Gardening

Group: Gardening

Meets: Once a month on various days

Venue: No Fixed Venue

Details:

We meet once a month, sometimes afternoons and sometimes mornings, but the day and time are not fixed. 

Plans include nursery visits, private visits to ‘Yellow Book’ gardens, plant swapping, garden planning, ideas of members’ gardens. 

A group to share a love of gardening. 

Car sharing and lifts possible. 

Contact:  Email the group leader(s) at gardening@tonbridgeu3a.uk

Group Leader:  Margaret Springbett and Julie Watkins

Gardening Group Opens the Garden Gate to Friendship 

Gardens are never really finished – they're always growing, just like friendships.

For more than 15 years, Julie Watkins has been welcoming members to the Tonbridge u3A Gardening Group, watching it blossom from a handful of enthusiasts into a thriving group of more than 30 members. 

Today she is joined by Margaret Springbett in organising a varied program that combines beautiful gardens, practical inspiration and, above all, good company. NGS Gardens, Plant Swaps Exploring beautiful places, Garden Safaris, Sharing plants and ideas, Opening our own gardens, Garden Centres, Finding inspiration together. 

This year’s Garden Safari perfectly captured what the group is all about. A Warm Welcome New member Julie recently offered her own garden as one of the Safari stops. Although she has lived there for just a year, alongside gardens lovingly developed over nearly five decades, she never felt out of place. Instead, she found encouragement, advice and generosity. Her words beautifully sum up the spirit of the group, where knowledge is shared freely and everyone, whether an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, is made to feel welcome. 

"I’ve been very fortunate to receive many gifts of plants and cuttings that have added so much to the colour and shape of my garden. The tapestry of kindness has woven through my garden, and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to have such a lovely space. I’d like to say thank you for al the help and advice I’ve received from the Gardening Group." 

Julie Grimsey

Gardening Group Member

Coming up . There are plenty more visits and activities planned throughout the year. 

Why not join us? All u3a members are welcome