This is a brief post to bring everyone up to date with our programme until August this year. Sadly in person indoor meetings are unlikely for the foreseeable future so we are aiming for a mix of Zoom talks and outdoor visits when the weather (hopefully) is better. The latter will be subject to change depending on when restrictions are eased to allow larger groups to meet outdoors. The Zoom talks we have had so far have proved very successful so, if anyone who hasn’t put their name down to participate would like to, please send an email to cothigardeners@gmail.com to let us know so that we can send you the invitation to join the meeting. The next one is in 2 weeks time.
WE ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF SOMEONE TO RUN THE WEBSITE. It isn’t difficult or onerous so please do consider whether you can help out and get in touch with Elena.
Wednesday, 17th March, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. ZOOM Meeting
‘The Answer Lies in the Soil’ – Philip Aubury
Good gardening starts here. Soil improvement, fertilisers and compost making. Philip trained at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Pershore Horticultural College. He started his career as a nurseryman, then lecturer, followed by Parks Manager until finally, in 1987, returning full circle as Director of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. He retired in 2007.
Wednesday, 21st April 7.15 for7.30pm start ZOOM meeting
Julian Wormald (from Cothigardeners!) – “Wildflowers, Meadows and Gardens – challenging ideas for more naturalistic gardens.”
This will look at various aspects of wildflower hay meadows – their biodiversity, aesthetics, creation, ecology and management; and contrast this very briefly (since this is a time reduced zoom talk) with currently trendy “pictorial” meadows. Finally, it’ll consider how we can learn from wildflower hay meadows to develop more naturalistic and diverse plant based communities in our gardens. This section mainly focuses on our grass free multicultural meadow terrace garden: how it’s developed over 20 years, is maintained and changes through the seasons.
Lots of ideas for people to think about as our gardens are springing into life.
Wednesday, 19th May 7.15 for a 7.30pm start ZOOM meeting
Stephen Anderton – “Courageous Gardening”
A fresh approach to gardening. Stephen investigates gardeners’ techniques, ideas and inspiration, in everything, from breeding and pruning to planting and design. He shows remarkable gardens from all over the world and explains how their makers have single-mindedly planned and created exciting effects. The many unconventional ideas on offer here make this one of his most popular lectures.
Stephen is the long-standing garden writer for the Times, as well as a lecturer and author. Trained originally in Drama and then Landscape Design, he worked in historic gardens where, latterly as National Gardens Manager for English Heritage, he was responsible for several major restoration projects. Discovering Welsh Gardens was published in 2009; his official biography Christopher Lloyd, His Life at Great Dixter appeared in March 2010 and Lives of the Great Gardeners in 2018.
Wednesday, 16th June, 2pm
Outdoor talk and demonstration of propagation techniques by Helen Warrington at Ty Cwm Nursery, (Penffordd, Llanybydder SA40 9XE).
Wednesday, 21st July
Social get together (if permitted) details to follow
Wednesday, 18th August 2pm
Outdoor visit to Wild Ginger Flower Farm ( Cwm Gwenllan, Gwynfe, nr Llangadog, SA19 9PU).
An environmentally conscious flower farm and floral design studio. Talk and tour followed by refreshments. Please let Fiona know if you wish to come no later than Tuesday 3rd August.
Cothi Gardeners 