PROGRAMME

Shropshire Group Programme 2026

Meetings are held in Bayston Hill Memorial Hall, Lyth Hill Road, SY3 0DR, off the A49 south of Shrewsbury (see map).

3rd January – Nigel Hopes - Head Gardener at John Massey’s private garden at Ashwood Nurseries ‘A Year in John’s Garden’ - A true garden for all seasons. John has developed his garden over many years. In this talk, Nigel provides a Head Gardeners behind the scenes tour, with highlights through the year and plenty of practical advice.

7th February – Anthony Tavenor - The History and Restoration of Plas Cadnant – Anglesey

7th March – Tom Hart Dyke - Developing the World Garden at Lullingstone Castle

4th April – David Hurrion – Creating a Jungle Garden in the UK - With over 50 years of practical experience in gardening and horticulture, David has a wealth of hints, tips and inspiration to share.

2nd May – Camilla Anderson – Stateley Gardens - The gardens of the Dukes of Devonshire and Northumberland: Chatsworth, Chiswick, Syon and Alnwick. This illustrated talk explores the developments in the above gardens and how successive generations have adapted the sites to reflect the changing fashions.

5th September – Don Whitton – ‘Hardy Planter’s Winter Survival Guide’ - Plants, projects, activities and strategies to help you get through the dark nights and cold days between November and the end of March. This is an amusing talk which contains some wonderful slides of winter plants and gardens.

3rd October – Harriet Rycroft – Containers – Planting for Winter Interest & Spring Joy’ - Harriet was the head gardener at Whichford Pottery for many years, becoming well-known for creating spectacular container displays all year round.

7th November – Sam & Nigel Hopes – ‘Plants with a Story’ Many plants have a story, here we share 25 of the most interesting we have come across so far. From where they were collected, how they are pollinated to folk law and old wives tales, sure to intrigue!

5th December – Diane Clement – A Garden for All Seasons - There is a flower in my garden on every day of the year. This is achieved through the use of different situations including shade and sun, moist and dry. A detailed look at planting round my garden at all times of year. Lot of practical ideas for you to increase your flowering season.

You can download a printable version of the programme here.