Monthly Programme 2018
9th January 2018 (note this is the 2nd Tuesday)
The Garden Classroom
Rosey Lyall and Phoebe Nevill
Lots of us take nature for granted. It’s part of who we are. We enjoy creating beautiful flower gardens, growing vegetables, walking in parks and forests and getting into the countryside. However many of our Hackney and Islington children and young people have missed out on these experiences and that’s why The Garden Classroom, born in local King Henry’s Walk Garden and now based on Newington Green, is going from strength to strength.
Founder trustee Rosey Lyall will tell us how The Garden Classroom came about and share the joys and perils of running a small local charity. Education and Community Officer Phoebe Nevill will explain why outdoor learning is so important for children, tell us how The Garden Classroom works and reveal some exciting plans for the future. And if you’ve got children, grandchildren or are a child at heart you’ll definitely pick up some tips for making a visit to the park an educational experience!
6th February 2018 – de Beauvoir Estate Allotments One Year On
The allotments on the De Beauvoir Estate had their first growing year. They are going to tell us of their experiences.
NOTE: This meeting will be free entry to non members.
6th March 2018 – AGM and member’s experiences
Nat Mady from Cordwainers will explain the principles of permaculture which leaves habitats undisturbed and reduces the work! Nat is also an expert on herbs.
1st May 2018 – Garden Ponds and Wildlife
Alice Wickman from the London Wildlife Trust will talk about the benefits of garden ponds and what you can expect to see.
SATURDAY 12TH May 10-2 – Family Nature Day in de Beauvoir Square
Explore local nature with the Garden Classroom https://www.thegardenclassroom.org.uk/
There will be lots of activities and games for children and families. Including:
- Photographing nature – with entry into the flower and garden show art competition
- Bark rubbing and tree identification
- Tiny Treasure Hunt
- Nature crowns
- Making paper pots and planting a seed
- Leaf whapping with calico to make a mini cushion or bag.
- Potato Petanque! (A family bowls game)
- Ladybird printing and butterfly finger puppets
- Apple bird feeders
ALL WELCOME – FREE – TELL NEIGHBOURS WITH CHILDREN
SUNDAY 13th May 2018 – Plant Sale
Buy locally grown plants at bargain prices. Across the road from St Peter’s Church 11-1 pm.
5th June 2018 – The Transformation of Arlington Square Islington
Gordon McArthur and Paul Thompson have been responsible for the transformation of Arlington Square Gardens over the last 8 years. What was once a neglected public park is now one of the best public parks in the UK. Gordon has led in raising over £80,000 to fund the planting scheme developed by Paul. All the work has been done by enthusiastic community volunteers and the square is now a much loved community resource.
FRIDAY 29th June 2018 – Garden Walkabout
The club walks around and explores gardens of locals and ends with a drink.
SUNDAY 15th July 2018 – Coach Trip
Provisional programme
- Frith Old Farmhouse, northwest of Ashford a three quarter acre very informal NGS garden created over the last 40 years from rough grass with altered habitat areas, where we would have morning coffee. https://www.ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden/garden/21584/
- Godinton House privately owned but open to the public: 12 acres 19th c. garden with walled garden, rose garden, herbaceous borders, lily pond, Italian garden, wild garden. http://godintonhouse.co.uk/gardens/
28th July 2018 – Joint picnic with Islington Gardeners at Olden Gardens
SUNDAY 16th September 2018 – Annual Flower & Produce Show
2nd October 2018 –Choosing and Caring for Indoor Plants
NOTE: This meeting will be held at N1 Garden Centre
Paul Holt- creative director of NI and W6 Garden Centres
6th November 2018 – Street trees in our area
How to preserve and protect them – Paul Wood author of London’s Street Trees: A Field Guide to the Urban Forest
4th December 2018 – Making willow wreaths and mulled wine and minced pies
Nat Mady will be helping us to make willow wreaths from foraged and collected materials