Archived Special Events

Special Events 2009

Public Plant Sales 2009
Saturday 11th April
Saturday 2nd May
Saturday 6th June

Public plant sales are held at Manor Farm Hall, St Martins Car Park, Ruislip, Middlesex. map
Sales start at 10am and end at 3pm.

Expect to find a varied collection of well known and unusual plants grown by enthusiasts all of which were offered at very reasonable prices. A percentage of the sale price is donated to Group funds.

Coach Trip to Coton Manor, Nursery Further Afield and a NGS Yellow Book private garden
Saturday 27th June 2009

Coton Manor- photo: Keith Littlejohns

Book now for a wonderful Coach Trip to Coton Manor, Nr Guilsborough, Northants. which has a peaceful ten acre garden occupying a hillside position extending down from the 17th century manor house, constructed of mellow Northamptonshire stone. Landscaped on different levels, it comprises a series of distinctive smaller gardens, providing variety and interest throughout the season, and enhanced by flowing streams, fountains and ponds. Beyond the confines of the garden, there is a magical five acre bluebell wood and a colourful wildflower meadow at its best in June & July. There is also a nursery, a café and a garden shop. We will also be visiting the famous Nursery Further Afield and a beautiful private garden featured in the NGS Yellow Book. There will be a break for lunch in a local pub and afternoon tea at Coton Manor

Cost is £23.00 for the coach and entry into Coton Manor and the private garden. Pub Lunch and Afternoon Tea is not included in the price. You may wish to bring your own packed lunch. The coach will leave promptly at 8.30am from St Martins Approach car park, Ruislip returning at about 6.30pm.

Book now! Contact Elaine Sinclair on 020 8907 1785 to check availability. Download booking form here.

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair
Sunday 19th July 2009, 10am - 5pm
Chenies Manor House, Chenies, Bucks WD3 6ER map

Chenies Manor Plant Fair has become a regular event for the Middlesex Group to attend and take part in. We have an attractive display stand showing examples of popular hardy plants. The day is primarily used to promote the Society and canvas for new members.

Seed Sales

Seeds are collected and donated by members for sale at a very modest 20p per packet. The money raised goes towards supporting Group activities, and is a good way to obtain sometimes difficult to find seeds.

Members Annual Photo Competition 2009
Our fourth HPS Middlesex Group Annual Photo Competition
This year a single plant takes centre stage. Members are invited to submit just one photo each based on the theme 'My Favourite Plant'. Like most gardeners you will probably have more than one favourite plant, but it will help you if you concentraite your efforts on just one plant. Some plants only display their best for a relatively short time, while others have interest virtually all year round sometimes in various guises. Try experimenting throughout the seasons to see what kind of results you can get.

The rules are very simple. You must be a member of The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group to enter. Only one entry per member is allowed. The entry must be a new photo and have been taken by the member themself during the same year as the competition. Geographic origin of the photo is not restricted just to your own garden, but can be anywhere in the UK or abroad. Photographic prints only will be accepted (derived from digital or conventional film). The preferred sizes are 6" x 4" ( 100mm x 150mm) or 7 " x 5" (175mm x 125mm) - Note: photos will not be judged on size, just the image reproduced.

All entries must be handed in to Keith Littlejohns no later than our penultimate monthly meeting on November 2nd 2009.

Photos will again be voted on by the audience as at the previous December's judging. This year, judjing and prize giving will be on the 7th December at our last meeting of the year. All entries will be on display for previewing at the meeting and winners will also be featured on this web site.

Special Events 2008

'Passionate About Plants' 2008
Saturday April 26th 2008 - 10am to 4pm
Haydon School, Wiltshire Lane, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2LX map

Matthew Wilson
Curator, RHS Garden Harlow Carr
For Matthew, a love of wildlife and the environment has remained a constant theme. Matthew has worked with his father at a large historic garden and was previously the Curator of RHS Garden Hyde Hall.

Timothy Walker
Director, Oxford Botanic Garden
Timothy is one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable speakers around and he will certainly bring a smile to your face with his humorous delivery.

Kevin Hughes
Nursery Owner
Kevin has always had a keen interest in natural history and trained in ecology. He spent time as head gardener of a 15 acre estate, and now runs his own nursery.

Hardy Plant Sales

Specialist nurseries attending this event are Kevin Hughes's Plants, Jill Starnes, The Plant Specialist, Daisy Roots and Little Heath Farm Nursery.

Garden Sundries Sales

We welcome Shoots® Garden Centre for the first time. Shoots are known locally for their high quality and wide range of products. A selection will be available for sale on the day.

Bee Keepers Association

Pinner & Ruislip Bee Keepers will have honey and candles for sale.

Admission is only by ticket purchased in advance, price £15 *SORRY THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT*
As in previous years, we expect demand for this event to be very high. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please don't delay in making your application for tickets.

Ticket Sales:
Please contact Derek Curtler, Treasurer - HPSMG, 'Applethwait', Howard Agne Close, Bovingdon, Herts HP3 0EQ
Tel: 01442 834 713

Ticket Application Form (download):
Or you can download here a printable Adobe Reader* ticket application form for posting to Derek at his address above.
Windows users - Right Click and select - Save Target As
Macintosh users - Control/Click and select - Save Link As
* If you need to install the free Adobe Reader, click on the Adobe Reader icon here and you will be taken to the Adobe web site where you can download a copy of Adobe Reader suitable for your computer system.

Public Plant Sales 2008
Saturday 19th April 2008
Saturday 3rd May 2008
Saturday 7th June 2008
Public plant sales are held at Manor Farm Hall, St Martins Car Park, Ruislip, Middlesex. map
Sales start at 10am and end at 3pm.

Expect to find a varied collection of well known and unusual plants grown by enthusiasts all of which were offered at very reasonable prices. A percentage of the sale price is donated to Group funds.

Garden Visit
Date to be announced
Venue to be announced

A self-drive visit to an interesting garden not too far from our regular meeting place will take place during the summer. Light refreshments are included in the price.

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair
Sunday 20th July 2008, 10am - 5pm
Chenies Manor House, Chenies, Bucks map

Chenies Manor Plant Fair has become a regular event for the Middlesex Group to attend and take part in. We have an attractive display stand showing examples of popular hardy plants. The day is primarily used to promote the Society and canvas for new members.

Seed Sales
Seeds are collected and donated by members for sale at a very modest 20p per packet. The money raised goes towards supporting Group activities, and is a good way to obtain sometimes difficult to find seeds.

Members Annual Photo Competition 2008
Our third HPS Middlesex Group Annual Photo Competition
Since our group members have proven themselves encouragingly competent with their photography skills over the last two years, it is time to push the boat out as it were with water as the main theme. Members are invited to submit just one photo each based on the theme 'Water in the garden'. This could be simply including a pond, lake, fountain, cascade or other water feature included as part of an overall picture of a garden scene, a close-up of a water garden plant or a reflection of garden plants in a pond or water feature. As long as the photograph includes water as an obvious part of the overall composition it will be acceptable as an entry.

The rules are very simple. You must be a member of The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group to enter. Only one entry per member is allowed. The entry must be a new photo and have been taken by the member themself during the same year as the competition. Geographic origin of the photo is not restricted just to your own garden, but can be anywhere in the UK or abroad. Photographic prints only will be accepted (derived from digital or conventional film). The preferred sizes are 6" x 4" ( 100mm x 150mm) or 7 " x 5" (175mm x 125mm) - Note: photos will not be judged on size, just the image reproduced.

All entries must be handed in to Keith Littlejohns no later than our penultimate monthly meeting on November 3rd 2008.

Results will be announced at the December 1st 2008 meeting and prizes awarded. All entries will be on display at the meeting and winners will also be featured on this web site.

Special Events 2007

Public Plant Sales 2007
Saturday 7th April 2007
Saturday 5th May 2007
Saturday 9th June 2007
Public plant sales are held at Manor Farm Hall, St Martins Car Park, Ruislip, Middlesex. Sales start at 10am and end at 3pm.

Expect to find a varied collection of well known and unusual plants grown by enthusiasts all of which were offered at very reasonable prices. A percentage of the sale price is donated to Group funds.

Coach Trip
Wednesday 7th March 2007
Brandymount House and Bramden House, Hampshire

Brandymount House is a one acre informal plantsman’s garden, holding both a national collection of snowdrops and daphnes. Bramden House six acre garden has many spring bulbs in a naturalistic landscape, there is also a one acre kitchen garden that has been featured on television.

This event requires advance booking and is a ticket only event. Cost is £26, and this includes light refreshments upon arrival at Brandymount House, in the centre of Alresford. Alresford has various eating places where you can purchase a full lunchtime meal.

Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group
10th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday 16th June 2007 2-4pm

Our current Vice Chair, Lyn Smith has very kindly offered to open her garden in Ickenham to the membership for a summer garden party celebrating our 10th anniversary. Light refreshments in the form of a finger buffet will be provided.

This members only event requires advance booking and is a ticket only event.

Garden Visit - Blossoms
Sunday 1st July 2007 2-4pm
Cobblers Hill, Great Missenden HP16 9PW

This year, our ever popular self-drive garden visit is to Blossoms, a fascinating plantsman’s garden near Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire. The 5 acre garden contains a good selection of plants, trees, woodland walks, ponds, wood sculptures, rock garden and herbaceous borders.

This event requires advance booking and is a ticket only event. There is a modest entrance fee that includes limited refreshments.

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair
Sunday 15th July 2007
Chenies Manor House, Chenies, Bucks

Chenies Manor Plant Fair has become a regular event for the Middlesex Group to attend and take part in. We have an attractive display stand showing examples of popular hardy plants. The day is primarily used to promote the Society and canvas for new members.

Seed Sales

Seeds are collected and donated by members for sale at a very modest 20p per packet. The money raised goes towards supporting Group activities, and is a good way to obtain sometimes difficult to find seeds.

Members Annual Photo Competition
2007 sees our second HPS Middlesex Group photo competition
Members are invited to submit just one photo each based on the theme 'Colour in the garden'. This could range from bold and striking colour(s) to the most subtle of shades. As long as the photograph is taken in a garden, it can be a scene of an entire garden or a close-up of a single plant, or part of a plant. It could also consist of mainly hard landscaping, a water feature or whatever the photographer favours to express the theme of colour within a garden environment.

The rules are very simple. You must be a member of The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group to enter. Only one entry per member. The photo must have been taken by the member themself during 2007 i.e. the period covered by this competition. It is not restricted just to your own garden, but can be a photograph taken at any geographic location. Photographic prints only will be accepted (digital or conventional). The preferred sizes are 6" x 4" ( 100mm x 150mm) or 7 " x 5" (175mm x 125mm) - Note: photos will not be judged on size, just image content.

All entries must be handed in no later than our meeting on November 5th 2007.

Results will be announced at the December 3rd 2007 meeting and prizes awarded. All entries will be on display at the meeting and winners will also be featured on this web site.

Special Events 2006

Middlesex Group Photo Competition 2006
2006 sees the first ever Middlesex Group photo competition
Members are invited to submit just one photo based on the theme 'Essence of The Garden'. In this instance, essence being a single image that reflects the photographer's interpretation of what constitutes their own personal favourite aspect of the garden environment. This can range from a scene of an entire garden to a close-up of a single plant or part of a plant. It could also feature mainly hard landscaping, water feature or whatever the photographer favours to express that emotion. Key guidence should be an attempt to convey a feeling of atmosphere and sense of place.

The rules are very simple. You must be a member of The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group to enter. Only one entry per member. The photo must have been taken during 2006 i.e. the period covered by this competition. Photographic prints only will be accepted (digital or conventional). There is no set size but would advise that A4 or 8" x 10" should be the largest and 100mm x 150mm or 6" x 4" the samallest - Note: photos will not be judged on size, just image content.

Results will be announced at the December 4th meeting and prizes awarded. All entries will be on display at the meeting and winners will also be featured on this web site.

Please follow this link to our News page for the final results.

Seed Sales 2006
Get into the habit of collecting seeds!
This is mainly a members only benefit. Seeds are collected throughout the year and donated by members for sale to other members at a very modest 20p per packet.

PLease support this important and useful scheme by collecting seed from your garden. Contact Jean Leach, our Seed Sales Co-ordinator on 01895 823 320 for more information. Do make sure that the seeds are in good condition and properly labelled

'Passionate About Plants' 2006
Saturday May 6th 2006 - 10am to 4pm
Haydon School, Wiltshire Lane, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2LX

The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group are proud to announce -

A great day out for all gardeners and plant lovers!

You will be delighted, entertained and informed by our top line-up of guest speakers:

Carol Klein - Regular presenter on BBC 2's Gardners' World

Timothy Walker - Director, Oxford Botanic Garden

Chris Bailes - Curator, RHS Rosemoor

             Plus invited specialist nurseries will have plants for sale
             Plus a range of refreshments will be available from our caterer

Admission is only by ticket purchased in advance, price £15

We expect demand for this event to be very high. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please don't delay in making your application for tickets.

Ticket Sales: (sorry, all tickets have now been sold)
Derek Curtler, Treasurer - HPSMG, 'Applethwait', Howard Ange Close, Bovingdon, Herts HP3 0EQ
Tel: 01442 834 713

You can also download a printable Adobe Acrobat* ticket application form for posting by clicking here.
Windows users - Right Click and select - Save Target As
Macintosh users - Control/Click and select - Save Link As

*If you need to install the free Acrobat Reader, click on the Adobe icon here and you will be taken to the Adobe web site where you can download a copy of Acrobat Reader suitable for your computer system.

Bring friends or family. A ticket to this event would make a perfect gift.

Public Plant Sales 2006
Saturday 15th April 2006
Saturday 13th May 2006
Saturday 10th June 2006
Public plant sales are held at Manor Farm Hall, St Martins Car Park, Ruislip, Middlesex. Sales start at 10am and end at 3pm.

Expect to find a varied collection of well known and unusual plants grown by members all of which were offered at very reasonable prices. A percentage of the sale price is always donated to Group funds.

An Evening at The Abbots House
Tuesday June 20th 2006 - The Abbots House, Abbots Langley, Herts

An special open evening at The Abbots House has been arranged for HPMG members and guests. The delightful 1.5 acre garden has been featured on Channel 4's 'Real Gardens' programme. The nursery will be open on that evening for HPSMG members.

This event requires advance booking, the fee for which is £3.50 and includes tea and biscuits. Please contact The Secretary for more information and booking details on Tel: 01895 238 711 or email The Secretary.

The Abbots House is at 10 High Street, Abbots Langley, Herts WD5 0AR marked by a red circle on map:

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair 2006
July 16th 2006 - Chenies Manor House, Chenies, Bucks

Chenies Manor Plant Fair has been a traditional event for the Middlesex Group to attend and take part in for several years now. We will have a display stand well stocked with plants and use the event to promote the Society and canvas for new members.

The manor house has beautiful gardens including an extensive Physic Garden and two mazes.

Cenies village is midway between Rickmansworth and Amersham, off the A404 - 2 miles from J18 of the M25. The Manor House is at the end of a gravel drive leading from the village green.

Garden Open Days 2006
During the year, some Society members open their gardens for viewing by gardening enthusiasts.

There is a small fee of £1 charged per visitor. Tea and biscuits are normally served at various times.

Sunday 25th June 2006 2-4pm The garden of Ros Penfold
64 Campden Road, Ickenham UB10 8EU

A very varied garden with mixed planting overshadowed by large oaks and conifers, giving a woodland area feel. Ros’s garden also includes a wildlife pond, a sunny border and a circular lawn. Ros has recently replanted her front garden with a new collection.

Sunday 30th July 2006 2-4pm The garden of Heather Thatcher
27 Culvert Lane, Uxbridge UB8 2XB

Heather’s Victorian cottage garden is 100’ x 20’ south facing, partly brick walled. Soon after moving into her new home in December 2003, Heather started on a project to transform the garden into her dream filled colourful oasis. Expect to see densely planted colour themed borders, pink and burgundy framed natural looking pond, bog garden, hot tropical bed, blue and white themed area and a circular lawn for relaxing.

Special Events 2005

Public Plant Sales 2005
Saturday 16th April
Saturday 14th May
Saturday 4th June
Public plant sales were held at Manor Farm Hall, St Martins Car Park, Ruislip, Middlesex. Sales started at 10am and ended at 3pm.

Visitors found a varied collection of usual and unusual plants grown by members all of which were offered at very reasonable prices. A percentage of the sale price is always donated to Group funds.

An Evening at Chenies Manor 2005
Monday June 20th - Chenies Manor House Gardens, Evening Visit

An evening at Chenies, the delightful country house gardens at Chenies in Buckinghamshire. The manor house has beautiful gardens including an extensive Physic Garden and two mazes.

Members comments on the visit were:

"such a lovely time of day to appreciate the gardens"
"there were times when we felt that we were the only people in the garden"
"the staff were very friendly and welcoming"

The evening was considered such a success that a similar event is planned for next year.

Coach Trip 2005
Saturday June 25th - Sissinghurst and Great Comp

Our annual coach trip this year took us to Sissinghurst in Kent, the world famous Gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicholson and to Great Comp, the superb 7 acre garden created by Eric Cameron.

Plant sales were eagerly sought out at both venus. Morning coffe was enjoyed at Sissinghurst, a welcomed luncheon break was taken at a local Inn followed by afternoon tea in the peaceful surroundings of Great Comp.

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair 2005
Sunday July 17th - Chenies Manor House Gardens

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair has been a traditional event for the Middlesex Group to attend and take part in for several years now. We show a display stand with well stocked plant sales and use the event to promote the Society and encourage new members.

Once again Lyn, Marcelle, Jane and Valerie took on the task of preparing and organising everything and they also looked after the stand throughout the day.

Garden Open Days 2005
During the year, Iris Clarke and Keith Littlejohns opened their gardens for viewing by fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Sunday 19th June 2-4pm - The garden of Iris Clarke
Iris’s garden is crammed with a delicate soft planting of roses and clematis and many perennials, all in an interesting layout that fortunately gave us plenty of shady corners on a very hot day.

Sunday 31st July 2-8pm - The garden of Keith Littlejohns
Keith has spent the last couple of years re-landscaping the garden at the rear of his home. His garden is full of interest and creative ideas, with beautiful landscaped stone and water features and a wealth of interesting planting.

There was a good take-up of visitors to both open days and this should encourage other members to consider opening their garden next year.

Seed Sales 2005
This is mainly a members only benefit. Seeds are collected and donated by members for sale to other members at a very modest 20p per packet.

PLease support this important and useful scheme by collecting seed from your garden. Contact Jean Leach, our Seed Sales Co-ordinator on 01895 823 320 for more information. Do make sure that the seeds are in good condition and properly labeled.

If you require further information about any of the above, please contact The Secretary.

Photos: Keith Littlejohns