Our Spring newsletter is full of dates for the diary as we plan the year ahead. We are also treated to a fascinating history of an unsung landscape in Dorking and we have a timely reminder of the important work that goes on behind the scenes as we fulfil our role in the planning process.
Exciting news from our Garden Detectives, highlights from our summer garden visits and much much more…
As we watch our gardens show signs of life and contemplate what the year’s weather will bring, we are very much looking forward to our exclusive lecture and tours at RHS Hilltop, Wisley in May, where internationally renowned scientists are researching the future of the UK’s gardening plants and showcasing innovative ideas for sustainable growing methods. Read about this and much more in the latest Spring Newsletter.
The Surrey Hills Symposium took place last week and highlighted the work undertaken by the Surrey Hills National Landscape (previously the AONB) to enable access for all. Thriving with Nature was the theme for the hugely inspirational talks and discussion. What a quintessential context in which to ponder the photographs and stories of just a handful of the 40 school projects the SGT Schools Awards have supported this year.
As the Summer draws to a close and we contemplate Autumn days in a much changed political and historical landscape, I hope that our news brings happy memories of sunny days and reminds us of how our Schools Awards and Gateway project continue to grow and bring smiles to the faces of those they reach. Do read on for information of events coming up which will give new opportunities for you to get involved.
Chair’s Note
When I addressed you through my Chair’s Report and in person at the AGM in December, with enthusiastic talk of our exciting plans for 2020, little could we have contemplated what this year would actually bring. With my editorial hat on for the newsletter I am sure you will appreciate that this has been a difficult one to put together and I hope you will forgive the delay in bringing it to you.
We look forward to welcoming many of you to our AGM on 14 December 2019 followed by a lecture and Christmas buffet lunch.
Once again, we will be at The Old Barn Hall, Great Bookham, KT23 3PQ and proceedings start at 11.30 am.
Our guest speaker is the hugely respected garden historian, Michael Symes, who will be talking to us on ‘The Allure of the English Landscape Garden’, the subject matter of his new book, The English Landscape Garden: A Survey, copies of which will be available to buy.
