Ridgewell Garden Society (RGS) has for several decades organised a variety of events that might be of interest to anyone who enjoys gardening or appreciates beautiful gardens, regardless of horticultural knowledge and experience. Following a post Covid hiatus, a new Committee was formed in 2023, and each year we organise an exciting programme of events. Annual membership is £5 and is open to any residents of Ridgewell or the surrounding villages. Members benefit from reduced charges for RGS events, 10% off plants at two local nurseries, and reduced entry rates to R.H.S gardens.
Between them, RGS members have a range of gardening knowledge and experience. There is an event most months and each one offers members and their friends the opportunity to socialise with and learn from each other, as well as meeting professional gardeners.
Our most notable achievement has been the construction of a sensory and wildlife friendly planter in front of the village hall. It is hoped that that members of the local conmmunity will visit it and use herbs growing in it. Another highlight for the current RGS Committee was organising and hosting two episodes of BBC Radio 4s Gardeners' Question Time in March 2025. The Committee has also organised talks on a huge range of topics including hydroponics, sustainable gardening, organic farming, composting and pruning. All talks are held in the Village Hall. There have also been guided tours of some lovely gardens and a 'behind the scenes' visit to a local garden centre. RGS also hosts an annual Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show, where all members of the local community are invited to participate. The Committee also aims to organise two social events a year, be it a quiz, cream tea or buffet with live music! One of the annual highlights is the plant sale which is traditionally held in May each year and is an opportunity for local professional and amateur gardeners to sell their plants.
The Committee have really enjoyed trying to create a dynamic and inclusive programme for their members and have exciting plans for 2027! Events are posted on our Facebook page ( Ridgewell Garden Society -2023) and on posters around the village.
The RGS year commences at the AGM, which this year is Novemeber 29th at the Village Hall. Following the annual reports, we are delighted to welcome our speaker Chris Wiley, a professional horticulturalist who bred a new sweet pea, a bunch of which was presented to the late Queen at Chelsea Flower Show in 2022.
If you would like to become an RGS member please come to the AGM, or email our treasurer at; treasurer.rgs1@gmail.com