pm – an afternoon tea is included! The speaker is Danny Wells who will talk about the Art of the Christmas Card. Tickets for the Afternoon Tea should be booked in advance, although a limited number will be available on the day, and will cost £3.50.

Danny’s talks, courses and tours celebrate the history of the Victorian age.
There is also a strong focus on the Derbyshire Dales, Staffordshire Moorlands & London’s East End.
His aim is to unlock the past, discovering, stimulating and creating a greater understanding of these areas.

November is Gardenalia month! This meeting on Thursday November 14th is the chance to clear out your shed of surplus equipment or bag a bargain. This ever-popular sale will continue after our talk from David Emley who came in January to talk about Staffordshire wildlife. This month he will present a talk on butterflies of Staffordshire. We are very grateful to David for stepping in at short notice.

Meetings start at 7.45 at the Christ Church Centre in Stone; visitors are welcome and admission is £1.50.

Next month’s meeting starts at 2.30pm with an afternoon tea for which you will need a ticket. Tickets should be bought at this November meeting if at all possible.

Our October meeting is on Thursday October 10th when Don Whitton will talk about Euphorbias. He is a National Collection Holder for this genus and has a keen interest in all perennials. The meeting, held at the Christ Church Centre in Stone, starts at 7.45pm – visitors are welcome and admission is £1.50.

The photo is of Euphorbia mellifera and was taken at Cambridge Botanic Gardens in April.

The 33rd Stone Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society Annual Show takes place on Saturday September 14th at Walton Community Centre, Whitemill Lane, Stone.

The Show open to the public at 2pm and admission is free.

There is ample free parking.

The flowers will be for sale and available for collection at 4pm.

Full details are on our Events page.