HORSHAM ORGANIC GARDENERS SOCIETY

Welcome!

We are the local group of both Garden Organic (Henry Doubleday Research Association) and the Soil Association. We aim to promote organic gardening and environmentally friendly lifestyles. We are a friendly group and have about fifty members who range from complete beginners to experienced organic gardeners and ex-professional growers. There is therefore a wealth of experience and interaction of ideas which all our members are enthusiastic to share.

We produce an e-mail newsletter to keep you up to date. We have regular indoor meetings with speakers and discussion groups as well as farm and garden visits in the summer months. Our talks have ranged from herb growing to climate change with lots of speakers on vegetable and fruit growing. We have visited leading box scheme suppliers, gardens such as Loseley and Wisley, all with expert guides, and toured local organic farms.

Our indoor meetings are normally held on the first Thursday in the month at the Friends Meeting House, Worthing Road, Horsham starting 8.00pm,the programme for Summer and Autumn 2010 is set out below.

We welcome new members and are also delighted when members wish to become actively involved in the organisation of events and/or serving on the committee. Membership costs £10 per person for the calendar year and there is a special rate for joint membership at the same address of £15. We charge half those amounts for those joining after 31st August. If you are interested in joining or just coming along to a meeting (£2 donation suggested) then please contact our Membership Secretary, Michael Knights by e-mail mandjknights99[at]btinternet.com (Please replace " [at] " with "@". The address is shown here without the "@"sign to reduce spam) or phone 01403 822334.

Forthcoming Meetings - Summer and Autumn 2010

The programme for Summer and Autumn 2010 to be held at the Friends Meeting House, Worthing Road, Horsham starting 8.00 pm is as follows:-

Thursday 6th May: Talk by Peter Spriggs, Practical Pruning

Peter runs a gardening business dealing with all aspects of gardening. His talk will be useful to beginners and more experienced alike. He will deal with the basics of why we prune, what effect it has on the plant and when and how to do it. We shall get an opportunity to test our skills on Peter's practice tree (thankfully paper!) by deciding where we would make the cuts. This should be a useful and fun evening.

Thursday 2nd September: Successes and Failures - a Discussion Group

An informal session to discuss the highlights of the growing season. Did something really perform or did you try a new variety that you liked? Please come and tell us about it. Problems with plant pests or diseases or perhaps germination? Let us share your problem and discuss ideas that may help. Feel free to bring plants or produce to the meeting to discuss.

Thursday 7th October: Talk by Dr Robin Probert, Seed Saving

Robin is a scientist working at the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place, the country branch of Kew Botanical Gardens. He will explain practical techniques by which we can save and store seed from plants in our own gardens and thereby save money too!

Thursday 4th November: AGM and programme to be advised

Thursday 2nd December: Wholefood Supper and Quiz Night

Bring some food to share and your own plates and cutlery. There will be a light hearted quiz and also a raffle, prizes welcome. This is always a fun evening.

Outdoor Meetings & Events 2010

Any mutually convenient dates: Bluebells at Cox Farm, Dorking Road, Warnham

Roy & Nina Walker have again very kindly invited members to see their Bluebell woods. Please telephone them before visiting. The bluebells will be at their best over the next couple of weeks.

Friday 25th June: Visit to the Gardens of Fittleworth House, 7.00 pm for 7.10 pm start

Following on from Mark Saunders' talk at our February meeting we are making a return visit to the Gardens of Fittleworth House for a guided tour given by Mark. As those who came last time know this is definitely one not to miss. There is a truly exceptional vegetable garden and changes have also been made to the main gardens since our last visit. Inclusion on this visit is by pre-booking and payment only. Any queries to Michael Knights please.

Saturday 7th August: Picnic & Garden Party, Cox Farm Dorking Road Warnham, 4.30 pm onwards.

Roy & Nina Walker have yet again kindly invited members and their families to their beautiful and fascinating garden and grounds for our annual picnic and social get-together. As always please bring some food to share and of course your own plates, cutlery etc. There will be much to see and we will hope for good weather.