Let’s get together
It is no surprise that our meetings are so well attended. Not only are they interesting and informative, they are also enjoyable social gatherings.
As always, our Programme Committee has worked hard to invite speakers with very different skills, knowledge and experience and you will see below that their subject matter is not always gardening related.
So, if you are thinking of joining us, come along to a meeting and you will be made very welcome – for non-members there is a £2.00 entry fee.
All meetings are in the WI Hall, North Street, Bridport and start at 7.30 pm.
Contact details for officers of the Bridport & District Gardening Club are available in the Newsletter.
A Talk about the Cultivation of Cactus - Thursday, 19 June 2025 7:00pm for 7:30pm
W.I. Hall, North Street, Bridport Speaker David Ennals, Coach House Cacti Coach House Cacti is a small nursery run by David Ennals in the village of Toller Porcorum in Dorset. They grow a variety of cacti and succulents, exhibit them, give talks and show them off in competitions. It is Dorset’s only cactus nursery, offering easy to grow plants. David is a professional gardener, and has been growing cacti since childhood. Plants are sold to visitors, and at various shows and plant sales. The nursery is gaining quite a reputation in the South West.
A Talk about Salvias and other Summer Flowering Perennials - Thursday, 17 July 2025 7:00pm for 7:30pm
W.I. Hall, North Street, Bridport Speaker Bryan Madders
Bryan J. Madders is Chairman of the New Forest Dahlia and Chrysanthemum Society, a public speaker and a judge and will speak about Salvias and other Summer Flowering Perennials.
A talk on The Garden Legacy of Gertrude Jekyll - Thursday, 18 September 2025 7:00pm for 7:30pm
W.I. Hall, North Street, Bridport Speaker Martin Young
A colourful illustrated talk covering the life and work of this talented, inspirational and pioneering woman: her marvellous relationship with Sir Edwin Lutyens and her lasting legacy to horticultural and garden design.
A talk entitled Inspiration from Tresco Abbey Gardens - Thursday, 16 October 2025 7:00pm for 7:30pm
W.I. Hall, North Street, Bridport Speaker Ian Condon
Ian a keen photographer will share his knowledge of The History of the Scilly Islands and in particular the sub tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens. His many photographs will include exotic plants you would not expect to see growing in the British Isles.
A talk about The Unbelievable Truth; Wildlife Stories that must be seen to be Believed - Thursday, 20 November 2025 7:00pm for 7:30pm
W.I. Hall, North Street, Bridport Speaker Stephen Powles
Sometimes you have to see something to believe it. Over many years photographing and filming wildlife Stephen has captured wildlife antics that he would not have believed possible had he not seen the story unfold in front of his own eyes. A rabbit that buried her offspring under a vegetable patch, a robin that bathed before turning in for the night and a population of elephants that travel deep underground to mine salt are a few of the characters that will surely amaze you as they did him.
How Does My Garden Grow - Thursday, 19 February 2026 19:30
W.I. Hall, North Street, Bridport Speaker Bridport & District Gardening Club Members
We are planning a Club members’ evening next February 19th on the topic of “How does my garden grow.”
It will consist of a series of short talks by members about your own gardens and how you have changed and developed them over time. It would be interesting to compare now and then, so get out your old photos and take some new ones from the same or similar viewpoint to compare. Each talk can be structured around: what has been a success, what hasn’t worked so well, parts of your garden or seasons in the garden which give you most pleasure and why. Is that shaft of sun through tulips in the spring, a shady bower you have created for these hot summers, a raised bed of asparagus or a tranquil space with plants donated by friends?
It should be a great way to share enjoyment and some tips about garden and gardening.
We already have several members keen to get involved, so please get in touch with Sibyl or me if you are keen. I will be happy to help with scanning photographs and putting them into a PowerPoint presentation.
Tim Gale timgale1@me.com