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.

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