January means it’s time to join the Wootton Courtenay Gardening Club!
We have a fascinating line-up of speakers for the coming year, with highlights including a sumptuous Zoom talk in February by acclaimed author Vanessa Berridge, who will be giving us a tour of the best British gardens. John Addison will be presenting Part 2 of his propagation tutorial in May, and in June the Head Gardener at Stone Lane Gardens in Devon, Saul Walker, will be inspiring us to zhuzh up our shady woodland garden areas. I’m also hoping to book Ken Thompson again to speak at the end of July. His talk last year, ‘No Nettles Required’, was really enthralling and he seemed keen to come back again.
In addition, we’ve got a series of exciting garden visits lined up, and – new for 2026 – a Members’ Open Garden afternoon on 20th July. Three club members have generously offered to give half-hour guided tours of their gardens, followed by tea and cake for all at the end.
We also host a Seedling and Plant Swap in late spring, where members gather to swap their spare plants and, again, make the most of the refreshments!
Membership forms are available in the village shop now. Annual membership is just £10 per person. Fill in the form, add your payment (cash or cheque) and return it either to the shop or drop it into the postbox on the inner wall of the porch at Crockford House. Alternatively, you can download the form here, print it off and return it as above, with payment, in an envelope. Please note, garden visits are not included in the membership price.
Click here to see the 2026 Club Programme in full on the village website. We warmly welcome new members, whether gardening newbies or green-fingered wizards.
Happy New Year!
Marion Jay
Chairwoman, Wootton Courtenay Gardening Club
Wootton Courtenay 