11th January: ALL MUCK AND MAGIC - Geoff Hodge The roots of plants are very important – which means the soil or compost they live in is vital to their growth and the overall health and quality of the plant. Yet, some people disregard soil as “that brown stuff in the garden”! In this practical talk, Geoff Hodge discusses what it does, and what you need to add to it to improve it – in order to get the very best from all your plants – and how.
8th February: PRIESTFIELD ARBORETUM - Tim Pye
Priestfield Arboretum is a privately owned tree collection in Little Kingshill, described as a “hidden gem in the Chilterns”. Tim is the arboretum’s curator and will give a brief history of the arboretum and then focus on some of the more interesting specimens.
14th March: PROPAGATION OF WOODIES AND NON WOODIES - Tom Cole
An illustrated talk highlighting the popogation of a range of woodies; trees and shrubs, plus perennials. Discussing the benefits of key techniques to be used at key points throughout the year.
11th April: SPRING SHOW
Always a highlight of the year for members with a bit of friendly competition between amateur growers. The show offers the chance to show off your daffodils, rhubarb, houseplant or any other plant for that matter!
9th May: WONDERS OF THE BOTANICAL WORLD - Matthew Biggs
If you have ever wondered how cacti survive the extreme heat and cold of the desert, the ‘Giant Pitcher plant’ finds food in high altitude cloud forest or what the largest parasitic plant in the world looks like, this fascinating fact filled talk reveals all. Alongside these amazing stories we will also discover how life on earth depends on plants and how much they contribute to our survival. Welcome to the wonders of the botanical world!
Matt Biggs is a well-known gardener, writer and broadcaster who is a regular panel member of the BBC's Gardeners' Question Time.
This is our joint event with the CSG Literary Festival, and guests are very welcome to join us but a small entrance fee will be charged for those who are not members of CSGGA.
13th June - Summer Soiree and Garden Visit
This evening will be spent exploring a local garden - details to follow ....... but strawberry tarts and bubbles will be on offer!
11th July: ACERS AND THEIR COMPANIONS - George Lockwood An illustrated talk looking at many different Acers explaining what soil and aspect they need and how tall they grow. George will also show some evergreens that grow well with acers.
8th August: CYCLAMEN - Paul Whitlock
All you need to know about how to grow and propagate these lovely plants to add colourful interest when there isn't much going on in the garden. Paul is the Chairman of the Cyclamen Society.
12th September: A-Z OF FOOLPROOF GARDENING - Chris Day
Chris shares his hints and tips on how to get the best from your garden and your plants. A seasonal gallop through 26 letters of the alphabet featuring a range of plants and props along the way.
10th October:AGM and Members Autumn Show
Bring along your dahlias, apples and pot plants and enter into a little light-hearted garden rivalry!
14th November: THE SOIL ASSOCIATION - Alex Cullen Learn about the Soil Association, a charity that works to transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world. Join Alex to hear about their campaigns and causes.
12th December - Christmas Party
Our annual Christmas party gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year and share the evening with friends and fellow gardeners. A seasonal dinner will form part of the evening, together with quizzes and a raffle.