Programme
We enjoy illustrated evening talks in autumn and winter, given by interesting and varied speakers. We visit gardens in spring and summer for a modest cost.
Download our Newsletter for full details of the society and our programme or see the details below.
Programme for the remainder of 2026
Talks (blue text) are held in Bruton Community Hall, doors open at 7pm for 7:30pm start.
WEDNESDAY, 16th SEPTEMBER, 2.30pm
Visit to Empire Farm, Throop Road Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0HR
Sally Morgan’s 200-year-old walled garden, recently featured on BBC Gardeners World, was once the garden of a rectory. The garden extends to about two-thirds of an acre and features a kitchen garden, orchard and large ornamental area with an extensive water harvesting system, herbaceous beds and gravel garden area. With climate change in mind, the plant selection is focussed on climate resilient plants, biodiversity and permeability while the beds are all heavily mulched. Sally is a ‘no-dig’ organic gardener, writer and speaker and will walk us round the garden. There will be free time to explore for ourselves before refreshments, the garden is flat but not wheelchair friendly.
Cost: Members £7, non-members £8, includes tea and cake. There is a limit of 30 visitors. THIS VISIT IS FULLY BOOKED.
Directions: Head south on the A357 towards Templecombe. After 3.6 miles turn left onto Throop Road. The garden is on the right after 0.2 miles.
MONDAY, 21st SEPTEMBER Gold Club Talk by a Castle Gardens member of staff about ‘Putting your Garden to Bed. Speaker to be confirmed.
MONDAY, 19th OCTOBER Talk by Chris Smith of Pennard Plants about ‘Growing Unusual Edibles’. Chris Smith co-founded Pennard Plants Nursery in 2001 within a Victoria walled garden in the village of East Pennard. Chris specialises in heritage varieties of edibles - vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs, with around 600 varieties of seeds, all available by mail order. Chris has long been involved in horticulture and has won Gold Medals at Chelsea.
MONDAY, 16th NOVEMBER Talk and demonstration by Myra Cox from Highbridge. Myra is an experienced creator of seasonal decorations for the home who has taught her art to many garden clubs and workshops. She particularly likes using foliage commonly found in people’s gardens so they can replicate her arrangements at home as well as re-using and repurposing containers.
MONDAY, 18th JANUARY 2027 AGM and Talk
SATURDAY, 23rd JANUARY 2027 Winter Lunch
Details to be confirmed in the Autumn Newsletter