With the interest in gardening growing rapidly since the Covid pandemic, being part of an active horticultural group is a great way to learn more about your favourite pastime, whilst making new friends with people who share your interest. Formed back in the late 1940s, the Witney Horticultural Society (WHS) started as a pre-war garden and allotment club. The group held their first WHS Flower and Vegetable Show in 1947.
Over the past 75 years, the WHS now has over 200 active members, as well as several hundred followers on Facebook and Instagram, where people can see what the Society has been doing or trips that are planned. The WHS is affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society which offers members the benefit of being able to borrow a 50% discount card for entry to the various RHS gardens of Bridgewater, Hyde Hall, Rosemoor and Wisley. Membership to WHS is just £10 per person (1.10.22-30.9.23) which represents great value as there are several benefits available to members, including priority booking on trips and visits to various gardens. Members also receive discounts at six local garden centres and the Society’s member’s newsletter will keep you abreast of events.
During the months when there is less to do in our gardens, from September until April, monthly talks are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Witney Methodist Church, starting at 7.30pm. Entry for members is free and visitors are welcome at £4 per head; there is however an additional charge for celebrity speakers or ticketed events. The venue benefits from free parking and is easily accessible for anyone with mobility issues.
If you are interested in anything to do with gardening, membership in the Witney Horticultural Society will provide you with the opportunity to attend talks given by expert speakers. On Wednesday 27 September, you will have the opportunity to listen to and engage with Joff Elphick, podcaster and horticultural expert formerly of Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, Barnsley House, and the National Trust (joffelphick.co.uk). Landscape ecology expert Neil Clennell from the Wychwood Forest Trust will be the guest speaker appearing on 24 January 2024.
The Society also holds two Shows each year, one in July, the other in September. Open to members and non-members, the Shows which are great fun to be part of have classes for flowers, vegetables, baked goods, photography and more. Plant sales are also held each May and September at the Methodist Church. As well as having a range of plants to choose from, you will also find refreshments and cakes to enjoy.
Each year there are several garden visits arranged offering members the chance to visit some fabulous gardens both in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. During 2023, visits have been made to Colesbourne Park to see the spring snowdrops, the Malvern Spring Show, Coton Manor and the breathtaking private garden, Pettifers near Banbury. Some trips are to well-known places open to the public, often by coach whilst others are to private gardens not usually open to the public. These will often be guided walks taken by the owner or head gardener. The benefit of this, apart from seeing hidden gems is that the guide knows the garden inside out, including all the plants, and can answer all the questions which crop up.
The 25 October is scheduled to be an evening of fun and social activities when the Society holds its AGM. Members and would-be members are encouraged to come along. Another item on the social calendar is the Quiz Night usually held in February. Whilst questions are loosely based on horticulture, there are plenty for non-gardeners too, so participation always proves to be popular.
To find out more about joining simply visit witneyhorticulturalsociety.com/membership
