On Saturday 13th April we have Chris Trimmer from the National Trust coming to speak to us on “The Work of the National Trust Plant Conservation Centre”.

Chris Trimmer works in conservation propagating, grafting, nursery design and management at the NT Plant Conservation Centre in Devon. His job includes saving plants which are endangered in a particular area (often because of disease), propagating clean stock and replanting the progeny to form a healthy colony. Sometimes these plants can be the only food-source for rare insects, so this work is vital to maintain biodiversity in threatened environments.

This promises to be an enlightening talk by an expert in his field, offering a detailed view of conservation techniques and practices.

On Thursday 25th April there is a self drive visit to Caisson House, (map) near Combe Hay and Rose Cottage, East Harptree.

Caisson House is so named due to its proximity to the site of the 1790s caisson lock on the Somerset Coal Canal. The canal is now disused but it still runs through the property. The garden wonderfully eclectic and romantic, set in beautiful North Somerset countryside around a Georgian house, dating from 1815.

Recent extensive bulb plantings should be at their peak in areas that later will be covered in wildflowers, and the owner is excited to receive an early season visit.  The structures of the topiaries, ponds and rills will be shown at their best, while new foliage will be emerging in the herbaceous borders. There is a walled garden with fruit trees, hopefully in full blossom, greenhouses, and flower and vegetable beds.

Rose Cottage (map) is a one-acre hillside cottage garden set upon the Mendips, with panoramic views over the Chew Valley Lake. Bordered by a small stream and established mixed hedges, the garden is carpeted with primroses, spring bulbs and hellebores in spring. There are plenty of seating areas to take in the views.

Tickets are £30 per person. Full details and directions will be given when you book your place with Penny on p.berry487@btinternet.com or phone: 01278 662720.

Saturday 27th April is our Group Plant Sale – our mini plant fair at West Monkton Village Hall. The event runs from 10.00am until 12.30pm. Entry is £1 and parking is free. There will be refreshments available to purchase and a range of stalls to peruse. I have received several requests for a stall already from both nurseries and member growers but there are still some available so if you would like to book one please let me know ASAP.

We should also be grateful to receive donations of plants for the group’s plant stall and cakes to sell slices of in the kitchen. If you are available to help on the plant stall or elsewhere please let me know.

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Download the Group Plant Sale flyer below.