2010 EVENTS
Friday 19 February Free Lecture 'Soil water management in agricultural and environmental situations’,
Professor Gordon Spoor, Emeritus Professor of Applied Soil Physics, Cranfield University
Part of a series of lectures on soils organised by the Birkbeck, Ecology and Conservation Society See the Society website for details:www.bbk.ac.uk/environment/news/lectures
Venue:Lecture Theatre B01, Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck College, University of London, Torrington Square, London, WC1E 7HX. (entrance is opposite Birkbeck Main Building). All lectures are from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm. Doors open at 6.00pm.
The series continues:
•26 February ‘Turning the tables: when fungi host plants’
Dr Martin Bidartondo, Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
•5 March ‘Maintaining soil fertility for gardening while protecting the environment’
Guy Barter, Chief Horticultural Advisor, Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
•12 March ‘Impacts of food production on soils overseas’
Professor Keith Goulding, Head of the Department of Soil Science Rothamsted Research
•19 March ‘The unseen majority: soil biodiversity and ecosystem nutrient cycling’
Professor Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology, Lancaster University
Permaculture Introductory weekends at Hornsey Rise Gardens North London:27-28 February,
24-25 April, 29-30th May,
The Introductory weekend, is a ‘potted’ permaculture course, looking at the foundations of permaculture and learning about some of the practical tools it offers. The weekend course can be considered a 'stand alone' introduction to Permaculture ethics, principles and design, or else can be a lead-in to the more in depth full 72 hour Permaculture Design Course.
Fees: Introductory Weekends: £120 full cost, concessions/flexibility available subject to discussion
Enquiries: contact Marianne on londoncourses@naturewise.org
Located at a wonderful new 12 acre organic growing/permaculture site on the edge of Waltham Forest, this 72 hour accredited course offers a broad range of learning opportunities, with hands-on site design. Through practical sessions you’ll learn surveying skills, landscaping, green building techniques, how to apply permaculture principles and design tools in site development, waste management, gardening and forest gardening. We will explore how permaculture can deepen our connection with the natural world,
abringing the soul and heart into our endeavors, and how it can be applied to lifestyle and community design, economics and strategic development. This course promises rewarding challenges and much merriment!
Garden History Society Lecture: 6.30pm, Wednesday 3 March at The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EJ (Farringdon Station). Subject: Affliction Brightened by Hope: The Evolution of the English Cemetery Landscape, speaker Jonathan Lovie, Historic Landscape Consultant and GHS Principal Conservation Officer Tickets: £8 members in advance, £10 for non-members and members purchasing on the door, includes glass of wine. Information line: 020 7490 2974, Email: events@gardenhistorysociety.org website:www.gardenhistorysociety.org./pressfor
Sunday 7 March 2 - 4pm Signs of Spring in Gillespie Park Join the Ranger on a seasonal stroll looking for blooming buds, trees, wildflowers and birdsong. Meet in the Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH
Garden History Society Lecture:6.30pm, Wednesday 10 March at The Gallery, 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (Farringdon Station). Subject: Discovering Gilbert White’s Garden, by David Standing, Head Gardener, Gibert White’s Garden Tickets: £8 for members in advance, £10 for non-members and for members purchasing on the door, includes glass of wine. Information line: 020 7490 2974, Email: events@gardenhistorysociety.org website: wwww.gardenhistorysociety.org./press
Museum of Garden History exhibition: The Good Life: 100 Years of ‘Growing Your Own' until 7 March 2010 at the Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road
2009 has been a year of ‘Growing Your Own’ – from allotments to balconies and window-boxes, people throughout Britain are growing their own and enjoying a slice of ‘The Good Life’.Discover the 100 year history behind the country’s current love affair with growing food in a new exhibition. From the Allotment Act of 1908, through WWII’s Dig For Victory campaign and the Self-Sufficiency movement of the 1970s, paintings, photographs, personal memoirs and even the odd home-spun sweater will tell the story of why, how and what we have grown.
The exhibition also tackles the burning questions behind today’s fashion for allotments and kitchen gardening, asking whether “grow your own” is just a credit-crunch fad or whether people in Britain are really passionate about growing food. Whatever your experience, maybe you’re an allotment virgin or an original “good lifer” tell us your stories and share your opinions as we debate whether ‘Growing Your Own’ is as much a part of the British psyche as binge-drinking and seaside rock or whether it’s a flash in the pan, destined to go the same ay as shell suits and fondue parties.
Entry included in Museum admission (£6 / £5 concs / £3 Art Fund / FREE for Museum Friends, Under 16s, Students & Carers of disabled visitors)Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB www.gardenmuseum.org.uk / tel: 020 7401 8865
Sunday 14 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Salads Learn the basics of how to grow salads in your garden, or on your balcony or window sill, to eat throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Sunday 14 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Herbs A practical workshop on how to grow herbs in a small space and how to look after them throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Islington Gardeners' Pruning Workshop Sunday 21 March details to follow
Sunday 21 March 2010 at 10 am: Spring Herbal Recipes (lotions and potions) workshop by Nathalie Chidley at the Archway Herbal Clinic Please see website: http://www.archwayherbal.co.uk/
Islington Gardeners' Spring Talk on Sunday 28 March 2-4.3Opm. "New Gardening Concepts" by Bernard Jarman of the Biodynamics Association St James' Hall, Prebend Street, N1. Home-made teas. Cost: Members £3.50
Sunday 28 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Salads Learn the basics of how to grow salads in your garden, or on your balcony or window sill, to eat throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Sunday 28 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Salads Learn the basics of how to grow salads in your garden, or on your balcony or window sill, to eat throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Wednesday 31 March 2010 at 02:00pm Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Event: Walk led by By David Bevan, Conservation Officer. Meet 2.00pm at Queen's Wood Lodge (entrance on Muswell Hill Road). £5.00 (enquiries: 8455 0353) www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Islington Gardeners'Spring Flowers Walk in the City on Thursday 8 April 2-4pm Meeting 2.00pm by the City of London Information Bureau (opposite west entrance of St. Paul’s Cathedral). A mystery tour of the best Spring flower gardens the City of London has to offer.
The walk may include some stairs but is mainly on the flat and last about 2 hours.
The walk is led by Malka Baker, Qualified Tour Guide. Cost: £6.50. IG members and guests only. To book, please print off booking form in the website library section.
Talk "From Seeds to Plate" by Paolo Arrigo of Seeds of Italy on April 13 7.30-9.30pm NCCPG Event to be held at St James's Hall, Prebend St, N1
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Spring Lecture: A brief Glimpse into the Life of Bees and Beekeeping, on Thursday 22 April 2010 at 07:30pm at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD. Speaker: Peter Dalby of Pebadale Apiaries. Non-members £2.00. (Enquiries: 8455 0353) www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Islington Gardeners'Plant Sale on Sunday April 25,
2 - 4.00pm at 36 St Mary's Grove, N1. Donated plants welcome: Sat 25th 2.00 – 4.00pm and Sun 26th 9.00am – 12 noon. Entrance free. Homemade teas.
Sunday 25 April, NGS Open Garden Malvern Terrace N1
Mon 3rd May IG Members only Visit to the Gardens of Buckingham Palace
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Plant Sale Saturday 8 May 2010 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD. Get your summer bedding, veg seedlings, locally-grown cuttings, etc., at discounted prices. Entry free. Enquiries: 8458 5846 www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Coach visit on Saturday 15 May 2010 to Marks Hall Arboretum and Beth Chatto's stunning garden (maybe the last opportunity before she retires) in Essex. Marks Hall features landscaped woodland walks and footpaths, lakes, a Millennium Walk and an 18th Century Walled Garden. £30.00. Cheques payable to HGS Horticultural Society with SAE and booking form to 25 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ES (8455 0353) www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
End May Final date for entries to be submitted for Islington in Bloom Details to follow
Suburb in Bloom ‘Best Garden in the Suburb’ Competition
Tuesday 8 June 2010 Enter your garden and win the Millennium Cup and £25 garden vouchers (runners-up £15/10). Entry form and details from Michael Franklin
www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Sat & Sun 12/13 June London Open Squares weekend
Entry night for Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society 269th Flower Show Tuesday 15 June 2010 from 07:00pm to 08:00pmEntry forms from handbook to Fellowship House, Willifield Way, NW11 or 4 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ET. Enquiries: Show Secretary
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society 269th Flower Show Saturday 19 June 2010 from 03:00pm to 05:30pmat Free Church Hall. Northway, London NW11 6PB (£1.00 non-members). Teas, raffle, etc.,
Sun 27 June IG Members and Guests Coach trip to Gardens of Sissinghurst Village
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society
Coach trip to Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair on Sunday 18 July 2010 Wonderful specialist plant buying opportunity in lovely surroundings. £25.00. Cheques payable to HGS Horticultural Society with SAE and booking form to 25 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ES (8455 0353). www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Late July Britain in Bloom judging within Islington
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society
Members’ and friends’ Summer Party on Saturday 24 July 2010 at 07:30pm at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD £10.00 to include hot food and first drink. (Ticket details tba)
Entry Night for Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticul ural Society 270th Flower Show Tuesday 7 September 2010 from 07:00pm to 08:00pm at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD Entry forms from handbook to Fellowship House, Willifield Way, NW11 or 4 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ET.
Accredited Permaculture Design Course at Hawkwood nursery, Hawkwood Crescent, E4 on 11th, 12th September (residential), 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th September, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th October Cost; Contact londoncourses@naturewise.org.uk for more details - concessions/flexibility available subject to discussion
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society 270th Flower Show on Saturday 11 September 2010 from 03:00pm to 05:30pm at Free Church Hall. Northway, London NW11 6PB (£1.00 non-members). Teas, raffle, etc.
Training of Permaculture Teachers,Dates; Total 8 days, September / October 2010 - details to be confirmed. Residential. Location; Dial House, Essex
Tues. 16th Nov Islington Gardeners' AGM 7.30pm St. James’ Hall, Prebend Street, N1
REGULAR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:
Most Sundays except when Arsenal are playing at home: Ecology Centre Open Sundays 12 - 4pm Visit the Ecology Centre to find out more about wildlife gardening, and to check out the green feqtures, including wind turbine, green roof, solar thermal, and more. Free
Every Thursday 10 am - 3.30pm
Mid Week Conservation Volunteers at various nature conservation sites around the Borough
Help carry out a range of practical tasks, ranging from scything to hedge laying, all fully supervised. No previous experience needed, only a love of the outdoors with good company and humour. You will need suitable outdoor clothes and good boots. Other protective equipment is provided. A contribution towards travel and lunch is also provided. Adults only. Contact Islington Ecology Centre on 7354 5162 or ecologycentre@islingon.gov.uk
(Ed's note: these outdoor workdays leave one with a great feeling of inner wellbeing and contentment.)
Every Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Sunnyside Community Garden Food Market, Hazellville Road, N19 3LX This is an organic food market selling fruit and veg, bread, cheese, honey, wax, etc etc
Past IG Events (for reference only)
Tuesday 17th November. Islington Gardeners AGM 7.15pm – 9.45pm at St James’s Hall, Prebend/Packington St. N1
Islington Gardeners AGM 2009
In addition to a Review of the Year and Questions from members, we have two guest speakers. Sue Whitehead of Islington Greenspace will give a slide show of the winners of this year’s Islington in Bloom, followed by Anne Wilkinson,keen gardener and historian who will give an illustrated talk on the subject of her forthcoming book about Stoke Newington’s forgotten gardener: “Shirley Hibberd – The Gardener who knew it all”. Copies of her previous publications “The Victorian Gardener” and “The Passion for Pelargoniums” will be for sale.
We will also have a stall selling indoor plants and seasonal bulbs, and a Raffle, with first prize being a charming watercolour donated by Nancy Pattenden’s estate and subsequent prizes of some of her gardening books.
Wine and nibbles. For safety reasons the Hall doors will be locked at 7.45pm. Further details are on the flyer in the Library Section of the website.
Sunday 25 October Islington Gardeners Workshop on Cuttings and Pruning Flowering Shrubs At 1 Bingham Street N1, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Those who have been to the softwood cuttings workshops have asked for something on hardwood cuttings. These are taken over late autumn and during the winter. Hardwood cuttings are the best way to propagate rose cuttings. They are also good for soft fruit such as blackcurrants and gooseberries. The first part of the workshop will cover: selection of suitable cuttings material, preparing the material and care during the rooting period.
The second part, on pruning, is aimed mainly at beginners and will cover principles of pruning and when and how to prune some popular shrubs for optimum flowering.
Cuttings will be available from a wide variety of plants in the garden at 1 Bingham Street and home made pumpkin soup and fresh bread will be served.The workshop is free of charge but participants are asked to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society, suggested amount: £6.00 per person. To book, (Islington Gardeners members and their guests only) please email islingtongardeners2@hotmail.co.uk attaching the booking form now in the Library section or print it off and drop it through the door in advance, in view of the difficulties with the post service.
Islington Gardeners Walking Tour: Gardens of the East - No not the eastern promise of Turkey, but the unexplored gardens of the far side of the Square Mile: Thursday evening, 9 July Meeting 5.50pm for a 6pm tour by the Booking Office downstairs, Moorgate Tube Station. The walk will finish near to the Tower of London, time approximately two hours. The walk is led by Malka Baker, Qualified Tour Guide. Cost: £6.50, IG members and guests only. Enquiries to Malka Baker on 020 7226 7307
IG Softwood Cuttings Workshop: Sun 5 July,
ISLINGTON GARDENERS OPEN SQUARES WALK - Chelsea & Belgravia Saturday 13 June Enjoy a warm, summer’s day exploring several Squares in the Chelsea/Belgravia area as part of Open Squares Weekend. Many of the Squares we will see are normally closed but will be open this weekend.
Meet at 2pm, at the entrance to Belgrave Square, West Gate opposite Number 17. The nearest station and bus stop is Hyde Park Corner. From there, we will then explore other Squares in the vicinity and finally have tea in the Victoria & Albert Museum, after looking at their lovely Garden. Members can either walk or catch a bus to the V & A after visiting the Squares.
Islington Gardeners Coach Trip to Northamptonshire Thursday 11th June 2009 IG members and guests only
Depart 08.45 Islington Town Hall, Upper St, N1. Return, traffic permitting, 18.45PM.
Our first destination is Ravensthorpe Nursery.
Richard and Jean Wiseman have built up a splendid collection of around 3,000 different plants comprising: herbaceous perennials, shrubs, trees, roses and grasses, the vast majority of which are hardy – a collection believed to be unrivalled in the area. They have also designed and built a display garden to show to the best advantage the plants that they propagate.
Then travel the short distance to Coton Manor. Among the best features are a rose garden, a herb garden, a woodland garden, colour plantings, an apple orchard with 80 English cultivars, a bluebell wood and wildflower meadow. Water is everywhere: pools, streams and ponds support hostas, primulas and the black and yellow flowers of Kirengeshoma palmata and other plants considered too tender for Northamptonshire. The presence of a few ornamental birds adds quite another dimension to the visit. Gift shop with home produce and a small nursery. We will leave by 16.30. Cost of the trip £22.50.
Visit to Mark Donaldson's urban food garden in N19 on Sunday 3rd May at 3pm. Mark has written an account of the creation of his kitchen garden in his inherited concrete yard which can be found in the website Library. He will explain his organic/sustainable methods to us, and has now produced two papers on his 2009 Garden Plans which are now also in the Library. IG Members only, please bring membership card. Owing to space restrictions, numbers must be limited to 20, so please would those wishing to attend complete the tear-off slip circulated with the newsletter and return it to Sue Lees, 19 Ashmount Road, London N19 3BJ, by May 25th at the latest. We hope to conclude by visiting a functioning Micro Food Farm in another garden nearby!
Islington Gardeners Plant Sale on Sunday 26 April 2 - 4 pm
This will take place at 36 St Mary's Grove, N1. Please bring donated plants either on Saturday or Sunday morning 10.30 - 12.30. Tea and cakes for sale. Added attraction: Bee-keeping demonstration by Liam Devany.
Islington Gardeners Spring Lecture: Tuesday 17 March 2009 start time 7.30 pm
Capel Manor lecturer Neill Ludmon will be giving an illustrated talk "Planting Plans for small London Gardens"
The talk will take place in St James's Hall, Prebend Street (at the corner of Prebend Street and Packington Street) N1. Roadside parking. Charges: £5 members, £6 non-members. Refreshments included.
Friday 19 February Free Lecture 'Soil water management in agricultural and environmental situations’,
Professor Gordon Spoor, Emeritus Professor of Applied Soil Physics, Cranfield University
Part of a series of lectures on soils organised by the Birkbeck, Ecology and Conservation Society See the Society website for details:www.bbk.ac.uk/environment/news/lectures
Venue:Lecture Theatre B01, Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck College, University of London, Torrington Square, London, WC1E 7HX. (entrance is opposite Birkbeck Main Building). All lectures are from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm. Doors open at 6.00pm.
The series continues:
•26 February ‘Turning the tables: when fungi host plants’
Dr Martin Bidartondo, Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
•5 March ‘Maintaining soil fertility for gardening while protecting the environment’
Guy Barter, Chief Horticultural Advisor, Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
•12 March ‘Impacts of food production on soils overseas’
Professor Keith Goulding, Head of the Department of Soil Science Rothamsted Research
•19 March ‘The unseen majority: soil biodiversity and ecosystem nutrient cycling’
Professor Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology, Lancaster University
Permaculture Introductory weekends at Hornsey Rise Gardens North London:27-28 February,
24-25 April, 29-30th May,
The Introductory weekend, is a ‘potted’ permaculture course, looking at the foundations of permaculture and learning about some of the practical tools it offers. The weekend course can be considered a 'stand alone' introduction to Permaculture ethics, principles and design, or else can be a lead-in to the more in depth full 72 hour Permaculture Design Course.
Fees: Introductory Weekends: £120 full cost, concessions/flexibility available subject to discussion
Enquiries: contact Marianne on londoncourses@naturewise.org
Located at a wonderful new 12 acre organic growing/permaculture site on the edge of Waltham Forest, this 72 hour accredited course offers a broad range of learning opportunities, with hands-on site design. Through practical sessions you’ll learn surveying skills, landscaping, green building techniques, how to apply permaculture principles and design tools in site development, waste management, gardening and forest gardening. We will explore how permaculture can deepen our connection with the natural world,
abringing the soul and heart into our endeavors, and how it can be applied to lifestyle and community design, economics and strategic development. This course promises rewarding challenges and much merriment!
Garden History Society Lecture: 6.30pm, Wednesday 3 March at The Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EJ (Farringdon Station). Subject: Affliction Brightened by Hope: The Evolution of the English Cemetery Landscape, speaker Jonathan Lovie, Historic Landscape Consultant and GHS Principal Conservation Officer Tickets: £8 members in advance, £10 for non-members and members purchasing on the door, includes glass of wine. Information line: 020 7490 2974, Email: events@gardenhistorysociety.org website:www.gardenhistorysociety.org./pressfor
Sunday 7 March 2 - 4pm Signs of Spring in Gillespie Park Join the Ranger on a seasonal stroll looking for blooming buds, trees, wildflowers and birdsong. Meet in the Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH
Garden History Society Lecture:6.30pm, Wednesday 10 March at The Gallery, 70 Cowcross St, EC1M 6EJ (Farringdon Station). Subject: Discovering Gilbert White’s Garden, by David Standing, Head Gardener, Gibert White’s Garden Tickets: £8 for members in advance, £10 for non-members and for members purchasing on the door, includes glass of wine. Information line: 020 7490 2974, Email: events@gardenhistorysociety.org website: wwww.gardenhistorysociety.org./press
Museum of Garden History exhibition: The Good Life: 100 Years of ‘Growing Your Own' until 7 March 2010 at the Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road
2009 has been a year of ‘Growing Your Own’ – from allotments to balconies and window-boxes, people throughout Britain are growing their own and enjoying a slice of ‘The Good Life’.Discover the 100 year history behind the country’s current love affair with growing food in a new exhibition. From the Allotment Act of 1908, through WWII’s Dig For Victory campaign and the Self-Sufficiency movement of the 1970s, paintings, photographs, personal memoirs and even the odd home-spun sweater will tell the story of why, how and what we have grown.
The exhibition also tackles the burning questions behind today’s fashion for allotments and kitchen gardening, asking whether “grow your own” is just a credit-crunch fad or whether people in Britain are really passionate about growing food. Whatever your experience, maybe you’re an allotment virgin or an original “good lifer” tell us your stories and share your opinions as we debate whether ‘Growing Your Own’ is as much a part of the British psyche as binge-drinking and seaside rock or whether it’s a flash in the pan, destined to go the same ay as shell suits and fondue parties.
Entry included in Museum admission (£6 / £5 concs / £3 Art Fund / FREE for Museum Friends, Under 16s, Students & Carers of disabled visitors)Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB www.gardenmuseum.org.uk / tel: 020 7401 8865
Sunday 14 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Salads Learn the basics of how to grow salads in your garden, or on your balcony or window sill, to eat throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Sunday 14 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Herbs A practical workshop on how to grow herbs in a small space and how to look after them throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Islington Gardeners' Pruning Workshop Sunday 21 March details to follow
Sunday 21 March 2010 at 10 am: Spring Herbal Recipes (lotions and potions) workshop by Nathalie Chidley at the Archway Herbal Clinic Please see website: http://www.archwayherbal.co.uk/
Islington Gardeners' Spring Talk on Sunday 28 March 2-4.3Opm. "New Gardening Concepts" by Bernard Jarman of the Biodynamics Association St James' Hall, Prebend Street, N1. Home-made teas. Cost: Members £3.50
Sunday 28 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Salads Learn the basics of how to grow salads in your garden, or on your balcony or window sill, to eat throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Sunday 28 March 2 - 4pm Grow Your Own Salads Learn the basics of how to grow salads in your garden, or on your balcony or window sill, to eat throughout the year. An Ecology Centre event, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH, booking essential 020 7527 4462 or email sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk see website http://www.sustainabilitycentres@islington.gov.uk/
Wednesday 31 March 2010 at 02:00pm Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Event: Walk led by By David Bevan, Conservation Officer. Meet 2.00pm at Queen's Wood Lodge (entrance on Muswell Hill Road). £5.00 (enquiries: 8455 0353) www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Islington Gardeners'Spring Flowers Walk in the City on Thursday 8 April 2-4pm Meeting 2.00pm by the City of London Information Bureau (opposite west entrance of St. Paul’s Cathedral). A mystery tour of the best Spring flower gardens the City of London has to offer.
The walk may include some stairs but is mainly on the flat and last about 2 hours.
The walk is led by Malka Baker, Qualified Tour Guide. Cost: £6.50. IG members and guests only. To book, please print off booking form in the website library section.
Talk "From Seeds to Plate" by Paolo Arrigo of Seeds of Italy on April 13 7.30-9.30pm NCCPG Event to be held at St James's Hall, Prebend St, N1
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Spring Lecture: A brief Glimpse into the Life of Bees and Beekeeping, on Thursday 22 April 2010 at 07:30pm at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD. Speaker: Peter Dalby of Pebadale Apiaries. Non-members £2.00. (Enquiries: 8455 0353) www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Islington Gardeners'Plant Sale on Sunday April 25,
2 - 4.00pm at 36 St Mary's Grove, N1. Donated plants welcome: Sat 25th 2.00 – 4.00pm and Sun 26th 9.00am – 12 noon. Entrance free. Homemade teas.
Sunday 25 April, NGS Open Garden Malvern Terrace N1
Mon 3rd May IG Members only Visit to the Gardens of Buckingham Palace
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Plant Sale Saturday 8 May 2010 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD. Get your summer bedding, veg seedlings, locally-grown cuttings, etc., at discounted prices. Entry free. Enquiries: 8458 5846 www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society Coach visit on Saturday 15 May 2010 to Marks Hall Arboretum and Beth Chatto's stunning garden (maybe the last opportunity before she retires) in Essex. Marks Hall features landscaped woodland walks and footpaths, lakes, a Millennium Walk and an 18th Century Walled Garden. £30.00. Cheques payable to HGS Horticultural Society with SAE and booking form to 25 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ES (8455 0353) www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
End May Final date for entries to be submitted for Islington in Bloom Details to follow
Suburb in Bloom ‘Best Garden in the Suburb’ Competition
Tuesday 8 June 2010 Enter your garden and win the Millennium Cup and £25 garden vouchers (runners-up £15/10). Entry form and details from Michael Franklin
www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Sat & Sun 12/13 June London Open Squares weekend
Entry night for Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society 269th Flower Show Tuesday 15 June 2010 from 07:00pm to 08:00pmEntry forms from handbook to Fellowship House, Willifield Way, NW11 or 4 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ET. Enquiries: Show Secretary
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society 269th Flower Show Saturday 19 June 2010 from 03:00pm to 05:30pmat Free Church Hall. Northway, London NW11 6PB (£1.00 non-members). Teas, raffle, etc.,
Sun 27 June IG Members and Guests Coach trip to Gardens of Sissinghurst Village
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society
Coach trip to Chenies Manor Plant and Garden Fair on Sunday 18 July 2010 Wonderful specialist plant buying opportunity in lovely surroundings. £25.00. Cheques payable to HGS Horticultural Society with SAE and booking form to 25 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ES (8455 0353). www.hgs.org.uk/hortsoc
Late July Britain in Bloom judging within Islington
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society
Members’ and friends’ Summer Party on Saturday 24 July 2010 at 07:30pm at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD £10.00 to include hot food and first drink. (Ticket details tba)
Entry Night for Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticul ural Society 270th Flower Show Tuesday 7 September 2010 from 07:00pm to 08:00pm at Fellowship House. 136a Willifield Way, London NW11 6YD Entry forms from handbook to Fellowship House, Willifield Way, NW11 or 4 Asmuns Hill, NW11 6ET.
Accredited Permaculture Design Course at Hawkwood nursery, Hawkwood Crescent, E4 on 11th, 12th September (residential), 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th September, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th October Cost; Contact londoncourses@naturewise.org.uk for more details - concessions/flexibility available subject to discussion
Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Society 270th Flower Show on Saturday 11 September 2010 from 03:00pm to 05:30pm at Free Church Hall. Northway, London NW11 6PB (£1.00 non-members). Teas, raffle, etc.
Training of Permaculture Teachers,Dates; Total 8 days, September / October 2010 - details to be confirmed. Residential. Location; Dial House, Essex
Tues. 16th Nov Islington Gardeners' AGM 7.30pm St. James’ Hall, Prebend Street, N1
REGULAR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:
Most Sundays except when Arsenal are playing at home: Ecology Centre Open Sundays 12 - 4pm Visit the Ecology Centre to find out more about wildlife gardening, and to check out the green feqtures, including wind turbine, green roof, solar thermal, and more. Free
Every Thursday 10 am - 3.30pm
Mid Week Conservation Volunteers at various nature conservation sites around the Borough
Help carry out a range of practical tasks, ranging from scything to hedge laying, all fully supervised. No previous experience needed, only a love of the outdoors with good company and humour. You will need suitable outdoor clothes and good boots. Other protective equipment is provided. A contribution towards travel and lunch is also provided. Adults only. Contact Islington Ecology Centre on 7354 5162 or ecologycentre@islingon.gov.uk
(Ed's note: these outdoor workdays leave one with a great feeling of inner wellbeing and contentment.)
Every Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Sunnyside Community Garden Food Market, Hazellville Road, N19 3LX This is an organic food market selling fruit and veg, bread, cheese, honey, wax, etc etc
Past IG Events (for reference only)
Tuesday 17th November. Islington Gardeners AGM 7.15pm – 9.45pm at St James’s Hall, Prebend/Packington St. N1
Islington Gardeners AGM 2009
In addition to a Review of the Year and Questions from members, we have two guest speakers. Sue Whitehead of Islington Greenspace will give a slide show of the winners of this year’s Islington in Bloom, followed by Anne Wilkinson,keen gardener and historian who will give an illustrated talk on the subject of her forthcoming book about Stoke Newington’s forgotten gardener: “Shirley Hibberd – The Gardener who knew it all”. Copies of her previous publications “The Victorian Gardener” and “The Passion for Pelargoniums” will be for sale.
We will also have a stall selling indoor plants and seasonal bulbs, and a Raffle, with first prize being a charming watercolour donated by Nancy Pattenden’s estate and subsequent prizes of some of her gardening books.
Wine and nibbles. For safety reasons the Hall doors will be locked at 7.45pm. Further details are on the flyer in the Library Section of the website.
Sunday 25 October Islington Gardeners Workshop on Cuttings and Pruning Flowering Shrubs At 1 Bingham Street N1, 2.00 – 4.00pm
Those who have been to the softwood cuttings workshops have asked for something on hardwood cuttings. These are taken over late autumn and during the winter. Hardwood cuttings are the best way to propagate rose cuttings. They are also good for soft fruit such as blackcurrants and gooseberries. The first part of the workshop will cover: selection of suitable cuttings material, preparing the material and care during the rooting period.
The second part, on pruning, is aimed mainly at beginners and will cover principles of pruning and when and how to prune some popular shrubs for optimum flowering.
Cuttings will be available from a wide variety of plants in the garden at 1 Bingham Street and home made pumpkin soup and fresh bread will be served.The workshop is free of charge but participants are asked to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Society, suggested amount: £6.00 per person. To book, (Islington Gardeners members and their guests only) please email islingtongardeners2@hotmail.co.uk attaching the booking form now in the Library section or print it off and drop it through the door in advance, in view of the difficulties with the post service.
Islington Gardeners Walking Tour: Gardens of the East - No not the eastern promise of Turkey, but the unexplored gardens of the far side of the Square Mile: Thursday evening, 9 July Meeting 5.50pm for a 6pm tour by the Booking Office downstairs, Moorgate Tube Station. The walk will finish near to the Tower of London, time approximately two hours. The walk is led by Malka Baker, Qualified Tour Guide. Cost: £6.50, IG members and guests only. Enquiries to Malka Baker on 020 7226 7307
IG Softwood Cuttings Workshop: Sun 5 July,
ISLINGTON GARDENERS OPEN SQUARES WALK - Chelsea & Belgravia Saturday 13 June Enjoy a warm, summer’s day exploring several Squares in the Chelsea/Belgravia area as part of Open Squares Weekend. Many of the Squares we will see are normally closed but will be open this weekend.
Meet at 2pm, at the entrance to Belgrave Square, West Gate opposite Number 17. The nearest station and bus stop is Hyde Park Corner. From there, we will then explore other Squares in the vicinity and finally have tea in the Victoria & Albert Museum, after looking at their lovely Garden. Members can either walk or catch a bus to the V & A after visiting the Squares.
Islington Gardeners Coach Trip to Northamptonshire Thursday 11th June 2009 IG members and guests only
Depart 08.45 Islington Town Hall, Upper St, N1. Return, traffic permitting, 18.45PM.
Our first destination is Ravensthorpe Nursery.
Richard and Jean Wiseman have built up a splendid collection of around 3,000 different plants comprising: herbaceous perennials, shrubs, trees, roses and grasses, the vast majority of which are hardy – a collection believed to be unrivalled in the area. They have also designed and built a display garden to show to the best advantage the plants that they propagate.
Then travel the short distance to Coton Manor. Among the best features are a rose garden, a herb garden, a woodland garden, colour plantings, an apple orchard with 80 English cultivars, a bluebell wood and wildflower meadow. Water is everywhere: pools, streams and ponds support hostas, primulas and the black and yellow flowers of Kirengeshoma palmata and other plants considered too tender for Northamptonshire. The presence of a few ornamental birds adds quite another dimension to the visit. Gift shop with home produce and a small nursery. We will leave by 16.30. Cost of the trip £22.50.
Visit to Mark Donaldson's urban food garden in N19 on Sunday 3rd May at 3pm. Mark has written an account of the creation of his kitchen garden in his inherited concrete yard which can be found in the website Library. He will explain his organic/sustainable methods to us, and has now produced two papers on his 2009 Garden Plans which are now also in the Library. IG Members only, please bring membership card. Owing to space restrictions, numbers must be limited to 20, so please would those wishing to attend complete the tear-off slip circulated with the newsletter and return it to Sue Lees, 19 Ashmount Road, London N19 3BJ, by May 25th at the latest. We hope to conclude by visiting a functioning Micro Food Farm in another garden nearby!
Islington Gardeners Plant Sale on Sunday 26 April 2 - 4 pm
This will take place at 36 St Mary's Grove, N1. Please bring donated plants either on Saturday or Sunday morning 10.30 - 12.30. Tea and cakes for sale. Added attraction: Bee-keeping demonstration by Liam Devany.
Islington Gardeners Spring Lecture: Tuesday 17 March 2009 start time 7.30 pm
Capel Manor lecturer Neill Ludmon will be giving an illustrated talk "Planting Plans for small London Gardens"
The talk will take place in St James's Hall, Prebend Street (at the corner of Prebend Street and Packington Street) N1. Roadside parking. Charges: £5 members, £6 non-members. Refreshments included.
