Our Next Meeting - The Cottage Garden

Previous Meeting

Wednesday 18th July 2012.
Drimpton Village Hall
7:15 for 7:30 pm

We had a really good turn out to hear Neil speak on Cottage Gardens. Do you know why the plague is important in cottage gardens? I didn't, but I do now. It was informative, fun and challenging, a great evening.

Thanks Neil.

The History (and future) of the cottage garden.

We are pleased to welcome back our friend and neighbour Neil Lovesey, from Picket Lane Nursery


As well as being his usual informative self, Neil will be asking (amongst other things):

• When we say 'Cottage Garden style, what do we mean?
• Where did this Cottage Garden Style originate?
• When did the Cottage Garden begin, and what has that to do with a ship docking in Weymouth?

All these question will be answered in this enlightening and educational talk that will surprise most of the audience, and will offer a controversial possibility to the greatest disaster to ever hit Great Britain and led to our national gardening heritage.

Our Previous Meeting - Container Planting

Below is the entry for our last meeting, I said "Given his work and experience I imagine that questions and answers could be quite a useful time." That is an understatement. James is a easy speaker to listen to, friendly, knowledgeable and with touches of humour.


With descriptions of everything from pots and containers, to growing media and a wide range of plants he really opened up the possibilities for container planting. It wasn't all talk either, he planted up a tub with a great balance of colours and then donated it to us for a raffle.

A great evening, thank you James.

Drimpton Village Hall

Wednesday 20th June 20127:15 for 7:30 pm

(Friends and visitors are always welcome)

We are fortunate to be able to welcome as our guest speaker James Foster-Pegg, from the Gold Club.
James is a graduate in Biological Sciences, and joined Brimsmore Gardens in 1993, Castle Gardens in 1997 and in 2006 became Director in charge of Poundbury Gardens. He has extensive experience of speaking, as well as setting up medal winning gardens at Chelsea.

Definitely a meeting not to be missed.


Jame's subject will be: Container Planting
Tips and advice for the perfect balance of colour for summer


Given his work and experience I imagine that questions and answers could be quite a useful time.



James Foster-Pegg 
in The Engine Room Restaurant at Poundbury Gardens

Friends and Neighbours

We are not the only society around here with lots going on and activities to suit all levels of gardening interest and experience. Our neighbours in Uplyme and Lyme Regis, with all the challenges and opportunities a coastal climate offers, always seem to have a stimulating program on offer.

Why not check out their website (they have a link to a discussion forum too).

Petunias, People and Pastries

A new venture for the horticultural society, buying well over 400 tiny plug plants, rearing and caring for them and then selling them at a village hall coffee morning, proved a great success and good fun: all helping to raise funds for Drimpton Village Hall improvements.

Plants on sale included Petunia, Begonia, Verbena, geranium, plus tomato and other plants sown and propagated by members and friends.

There was the added bonus of home made cakes and bakes, plus games and stories for children.

Garden Club Plant Sale, Drimpton Village Hall

Garden Club Plant Sale, Drimpton Village Hall

Colin Varndell “The Wildlife Garden”

Next Meeting – Wednesday 16th May
Colin Varndell “The Wildlife Garden”

Colin Varndell is a Dorset based photographer best known for his evocative images of animals, birds, insects, wild flowers and landscapes. His work is reproduced nationally and internationally in books, magazines, calendars, newspapers and is regularly used for advertising purposes.

In addition to natural history, Colin delights in photographing gardens, applying the same distinctive style which he uses in all his work. He was the winner of the "Wildlife in the Garden" category of the 2009 International Garden Photographer of the Year competition and he has won a 'Seasons' category in the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition 2010 and the 'Texture' category 2011.

You will find more about him on his website

Swap, Share and Schedules

Our next meeting is a chance to exchange your garden stuff, share tips and ideas and start getting ready for the Flower Show in August - seems unlikely with the current weather doesn't it!

Please see Diary (on the right) for more information.

Notes from a Neighbour

We have heard of two events that our friends in Uplyme have up-coming, here they are:


Pippa Greenwood is giving a talk entitled 'Something Nasty in the Garden'  at 7.30pm on April 25th in Uplyme Village Hall. Entry by ticket £8 each available from Serendip Bookshop or Gingerbeer Lyme Regis or Uplyme Post Office or phone Jenny 01297 444034 or Ann 01297 443793

We are also organising a trip to the Malvern Spring Show on May 11th.  Leave Uplyme Village Hall 7.45am Cost 32.50 for coach and admission. Ring Brian 07831 533580  to book seats as soon as possible. (That is Uplyme's Brian, not this one!)