Clays Gardening Club has enjoyed a wonderfully busy and rewarding year, with a full programme of talks, trips, and visits that kept members inspired from January through to December.
The year began with David McDowell – The Bee Farmer – whose engaging session offered a captivating glimpse into the world of bees and pollination. February followed with Geoff Hodges sharing expert guidance on propagation, while March welcomed Howard Drury for a hands-on exploration of lawn care.
April brought the aromatic world of culinary and medicinal herbs with Trudi Norris, and in May, Don Witton delighted members with his enthusiasm for euphorbias and other perennials. After the August break, the Club returned refreshed for Doug Stewart’s colourful introduction to edible flowers in September. October saw the AGM followed by a lively horticultural quiz, food, and a tipple or two. November rounded off the programme of talks with Martin and Jill Fish presenting Gardening on the Menu.
Alongside the talks, members enjoyed several memorable outings, including a visit to Aubourn Hall Gardens with a guided tour from the Head Gardener, an eagerly anticipated trip to David Austin Roses in Shropshire, and the first RHS Show in the north of England at Wentworth Woodhouse. In June, the Club held its biennial Open Gardens Day, attracting over 150 visitors, and the annual holiday took members to North Yorkshire to explore six stunning gardens over four delightful days.
The year concludes in December with the ever-popular wreath-making workshop on Monday 1st December and a festive Christmas lunch later in the month. Looking ahead, 2026 promises another strong programme, beginning with Joe Bagley (@ukhouseplants) on Cacti and Succulents (Monday 19th January), followed by Martin Fish with Undercover Gardening (Monday 16th February) and Jeff Bates on Clematis and Other Climbers (Monday 16th March).
Meetings take place at South Wheatley Village Hall, Sturton Road, DN22 9DH. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start, with entry at £3.00 for members and £5.00 for visitors. If you enjoy gardening or simply good company, you are warmly invited to go along. For more details, contact Christine on 07572 261712.