Suffolk

Activities

From September to November and January to April the group meets monthly for talks by experts on topics of interest to the membership at Stowupland Village Hall and are free to members, visitors welcome for a small fee.  

• A plant stall sells plants propagated or donated by group members. 
• A garden accoutrement supplier attends regularly and provides members with the chance to purchase good value garden tools and other equipment. 
• A regularly updated display board showcases the efforts of the Suffolk National Collection Holders.
• Refreshments provided courtesy of the Women’s Institute

The November meeting is given over to the AGM and includes a talk by a local contributor. Again this is a social gathering with a meal provided free of charge to members.

Study days allow more in depth tuition on various topics, often delivered by members or plant collection holders within Suffolk who have the relevant expertise; in recent months pruning roses and learning about ferns have been on offer and further ahead sessions on trees and lilies. As always learning is combined with socialising and good food.  A small fee is normally charged to cover costs.

Propagation

Suffolk has an exceptionally vibrant propagation system managed by our dedicated Propagation Officer.  Members are encouraged to get involved by joining the regular propagation mornings held Stowupland Church Hall, which are a chance to learn more about propagation of plants and bulbs and to support the group to multiply the plants it can nurture with a view to selling on.  Plant guardianship is encouraged through this group both on a formal and informal basis.

Plant Sales

Suffolk Group has twice yearly (May and September) plant sales held in collaboration with Helmingham Hall, near Ipswich.  Volunteers from the Group help to mastermind and staff this event, which includes a Plant Heritage marquee and plant stall, as well as stalls provided by specialist nurseries.  The event is a magnet for serious gardeners while also providing a broader experience with lectures, plant doctor, locally sourced refreshments, music and garden tours of the historic Helmingham Hall gardens.

On a smaller scale members run cottage gate stalls and attend plant fayres organised by other organisations.

Our Journal

The Suffolk Group Journal is published twice yearly in spring and autumn.  This publication seeks to be professional, informative, educational, and generally a way of sharing what’s happening within Plant Heritage Suffolk Branch.

Membership