Greetings from the GOC Gardens Group to you on 1st February – St. Brigid’s Day - a day of celebration in my native Ireland. There is even a wonderful garden dedicated to her in Galway. And there is plenty to celebrate in gardens & parks now too. Hopefully you can enjoy snowdrops and early daffodils near you, not to mention the lovely scents of Hamamelis, Daphne, Sarcococca and other winter flowering shrubs that are doing their thing now. So many green shoots starting to emerge here in South Wales and probably where you are too. Lots to lift the spirits and remind us that Spring is well on its way.
We have some really interesting trips planned but more are always appreciated. If you are anywhere near Chepstow or Newbury in the coming weeks, we have snowdrop events online and I look forward to seeing some of you at them. More details of all our upcoming events are here Other things will be added in due course, including three events for the Annual Outdoor Garthering at Warwick University from July 24th-27th.
The group continues to thrive because people step forward to put on visits. This is less onerous than planning a walk. No need to recce in advance and parking, food & facilities are usually onsite. Whilst it could be to a renowned garden such as a National Trust property , equally enjoyable are visits to smaller, private gardens. Perhaps you know of a garden that opens for charity, such as the National Garden Scheme or the local church? If so, why not make it a GOC event so that fellow members can help raise funds for the worthy cause and you get to meet likeminded garden and plant enthusiasts. I am happy to offer advice, help get it online and promote it via social media if required. So please do consider it.
In the meantime, keep safe and there is always Monty Don and his merry band of helpers to inspire us during these wintry days.
Neil Barry
GOC Gardens Co-Ordinator.
