Upcoming Events
Insight into Podium 2
Talk with Neil Manthorpe and Dean Elsworth
Many of us are keen to know when the long-delayed re-development of the Podium is finally going to start and exactly what is going to happen structurally and aesthetically. Neil Manthorpe and Dean Elsworth, who lead the project, have kindly agreed to share with us the final details, with input from Nigel Dunnett, the creator of the first Podium design and planting.
Free Visit to Hampton Court Garden
On a few occasions each year Hampton Court organise days where members of the public can visit the Garden there free of charge. A group led by Helen Fairfoul will be meeting outside the Palace (NB entrance to the Palace is not included) at 10.45 for a 1.5 hours (approx) self-guided visit.
We will aim to visit all the gardens, ranging from the Kitchen Garden, the Wilderness, the Pond Gardens and the Knot Garden. The gardens are generally pretty accessible - on one level - though some parts of the Knot Garden involve steps. The paths are gravel. There is a cafe in the gardens so we will likely finish with some refreshments there at around 12.15-12.30 and then catch a train back to Waterloo.
If you prefer to go round at a different time and under you own steam please do that.
Hampton Court station is a 37 minute journey from Waterloo. As it is a Sunday, TFL suggests a route via Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road, then Northern Line to Waterloo. The suggested train from Waterloo would be the 9.57 which arrives at Hampton Court at 10.34. It is then a 5 minute walk to Hampton Court Palace. Another option is a train to Kingston, then a bus to Park House and a 10 min walk. Car owners may want to drive, perhaps offering a spare seat via WhatsApp.
Please let Helen Fairfoul (hfairfoul@gmail.com) know if you’re planning to join the group, so we will know how many people to expect.
Barbican Gardens Walk
Jake Tibbets, Manager of City Gardens, will guide members on a walk around the Barbican Estate gardens, sharing some of its highlights and challenges
Visit to RHS Wisley
A visit to RHS Wisley, in perfect timing to see the wisteria in full bloom and enjoy another tour with Linda Dolan.
Barbican Open Balconies
This is a great opportunity to show off your balcony, share your challenges and get some tips about what can be grown in your microclimate as well as advice on how to get even better results. We are inviting willing residents to select a two-hour slot over the weekend during which time visitors will be welcomed. Volunteers will be on hand to assist.
Those managing planters on Willoughby High Walk or by Thomas More will be on hand to answer questions about the plants they are currently cultivating.
Revisit this page closer to the date for the locations and itinerary of this year’s open balconies.
Orchid Hunting in Madagascar - talk with Deborah Lambkin
Deborah Lambkin, award winning botanical artist and an orchid expert, will talk about the fascinating nature of Madagascar.
BHS AGM
Please come along to cheer (or boo) your committee and help us fulfil our annual statutory obligation to formally record the Society’s finances and activities and discuss future events and developments. The usual incentives such as food and wine and free plants will be there, and we will have the additional pleasure of a short presentation on the planting of seven west-facing window boxes in Gilbert House by Judith Serota and Fiona Savory will give a demonstration on how to prune pelargoniums (geraniums).
Midwinter Feast
Get in touch by 10th February if you’d like attend.
You will be able to choose your menu options and pay the Treasurer in advance.
Past Events
Events in 2025
Tuesday 25 November 2025. Quiz with Deborah Lambkin and Luke
Thursday 9 October: Talk on Avery Tipping by Helena Gerrish, Lilac Room
Sunday 31 August 2025: Barbican Summer Party
Wednesday 16 July 2025: Charterhouse Gardens, Private Guided Tour
Saturday 21 June-Sunday 22 June 2025: BHS Open Balconies
Tuesday 20 May 2025: RHS Affiliate visit to RHS Wisley
Wednesday 14 May 2025: Walk and Talk around Barbican Gardens, led by Jake Tibbets, City Gardens
Wednesday 30 April 2025: Talk. Michael Gwyther Jones, Neil Manthorpe, Dean Ellsworth, Lilac room
Tuesday 18 March 2025: Annual General Meeting, Japanese Garden photos, Lilac room
Tuesday 18 February 2025: BHS Annual Feast, Vecchio Parioli
Sunday 19 January 2025: Members meeting - new members' tea
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