A sociable start to 2026

The first meeting of 2026 for the gardening club is our annual luncheon which is always a
joyous occasion. It is lovely to have something to look forward to after the Christmas
decorations have been taken down and the days are still short and this year’s event is being
held at a new location; The Swan in Aston Munslow. Around twenty five members and their
guests will be gathering on 22nd January for what promises to be a delicious three course meal.
This is a lovely occasion and a chance to relax and catch up with friends and fellow gardeners.

It is also the start of an exciting new year for our gardening club with lots to look forward to. The next club meeting at Stoke St Milborough village hall is on February 12th when Nancy Lowe will be talking about ‘The Secret Life of the Soil’. We first met Nancy last February, when she gave her talk on ‘Gardening with Wildflowers’. We enjoyed it so much that we are looking forward to welcoming her back again this year.

January and February are difficult months for the gardener, but you might, like me, have been
eagerly searching the borders for the first signs of spring. I am always delighted by the first
snowdrops of the year, which this year I spotted two days before Christmas. I also adore the
wonderful spidery, bright yellow blossoms of the witch hazel (Hamamelis) with its wonderful
fragrance. Do remember, if you are not fortunate enough to have snowdrops in your own
garden, there are stunning displays that can be seen at the National Trust gardens at Attingham Park and Dudmaston Hall. If you have never been to St Peter’s Church in Stanton Lacy, I can highly recommend a visit as the magnificent display of snowdrops throughout the churchyard during February is guaranteed to lift your spirits. This year the snowdrop weekend is the 7th and 8th February at 2.00 until 4.30, where a nice cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake is also on offer.

If you would like to join us at our next gardening club meeting, then please come along to Stoke St Milborough Village Hall on Thursday 12 th February. Nancy’s talk will begin at 2.30pm, but there is tea, coffee cake and biscuits available beforehand and a chance to chat with other gardeners, so do come early. The hall is open at 2.00pm.
If you would like more information about our gardening club please contact me.
Bev Harris
Secretary
[email protected]