2019 Calendar of Events

Our meetings & outings organiser is Myra Smith. Give her a call on 01462 621961

January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Click on a month to navigate down the page or use your browser’s ‘Find’ function (usually CTL-F) to search for specific entries

January				to top
2nd	10:00am	Coffee morning at ~~Tapps~~ Dimples (Change of venue for January only)	Letchworth Family Golf Centre Willian Way, LGC. SG6 2HJ	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Dimples - January Close Coffee Morning at Dimples coffee lounge & cafe 2nd January 10:00am Get the gardening year under-way and come along to the first coffee morning of 2019. Due to Tapps being closed today there is a change of venue for January only. Unfortunately we will not be able to take membership renewals on this occasion. Letchworth Family Golf Centre, Willian Way, LGC. SG6 2HJ map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961.
17th	7:00 for 7:15pm	‘Super Social Supper’ – a social evening + chilli-con-carne & tiramisu	Methodist Church Hall	more > Monthly Meeting - January Close ‘Super Social Supper’ Thursday 17th January at 7:00 for 7:15pm Join us for the third edition of our popular social evening. We are offering chilli-con-carne followed by tiramisu, soft drinks and a fun garden themed quiz all for £6 a head. Places are still available, if you would like to come contact Myra on 01462 621961 or email meetings@ldga.org.uk Non-members welcome Central Methodist Church Hall, Pixmore Way, Letchworth SG6 3TR map
27th	9:00am	Trading Store reopens for the season with ‘Potato Day’	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more > Special Event - Potato Day Close ‘Potato Day’ Sunday 27th January 9:00am to 12:30pm We reopen the Trading Store with a ‘Potato Day’ when there will be 10% discount on all seed potatoes plus advice on which varieties to choose and how to grow them. To keep you warm, we will be serving free leek and potato soup while supplies last. It's also a great opportunity to renew your membership for another year. The Trading Store, Flint Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1HJ map For more information email trading@ldga.org.uk
27th	12:30 – 1:30pm	Seedlings Winter Workshop	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more > Seedlings Winter Workshop Close Seedlings Winter Workshop Sunday 27th January 12:30 to 1:30pm This our first 'Seedlings' workshop of the year for young gardeners aged 4 to 14 years old. During the workshop, to coincide with the RSPB’s ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’ weekend, children will be making pine cone bird seed feeders and bird food garlands. This will be done under parental supervision on our own allotment in Letchworth. Each child will receive a certificate and will get to take home what they have made. There will be no charge but donations towards materials would be well received. Have a look at the poster then email Kay Walker on workshops@ldga.org.uk to book a place, first come first served. Children love getting their hands mucky, so gardening can be the perfect activity to do together that will help them learn more about nature whilst having fun.
February				to top
6th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - February Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 6th February and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am Make a note on your calendar to come along to the second coffee morning of 2019. Let's see if we can make it a record turn out. This is also an ideal opportunity for you to renew your membership. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
21st	7:30pm	Annual General Meeting followed by ‘Tips for Best Results’, a short talk by our show photography judge Terri Evans	Methodist Church Hall	more > Monthly Meeting - February Close Annual General Meeting Thursday 21st February at 7:30pm This is your opportunity to find out what’s been going on in the LDGA. Please come along, meet the committee and give us your feedback on how the association is being run. We always need more help with this, so please contact Maureen Hersee or Diane Pohlman with your nominations for new committee members by end of Wed 13th February. If you would like to vote at the AGM you must show your 2019 membership card - there will be an opportunity to take out or renew memberships before the meeting starts. The guest speaker will be our show photography judge Terri Evans, who will give a short talk entitled ‘Tips for Best Results’ designed to get us all taking and showing better photographs. Entry - members free / non-members £3 (including refreshments) Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase. Central Methodist Church Hall, Pixmore Way, Letchworth SG6 3TR map Take look at the 2018 Annual Report.
25th	All Day	LALG Coach Outing	Kew Gardens Orchid Festival	more >
March				to top
6th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - March Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 6th March and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am March is the time when gardeners emerge from hibernation so why not come long and meet fellow members at our monthly coffee morning. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. Membership renewals can also be taken. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
21st	12:15 for 12:30pm	Lunch and a talk about growing ‘Auriculas’ by James Smallwood	Letchworth Golf Club Letchworth Lane, LGC SG6 3NQ	more > Monthly Meeting - March Close ‘Lunch and a Speaker’ Thursday 21st March at 12:15 for 12:30pm Join us at Letchworth Golf Club for the first time, where we will have lunch of lasagne & salad followed by James Smallwood talking about growing Auriculas. James has been an keen grower of these alpine cousins of wild primroses for over 15 years. LDGA & LALG Members £10.50, everyone else £12.50 Letchworth Golf Club, Letchworth Lane, Letchworth SG6 3NQ map For more information or to book a place, call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or email meetings@ldga.org.uk
April				to top
3rd	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - April Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 3rd April and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am Easter is coming so why not treat yourself to a chocolate cake with your coffee at April's morning get together. This year's mystery seeds will be available. Just £1 to the Tapps nominated charity (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
18th	7:30pm	‘My time at Wimpole Hall’ by Phillip Whaites	The Cloisters	more > Monthly Meeting - April Close ‘My time at Wimpole Hall’ by Phillip Whaites Thursday 18th April at 7:30pm Phillip was a motor mechanic and part time singer before getting a job with the parks department in Pendle, Lancs. From there he joined the National Trust, firstly at a small house in Padiham, Lancs. then at Wimpole Hall where he was head gardener for over 30 years. LDGA & LALG Members £3, Everyone else £4 (includes refreshments) The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth SG6 3TH map For more information email meetings@ldga.org.uk Please note new venue and start time
21st	10:30am	Seedlings Spring Workshop	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more > 'Seedlings Spring Workshop' Close Seedlings Spring Workshop Sunday 21st April 10:30am to 12:30pm This is our second 'Seedlings' workshop of the year for young gardeners aged 4 to 14 years old. During the workshop, children will: • Plant potatoes on the ‘Seedlings’ allotment • Sow courgette seeds to take home • Sow wildflower seeds on the ‘Seedlings’ allotment • Sow mini night scented plants for moths to take home • Make a plant label to enter in our Summer Show • Have hot cross buns • Listen to gardening stories This will be done under parental supervision on the 'Seedlings' allotment in Letchworth. Each child will receive a certificate and will get to take home what they have done. The cost is £3/child. Email Kay Walker on workshops@ldga.org.uk to book a place, first come first served. Children love getting their hands mucky, so gardening can be the perfect activity to do together that will help them learn more about nature whilst having fun.
27th	2:00pm – 5:00pm	Letchworth & District Organic Gardeners – Spring Event incl. talk by Geoff Hodge	Free Church Hall	more >
28th	11:00am – 5:00pm	Members NGS Open Garden	Serendi, 22 Hitchin Rd, Letchworth. SG6 3LT	more >
May				to top
1st	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - May Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 1st May and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am With the season well under way now why not take a break from the garden and come along to meet fellow members at our monthly coffee morning. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
16th	7:30pm	‘Gardening for Wildlife’ by Ann Luder	The Cloisters	more > Monthly Meeting - May Close ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ by Ann Luder Thursday 16th May at 7:30pm Ann, former lecturer specialising in therapeutic horticulture at Capel Manor, returns to tell us about the flora & fauna that we are losing from our gardens and how to bring it back. LDGA & LALG Members £3, Everyone else £4 (includes refreshments) The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth SG6 3TH map For more information email meetings@ldga.org.uk or visit Ann's website. Please note new venue and start time
18th	9:45am	An outing by car or train	Cambridge Botanic Gardens’ Festival of Plants	more > Special Event - Outing to Cambridge Botanic Gardens' Festival of Plants day Close Cambridge Botanic Gardens' Festival of Plants day. Saturday 18th May By train, we will depart Letchworth at 9:45am and the cost, for a group of at least 3, is £5 per person return, but you must travel there and back together. If you want to drive, then we suggest using the Park and Ride at Trumpington as there is no parking at the gardens. The cost of group entry to the gardens is £5.50pp. If you fancy going on this outing or need more information, please contact Myra on 01462 621961 or email outings@ldga.org.uk To see exactly what's on offer, visit the Festival of Plants webpage
June				to top
5th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - June Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 5th June and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am With planting out pretty much done now why not treat yourself to coffee and cake with fellow members at our monthly coffee morning. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
7th	All Day	Coach Outing	Stamford and Swines Meadow Garden Centre, Market Deeping	more > Special Event - Coach Outing to Stamford and Swines Meadow Nursery Close Outing to Stamford "Street Market" and Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, Market Deeping Friday 7th June We will leave from outside the former Plinston Hall Letchworth at 9:15am and arrive at Stamford at around 10:45am. Time will be free to explore the town, visit the market or have lunch at one of the many fine eateries. For more info about the market visit the local website We leave Stamford at 1:15pm to travel to Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, growers of exotic and rare plants. We will have a guided tour followed by tea and homemade cake, with time to spare for you to wonder around the unusual plants for sale. We leave at 3:30pm. For more info visit the Swines Meadow website Price: Members £20, Non-Members £23. For more information or to book a seat, please contact Myra on 01462 621961, email outings@ldga.org.uk or see us at the Trading Store.
9th	10:30am	Seedlings Early Summer Workshop	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more > 'Seedlings Early Summer Workshop' Close Seedlings Early Summer Workshop Sunday 9th June 10:30am to 12:00noon This is our third 'Seedlings' workshop of the year for young gardeners aged 4 to 14 years old. During the workshop, children will: • Plant out and pot on sunflowers • Plant out pumpkin & strawberry plants • Decorate a stone to enter in our Summer Show • Pot on marigolds into 15cm pots for our Autumn Show • Go on a wildlife safari - what insects can we find? • Eat strawberries and cream • Listen to gardening stories This will be done under parental supervision on the 'Seedlings' allotment in Letchworth. Each child will receive a certificate and will get to take home what they have done. The cost is £3/child. Email Kay Walker on workshops@ldga.org.uk to book a place, first come first served. Children love getting their hands mucky, so gardening can be the perfect activity to do together that will help them learn more about nature whilst having fun.
16th	11:00am – 5:00pm	Members NGS Open Garden	Serendi, 22 Hitchin Rd, Letchworth. SG6 3LT	more >
20th	7:30pm	‘The Chelsea Experience’ by Roger Harvey	The Cloisters	more > Monthly Meeting - June Close ‘The Chelsea Experience’ by Roger Harvey Thursday 20th June at 7:30pm With 8 Gold Medals in 12 years at the Chelsea Flower Show for his displays of rare and unusual shade or woodland plants, nurseryman Roger Harvey tells us why showing and being successful at Chelsea is the pinnacle of his horticultural career. Entry is £3 for everyone. (includes refreshments) The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth SG6 3TH map For more information email meetings@ldga.org.uk or visit Roger's website. Presented as part of the Letchworth Festival 2019
21st	6:00pm – 8:30pm	Members NGS Open Garden	Serendi, 22 Hitchin Rd, Letchworth. SG6 3LT	more >
22nd & 23rd	2:00 – 5:00pm	NGS Open Garden	Brent Pelham Hall, Buntingford SG9 0HF	more >
29th	10:00am – 4:00pm	LDGA at Armed Forces Day	Broadway Gardens
30th	11:00am – 5:00pm	Members NGS Open Garden	Scudamore, 1 Baldock Rd, Letchworth. SG6 3LB	more >
30th	2:00 – 5:00pm	LDGA at Willian Fair	Willian Village
July				to top
3rd	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - July Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 3rd July and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am It's time to be thinking about your entries for the Summer Show. Why not come along this month and chat with fellow members about what they are planning to do. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
11th	Up to 8:00pm	Last chance to enter the Summer Show Entries close this evening a 8:00pm	See Summer Show page for details of how to enter	more >
13th	2:00pm – 4:30pm	SUMMER SHOW including culinary demonstrations by Meg Hewett	Free Church Hall	more >
18th	7:30pm	‘Bugs and Garden Plagues’ by Geoff Hodge	The Cloisters	more > Monthly Meeting - July Close ‘Bugs and Garden Plagues’ by Geoff Hodge Thursday 18th July at 7:30pm The gardening writer and broadcaster Geoff Hodge pays us another visit, this time he gives an interesting and amusing talk about pest & disease control. LDGA & LALG Members £3, Everyone else £4 (includes refreshments) The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth SG6 3TH map For more information email meetings@ldga.org.uk or visit Geoff's website.
August				to top
1st	All Day	Coach Outing – FULLY BOOKED	RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show	more > Special Event - Coach Outing to RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show Close Outing to RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show FULLY BOOKED --- Thursday 1st August all day --- FULLY BOOKED Leave from the former Plinston Hall Letchworth at 9:00am and arrive back approx. 6.00pm. Members £13, non-members £16. Highlights include: specialist nurseries, gardening sundries, expert advice, crafts and gifts, live music and tasty food and drink. You may also like to explore the rest of the garden which will be in full summer bloom. Frances Spurrier is helping Myra with this one, so to add your name to the reserve list, please email her using the usual address - outings@ldga.org.uk To see exactly what's on offer, visit the RHS website
7th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - August Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 7th August and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am Had enough of picking and dead-heading for a while, then come along and join fellow members at our monthly coffee morning. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
15th	All Day	Coach Outing – FULLY BOOKED There is no regular Thursday evening meeting this month	Beth Chatto Gardens	more > Special Event - Coach Outing to Beth Chatto's Garden Close Beth Chatto Gardens FULLY BOOKED --- Thursday 15th August all day --- FULLY BOOKED Leave from the former Plinston Hall Letchworth at 9:15am and arrive back approx. 6.00pm. Members £23, non-members £26. Highlights include: Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Woodland Garden, Reservoir Garden and Scree Garden. You may also like to visit the Nursery or Gift Shop and have lunch in the Gravel Garden Restaurant. Irene Fussell is helping Myra with this one, so to add your name to the reserve list, please email her using the usual address - outings@ldga.org.uk To see exactly what's on offer, visit the Beth Chatto website
18th	10:30am	Seedlings Late Summer Workshop	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more > Seedlings Late Summer Workshop Close Seedlings Late Summer Workshop Sunday 18th August 10:30am to 12:00noon This is our fourth 'Seedlings' workshop of the year for young gardeners aged 4 to 14 years old. During the workshop, children will: • Colour in a picture and hand it in for entry to the Autumn Show • Check on pumpkins and sunflowers planted earlier • Harvest potatoes – and take a small bag home • Check out the new bean house built since last visit • Plant up a mini herb garden to take home • Vegetable cake tasting • Listen to gardening stories This will be done under parental supervision on the 'Seedlings' allotment in Letchworth. Each child will receive a certificate and will get to take home what they have done. The cost is £3/child. Email Kay Walker on workshops@ldga.org.uk to book a place, first come first served. Children love getting their hands mucky, so gardening can be the perfect activity to do together that will help them learn more about nature whilst having fun.
18th	from 12:00 noon	Shared Harvest Picnic	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more > Special Event - Shared Harvest Picnic Close Shared Harvest Picnic Sunday 18th August from 12:00noon As part of National Allotments Week we are having shared harvest picnic. All members and fellow allotmenteers are welcome, just bring something to eat that you have grown or made from your produce. We will provide bread and soft drinks. It would also be helpful to bring your own chairs, plates and cutlery. Norton Allotment Site, Flint Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1HJ map For more info or let us know you're coming, email enquiries@ldga.org.uk
September				to top
4th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - September Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 4th September and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am It's time to be getting your entries in for the Autumn Show. Why not come along this month and chat with fellow members about what they are planning to do. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
12th	Up to 8:00pm	Last chance to enter the Autumn Show Entries close this evening at 8:00pm	See Autumn Show page for details of how to enter	more >
14th	2:00pm – 4:30pm	AUTUMN SHOW including a quick chutney making demonstration by Andrew Wakeford of West Herts College	Free Church Hall	more >
19th	6:15 for 6:30pm	Supper and a talk about ‘Fuchsias’ by Nick Dobson	The Cloisters	more > Monthly Meeting - September Close Supper and a talk about ‘Fuchsias’ by Nick Dobson Thursday 19th September at 6:15 for 6:30pm A supper of lasagne, salad and chips is followed by a talk about ‘Fuchsias’ by Nick Dobson. Nick, a former librarian and national fuchsia champion has been a keen gardener for over 40 years, his talk this evening is an introduction to fuchsias and includes live plant demos. LDGA & LALG Members £11, Everyone else £13 The Cloisters, Barrington Road, Letchworth SG6 3TH map For more info or book place email meetings@ldga.org.uk
October				to top
2nd	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - October Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 2nd October and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am Why not come long and meet up with fellow members and some of the committee at our monthly coffee morning. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
13th	10:30am	Seedlings Autumn Workshop	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ
17th	7:30pm	‘The Swiss Garden, Old Warden’ by Bev Bond	The Cloisters
November				to top
6th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - November Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 6th November and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am Why not come long and meet up with fellow members and some of the committee at our monthly coffee morning. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.
17th	9:00am	Last chance of the year to get your garden essentials. Trading Store closes for the season at noon	Flint Road, LGC. SG6 1HJ	more >
21st	7:00 for 7:15pm	‘Second Social Supper’ – a social evening + meal and quiz	The Cloisters
December				to top
4th	10:00am	Coffee morning at Tapps	Tapps Garden Centre, Baldock	more > Monthly Coffee Morning at Tapps - December Close Coffee Morning at Tapps Garden Centre 4th December and every first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am Why not come long and meet up with fellow members and some of the committee at this, our last coffee morning of the year. LDGA members are entitled to 10% discount off all items from the garden centre and tea room. (Please show your 2019 membership card for all discounted items) Homeland, Wallington Road, BALDOCK, Herts, SG7 6RS map For more information call our Meetings Organiser on 01462 621961 or contact Tapps direct on 01462 896302.

Your feedback please – let us know what you think of the meetings and outings that we arrange. Tell us which ones you enjoyed most and what you would like to see in the program for next year. Please send in your comments to meetings@ldga.org.uk or speak to us at the meetings