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Although factors such as climate change, changes in agriculture, invasive, non-native species, people pressure (housing and infrastructure and subsequent habitat loss) have combined to create pressure on our wildlife, the good news is that we can make a difference by gardening in more wildlife-friendly ways. Gardens can provide food, shelter and breeding sites for a range of native species. A full report is available here.

On Friday, 9th May at 7.30pm our monthly talk will be by Caradoc Doy on the subject of ‘Plants behaving badly’. Caradoc is an authority on the Veitch nurseries in Exeter and Chelsea, whose thirty years of experience in horticulture include training under John Ravenscroft, VMH, VMM. As ever, the venue is Kilmington Village Hall.

The following day, Saturday, 10th May, our annual Plant Market and Coffee Morning will take place at the Kilmington Village Hall from 10.00am to 12 noon. This is a very popular event and it is a perfect opportunity for you to buy your bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, fruit and vegetable plants. If you have any excess, good quality plants they will be gratefully received on the day. There will also be a seed swap so you may find the very seeds you still need. And of course, tea, coffee and cake will be served.

We could not have had a more perfect day for our first ‘car share’ visit to Burrow Farm Gardens on Thursday, 1st May. Mary Benger’s grandson, Michael, gave us an introductory talk before we set off to tour around the gardens. He explained that a new feature – a ruin! – was under construction; yet another point of interest in the gardens, which are already full of interesting features. The azaleas and rhododendrons were spectacular and the lake is now home to four Coy Carp. After a very pleasant stroll around the 13-acre site we repaired to the café for tea and cake to round off a perfect afternoon.

The second visit is a coach trip to Yeo Valley Organic Garden on Friday, 13th June. Leaving at 9.30am. The six-and-a-half acre Yeo Valley Organic garden aims to demonstrate that it is possible to garden 100% organically (they are certified by the Soil Association) and still retain a strong sense of design, colour and fun. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments in the garden café or on the tea terrace, with panoramic views over the veggie garden to the Mendip Hills beyond. Whilst you are here there are dairy goodies and sundry souvenirs for sale in the garden shop. The cost of this visit is £25 for members and £30 for non-members. Please contact Jean on 07948-767112 or email [email protected] if you wish to sign up.

We are hoping to organise a Village Open Gardens 12th-13th July 2025. Would you consider opening your garden on these dates (or just for one day)? Whether your garden is large or small, neat and tidy or work in progress, it really doesn’t matter! This gives visitors a chance to be inspired and take away ideas for their own gardens. Please have a go – you may actually enjoy it! Tea and cake will be served in the village hall on both afternoons.

Please contact Judy Godfrey on 07930-642497, email: [email protected] for more information or Lesley Rew: 07900-827688.

If you haven’t yet paid your subscription (£10 per head), if you would prefer to pay by BACS, here are the details:

Sort Code: 40-08-38
Account No. 40508020
Please give your name as a reference.

The Plant Market and Coffee Morning will take place on 10th May and our Show on 30th August.