We are a group who have had experience of gardening over many years, but complete
novices are welcome too. The emphasis of the meetings is on discussion of topics of interest
and members are encouraged to share their knowledge. Meetings include discussions,
demonstrations, presentations and even seed growing challenges. The changing climate
presents new challenges and we look at how we can adapt to maintain beautiful and
productive gardens..

Each meeting provides the opportunity to exchange surplus plants, seeds, magazines and any
garden related items

Meetings are fortnightly in the autumn and spring, but only once a month during the winter
months, when our gardens are dormant. During the summer when our gardens are usually
looking at their best, but this gives members the opportunity to open their gardens to the
group.

The Leaders

Colin English

I have been gardening for over 50 years and growing fruit and vegetables has always been my
main interest. However, I have become more interested in growing unusual flowers and even
bonsai trees. I

lived in Southampton for 42 years with city gardens, before moving to the
Dorset countryside in 2010. Since moving to a rural location, I have been surprised to have
to learn so much about gardening alongside wildlife, particularly some unwanted the four-
legged ones!

Rosemary Jones

I have gardened all my life from being encouraged with my own small plot from a very young age by my father to learn to appreciate watching seeds growing in to beautiful flowers.
I have no qualifications in this subject but a lifetime of experience and trial and error, reading garden related books and now Google. I was self-employed for nearly 30 years along with my husband, Frank, running a Ceramic Sculpture business selling my work at large prestigious
Craft Fairs.

In 1986 we moved with our family to Verwood from Godstone in Surrey as we wanted to get away from the rat race of Surrey. Each house that we have lived in has had a completely different type of garden including my present one which had only moss/grass everywhere when we moved in. It is very different now! I joined the Verwood U3A 12 years ago when I retired and have met a wonderful large circle of likeminded friends which has kept my brain active and never having time to brood over retirement.