We are delighted to share with you a February Newsletter. Snowdrops are abundant, the ones here photographed in Richmond Park, a lovely first glimpse of flora and a reminder that Spring is just around the corner. In this edition, in addition to a wonderful tribute to Jill Leggatt, we set out details of what we are working on as we look forward to a busy 2026. Our growing membership is heart-warming. We are delighted that you are enthusiastically booking events and encourage you to join in our activities too. We are always delighted to hear from you. 

As we look forward to crisp and gloriously colourful autumnal days in the newsletter we look back at our busy summer of garden visits and the trustees and volunteers share a glimpse of their work. We are also delighted to announce the AGM, a date in the diary for us all to look forward to.

As we look forward to sharing ideas with many of you about our work and future aims and ambitions at our Afternoon Tea & Chat later this month, the Spring newsletter is an opportunity to welcome three new trustees. We also look ahead to the 2025 programme of activities and events and include full accounts of exciting projects and research.

The Surrey Garden Trust Summer Party at West Horsley Place on a sunny August afternoon was a highlight of the summer amongst a busy programme of garden visits. Fascinating insights are included in this newsletter along side accounts of work and projects bringing delight behind the scenes.

Fantastic news from our Schools Committee of another extraordinary take up of our Schools Awards and cheery accounts from our Spring garden visits have promoted a May Update Newsletter. There is also news of upcoming events and visits and full details of the special Gilpin Celebration.

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.