News

British botanist, TV presenter and writer Roger Phillips has died. His titles can be found on many a gardener’s bookshelf and his two volumes entitled Conservatory & Indoor Plants cover just about everything you can find in a Mediterranean garden. In 2017 MPG had a terrific walk and talk with Roger around Eccleston Square in London, where he lived and curated the National Collection of Ceanothus. The report of our visit may be seen here.

One of the first MPG members to arrive was Nancy Ball, there on the dot of 6.30am, to enter the grounds in the peace and quiet of dawn, an hour and a half before the huge rush at the normal opening time for RHS members. Nancy is a professional gardener in Eastbourne. Apart from these privileged ticket-holders avoiding crowds, they had the added benefit of a Champagne breakfast in the restaurant. They were taken up by 20 members.

We are delighted to advise that new dates have been announced for the postponed trip to Eastern Sicily – Wednesday 11 May to Wednesday 18 May 2022. Click here for further details.

Members visited the Oxford Botanic Garden and the gardens of Merton College, Oxford on 18 August. The weather was perfect and members appreciated the tours by Mark Brent, curator, and Chris Thorogood, head of science, both of the Oxford Botanic, then a delicious picnic lunch and exploration of Merton guided by head gardener, Lucille Savin.

We are pleased to advise that MPG member Kathryn Bradley Hole has a released a new book ‘The Naturally beautiful Garden’. It showcases the beauty and visual impact produced by ecologically friendly garden design principles which chimes well with the recent AGM lecture by Alastair Little on the natural environment. Kathryn aims to showcase gardens and spaces that have embraced nature in an ecologically sensitive way. The book features essays discussing important topics, illustrated with stunning photographs and features a wide range of spaces, from public green spaces through to cottage gardens over a wide range of climates and soils. We wish Kathryn much success with her very topical and timely publication.

When I became NC holder of Aeoniums doors opened up under the Plant Heritage flag and in 2021 I was able to show off my precious plants Hampton Court. It meant I could show the public the species from each a Canary Island and highlight how threatened they are by climate change, tourism and loss of habitat. This was the first ever RHS exhibit of just Aeonium species.
When I arrived on the Tuesday morning to find a silver gilt medal I was pretty chuffed and I felt proud for my plants.