Outings
Garden visits are a popular aspect of the group's activities but we also visit other places of horticular interest. In the past we have visited the SEER Centre, where research is being carried out into the benefits of adding rock dust to soil. We have also visited a horticultural college, orchard and a farm.
Outings tend to take place during the summer months .
Talks
We regularly invite speakers to give talks and sometimes , if a member has a particular area of expertiese, they will give a talk to the group about it.
Our talks have covered a wide variety of subject matter: wildlife gardening; potatoes; soft fruit pests and diseases; herbs; composting; the work of the NCCPG; the Perthshire plant hunters are a few examples.
Workshops
Sometimes we hold workshops to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas between members. These may be of a theoretical or practical, hands-on nature.
Seed/Plant Swaps
The seed/plant swap is a popular group activity. By swapping seed that has been grown within the local community most of the seed being swapped is adapted to local conditions and should grow well. Some members grow rare seed from the Heritage Seed Library and it is thus possible to acquire rare seed that is not commercially available.
The group views this process of seed swapping as playing a vital role in the wider picture of preserving biodiversity. Many crop varieties have become extinct over the last 50 years and much of the hybrid seed being produced by the large seed companies is sterile after one year. By continuing to grow and swapping existing varieties we are helping to preserve them.
Members also exchange surplus produce; jam;chutney;apples;plums etc.
Special Events to Promote Organic Gardening
We sometimes participate in local events by taking a stall at garden markets or garden open days. We have also hosted a special event with speakers to promote organic gardening.
Socials
These are enjoyable, informal gatherings when we come together to have fun and relax. |
