Special Events 2010

'Passionate About Plants' 2010
Please note that this event is now SOLD OUT

Saturday March 27th 2010 - 10am to 3.45pm (Doors open 9am - tea/coffee, plants sales available)
Haydon School, Wiltshire Lane, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 2LX map

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The Hardy Plant Society Middlesex Group are pleased to host our fourth 'Passionate About Plants' event.

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:-

Chris Beardshaw
Chris Beardshaw studied horticulture at Pershore where he also lectured for four and a half years before managing the plant research and development division of one of the largest wholesale nurseries in the country. Chris also gained an MA in Landscape Architecture from Cheltenham.

His television career spans numerous productions including Gardeners’ World, Hidden Gardens, Gardeners’ World Live, The Flying Gardener and Winter Flying Gardener.

Chris also lectures and writes, has a thriving garden-design business and still finds time for his other big passion - diving!

Fergus Garrett
Head Gardener, Great Dixter
Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener at Great Dixter worked for fifteen years alongside the iconoclastic master plantsman and gardener Christopher Lloyd until ‘Christo’s’ death in 2006. Fergus is now charged with developing and maintaining the garden while keeping Christo’s innovative spirit alive.

Rosie Hardy
Nursery Owner
Rosie Hardy is an award-winning nurseryman and has been growing herbaceous perennials for the last 20 years. Rosie has been awarded 13 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show and numerous medals at other RHS shows.

Browse our sales area during the intervals for something special to take away with you:-

Plant Sales by several selected specialist nurseries.

Garden Sundries Sales



We welcome back Shoots® Garden Centre. Shoots are known locally for their high quality and wide range of products, a selection of which will be available for sale on the day. Visit Shoots web site.

Light refreshments

Choose from a selection of sandwiches, cakes, fruit, crisps, confectionery, tea and coffe available on-site from the canteen.

Admission is only by ticket purchased in advance, price £20
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

or to save time you can use the downloadable form below:

Ticket Application Form: Please note that this event is now SOLD OUT
Please download here a printable Adobe Reader* ticket application form for posting direct to Derek along with your payment.

* 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 2010
Saturday 1st May
Saturday 29th May
Saturday 12th 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 2010 (Details to be announced)
(Date to be announced)

Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair 2010
Sunday 18th July 2010, 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 2010
Our fifth HPS Middlesex Group Annual Photo Competition

We all need a bit of motivation and our annual photo competition is, via the medium of photography, intended to stimulate interest in our common passion for plants and flowers by focusing thoughts and ideas on a specific theme. Everyone, regardless of their self-perceived photographic abilities is welcome to submit a photograph as the competition is just as much about stimulating interest as the winning.

This year we take a look at the seasons. Members are invited to submit just one photo each based on the theme 'Seasons Glory'. There are some plants and flowers that scream out the notion of a particular season. Try experimenting throughout the seasons to see what kind of results you can achieve and submit the one photo you think best expresses the flavour of a particular season.

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 or our Chairman no later than our penultimate monthly meeting on November 1st 2010.

Photos will again be voted on by the members attending our December meeting. This year, judjing and prize giving will be on the 6th December 2010. All entries will be on display for previewing at the meeting and winners will also be featured on this web site. The previous year's winners can be found here.

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

An archive of previous years Special Events can be found on this link.

Photos: Keith Littlejohns