Recent events

Tuesday July 15th  '25

Visit to Howe Farm Flowers, Dorton

We had a fascinating time with Amber Partner, the owner of Howe Farm Flowers.  After she and her two lovely dogs welcomed us, Amber gave a short talk about how the farm started and how it has developed over the past eight years.  She then took us on a tour round the flower fields and polytunnels, telling us how she grows her flowers and the problems she has in making sure she has enough flowers for weddings and Pick Your Own.  We were hugely entertained with Amber's stories and came away with a great admiration for her knowledge of sustainable flower growing. Coffee and cake ended a really lovely morning with many of us promising to return in the future.

Thursday June 19th  '25

Visit to Rousham Park

We had a superb visit to Rousham on a glorious Summer day.  Our tour guide, Caroline, was wonderful and gave us an amazing tour of the gardens telling us about the house and gardens which have been continuously in the ownership of the Cottrell Dormer family, since the 17th century.  The lovely landscape garden designed by William Kent has hardly changed since the 18th century, and we immersed ourselves in the Elysian Fields of statues, temples, ponds and vales re-living the myths of the ancient world. The walled gardens with their herbaceous borders, parterre, pigeon house and espalier apple trees were a delight and the cries of the peacock added to an idyllic day's visit. 

Friday March 28th  '25

"The World of Plants - How they live, what they do and why we need them."

Talk by John Tyler, conservationist and wildlife expert.

We were treated to a wonderful talk giving us an insight into the life cycle of plants from seed to flower.  Using the light energy from the sun, plants produce the food and oxygen on which nearly all life depends. John's fabulous photographs showed the amazing survival strategies that have developed in plants to ensure their growth, travel, breeding and nutrition as well as the close relationships that they have formed with animals including us. 

Thursday May 22nd  '25

 Visit to Mill House Garden, Mill Lane, Stadhampton 

Although the forecast was for rain, we fortunately enjoyed fine weather and had a lovely afternoon at Mill House visiting Ann Peet's beautiful garden.  Spacious lawns, flower beds and trees surrounded the old mill and for an extra treat, we could explore the wild flower meadows by the meandering Thame River and walk to see the goats. A member of the Thame River Trust gave an interesting talk about recent conservation work on local stretches of the river and this was followed by a superb afternoon tea.

Tuesday, December 3rd  '24

"Frankincense, Myrrh and the Incense Trail"

Talk by Professor Sandy Primrose

After coffee and mince pies, we were treated to a wonderful talk by Professor Sandy Primrose, that whisked us away from an English winter to the sun and heat of Arabia and the  legendary Incense Trail.  Sandy's excellent slide presentation and expert knowledge of the history, cultivation, use and worth of frankincense and myrrh were fascinating.  We also had the opportunity to feel incense resin and smell the oil and the whole room became richly fragranced.  

Thursday, October 17th '24

'Waterperry Gardens Top Ten Trees'

Talk by Rob Jacobs, Horticultural Manager

Waterperry has some magnificent trees some of which are  champion trees and some which were planted in the 18th century when the gardens were developed.  Rob gave us a fascinating talk and slide presentation about the history and cultivation of his favourite trees.  We were then treated to a grand tour of the gardens in perfect, warm and sunny Autumn weather to see these beautiful trees and to hear about the plans to continue expanding the arboretum. 

Thursday, August 15th '24

Visit to Friars Court Garden, Clanfield.    

When we arrived at Friars Court, we were greeted by the owner Charles Willmer, who took us for a tour of the gardens whilst relating the fascinating history of the Court and the more recent development of the gardens and the adjoining farm. Friars Court has over 3-acres of beautiful formal and informal gardens lying within a moat surrounding a 17th century Cotswold stone manor house. Bridges span the moat with water-lily-filled ponds and the more formal gardens are divided into separate areas each with a distinct theme. We were treated to a sumptuous cream tea in the garden room with home-baked scones and cake. A lovely afternoon in a serene and peaceful garden.

Tuesday May 21st '24

Visit to Evenley Wood Gardens

The weather was cold but set fair for the morning, as a group of members met at Evenley Wood Gardens, a privately-owned woodland garden near Brackley.  We had a wonderful informative tour led by head gardener,  Dan Winter, who guided us though the beautiful woodland filled with rhododendrons and azaleas.  The colours and scents were fabulous and we marvelled at the variety of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.  A lunch in the warmth of the rustic Pavilion cafe rounded off an excellent visit.

Thursday November 16th '23

Iran -  A Plantsman's Paradise

A Talk by Avril Hughes

Avril whisked us away from a grey, damp, November morning to the beauty of the Iranian countryside and the wonderful plants that grew there.  Fields and mountain slopes covered with exquisite varieties of crocus, iris, fritillarias and many other native species, created a mesmerising and awe-inspiring riot of colour and form. Truly a  paradise on earth.  Avril described her journey through northern Iran as part of a small party of fellow travellers and plant seekers, and kept us interested and amused by their exploits and adventures. A fascinating talk illustrated with beautiful photographs which were enjoyed by all.

March 19th '24

'Taming the Indoor Jungle - houseplants made easy' 

A talk by Chris Day from Buckingham Nurseries

We were treated to a fascinating talk by Chris Day who had served an apprenticeship with the famous Rochfords Houseplants in the late 70's and early 80's.  He entertained us with anecdotes of his time at Rochford's and adventures at Chelsea Flower Shows and we learned about the development and changes in the houseplant industry,  With the help of a large number of beautiful houseplants, Chris gave hints and tips on how to grow them successfully in our homes. An expert hands-on talk by an expert horticulturist.