Events
We organise four talks a year on a variety of topics such as garden design, specialist plants, famous gardens, encouraging biodiversity and many others. Members receive a schedule and two newsletters annually with the programme and all the updates and announcements for the year.
We hold two shows a year in the Village Hall, Spring and Autumn, with classes for flowers, flower arranging, fruit and veg, photography, arts and crafts, baking and classes for children. Shows are open to non-members, it’s not too serious and the Hall opens to the public in the afternoon. Winning a prize won’t make you rich but it’s fun to take part and a great way to show off your work.
In May, we hold our very popular annual plant sale, with a wide range of annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs and vegetables grown by the students of Great Dixter and the Members. With a large number of plants to choose from, at very reasonable prices, the hall is usually packed with gardeners keen to pick up a bargain.
We have a Summer Social for Members in June which is usually hosted by Great Dixter, with drinks and canapes and the chance to wander around the gardens in the evening light. Our Christmas Social in December, combined with the AGM, includes drinks and a buffet supper, Members and their Guests are welcome.
We organise a coach trip annually to a garden of interest; recent trips have included RHS Wisley, Beth Chatto Gardens, Loseley Park, Borde Hill and the Sussex Prairie Gardens.
Please see below our upcoming events.
Talk: The Great Dixter Students, My Inspiration
Friday 2nd February 2.30pm
This is an ever popular event in our calendar. The current year's students at Great Dixter will share what has inspired their horticultural journey, with ancedotes, laughter and images.
Left to right Ernie Weller (UK Christopher Lloyd Scholar), Naciim Benkreira (Ruth Borun Scholar), Matt Padbury (Adam Greathead Scholar), Will Larson (Chanticleer US Christopher Lloyd Scholar), Talitha Slabbert (UK Christopher Lloyd Scholar)
Plant Sale
Saturday 11th May 2.00pm
A wide selection of perennials, annuals, veg plants and shrubs at great prices, grown by the Great Dixter students and our Members. Doors open at 2.00pm, and the queuing starts early! Please bring your own containers. Cash sales only.
Talk: Edward Flint, Hardy Annuals
Thursday 3rd October 7.30pm
Informal, lively, practical, relevant, irreverent and fun. We'll hear about the care, and infinate opportunities of using hardy annuals in the garden.
Ed has over 20 years experience lecturing at the renowned English Gardening School, based at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London.
Talk: Kristina Clode, My Favourite Projects (garden design)
Thursday 7th March 7.30pm
As a garden designer in East Sussex, Kristina has been fortunate to work on a variety of recent projects from city courtyards to large family gardens, tricky sloping sites and even two sensory gardens for schools. She'll share some of her favourite projects.
Summer Social
Saturday 15th June 6-8pm
A Members event - the Summer Social at Great Dixter House and Gardens; drinks and canapes and a stroll through the gardens on a Summer evening.
Talk: Kali Hamerton-Stove, The Glass House Project (house plants)
Friday 1st November 2.30pm
The Glasshouse is a social enterprise offering second chances through horticultural training to women based in UK prisons. They harness the power of botanics to make work and living spaces greener, healthier and more inviting. Kali will share the history of the project and its impact.
Spring Show
Saturday 13th April 2.30pm
We welcome everyone to attend and exhibit in our Spring Show with a variety of classes. Please see our Schedule for more information.
Autumn Show
Saturday 7th September 2.30pm
We welcome everyone to attend our annual Autumn Show with a variety of classes. Please see our Schedule for more information.
Annual General Meeting and Christmas Social
Friday 8th December 7.30pm
The AGM is followed by a delicious buffet and drinks, with a chance to socialise and meet new and old friends.
Don't hesitate to let us know if you'd like to be voted onto the Committee.