Autumn bulbs of Lycia
Sunday 20 – Sunday 27 October 2024
MPG’s one-week tour in south-west Turkey staying in Kalkan, Cirali and Side, will include visits to Simena, Phaselis and Termessos, for the wild flora and their history. Members should see Colchicum stevenii (pictured), C. boissieri, C. variegatum, C. sanguicolle, purple-throated Crocus mathewii with white C. cancellatus subsp. lycius, also Sternbergia clusiana and many cyclamen.
Exploring Spain – online talk
Tuesday 12 November 2024 at 17.30 for 18.00
Razvan Chisu, a horticulturist originally from Transylvania, has explored Spain extensively. He will give an illustrated presentation on line about the diversity of plants there, featuring a good number of alpines, bulbs, orchids and shrubs. Members will be able to ask questions after the talk which will not be recorded. Members must book by 15.00 on Monday 11 November. There is no charge to attend the talk. Image shows Narcissus bulbocodium.
Online Christmas quiz
Wednesday 11 December 2024 – 5.30pm for 6pm
John Fielding has entertained and educated members for several years with a winter pictorial quiz delivered on Zoom, which has always been popular. He puts the questions and members are invited to write down their answers before John takes the audience through them all giving the answers. You don’t have to reveal your guesses or your scores! Registration will open on line in November and close 24 hours before the event.
Wild flora of Elba
Saturday 29 March to Saturday 5 April 2025
Our tour on the island of Elba will focus on the natural vegetation and be led by Goffredo Filibeck who has led two previous tours for MPG. Goffredo is a professor of vegetation ecology at the University of Tuscia. The nearest international airport is Pisa and transfers can be arranged from there via the Piombino ferry. More details in the September newsletter and bookings will open in October. Image: Anthyllis barba-jovis, near Biodola.
Albania in spring
Saturday 3 to Monday 12 May 2025
This fascinating country is changing fast but retains traditional charms with a wealth of cultural sites. Human influence on the landscapes is minimal over much of the country. The tour will be led by Oron Peri who has loved exploring for wild flowers there several times recently.
Garden tour in Fife
Sunday 22 to Thursday 26 June 2025
This distinct area of Scotland, bounded to the south by the Forth and to the north by the Tay, has fine gardens, some with views across the estuaries. We will visit gardens restored to former glory on country estates and others developed in recent years. Most of the tour will be in the East Neuk and we will stay just over the Tay on the waterfront in Dundee, with interesting cultural sites nearby. Thank you to Teasses for the image of their garden.
Flora of the Cape
Thursday 14 to Wednesday 27 August 2025
The Cape in South Africa is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with its unique fynbos and a profusion of geophytes. The tour led by Frank Gaude will focus on the native flora. Frank has been guiding in the Cape for 10 years. An optional extension will give a chance to see the sights of Cape Town and its surrounds.