HPS Dorset Group

Dorset Group

Contact	Elaine Lofthouse
Telephone Number	01258 451580
Email	hpsdorset@hotmail.co.uk
Meeting Venue	Colehill Memorial Hall, Cannon Hill Road, Colehill, Wimborne BH21 2LR Click here for a detailed map (opens in new window)
Description	The Dorset Group was formed in 1998 and we still have nearly twenty of the original members. Our programme of first-class speakers has included Carol Klein, Matthew Biggs, Penelope Hobhouse, Timothy Walker, Fergus Garrett and Keith Wiley. The speakers often bring their specialist plants for sale and we have plants grown by members for sale at each meeting. We publish an annual Magazine and a monthly news sheet to keep members up-to-date. We hold several plant sales each year. In 2009 these were held at Colehill in May, in the lovely walled garden at Edmondsham House in September and at Manor Farm, Hampreston on NGS days in May, June and July. For 2010 we are joining ‘Open Farm Sunday’ on June 13th at Barford Farm, where they produce delicious ice-cream. During the summer we run at least one coach trip. Venues have included gardens such as Highgrove, Beth Chatto’s, Glen Chantry, RHS Hyde Hall and Great Dixter. We have also visited nurseries such as Bob Brown’s and Hardy’s. In 2009 we went to Heale House, Andy McIndoe’s garden and Longstock Water Gardens and Nursery. In 2010 we are running our first mini-break: a coach trip to Devon to include an overnight hotel stay. Please enquire for details. Dorset Group has hosted two national HPS events which attracted members from all over the country: ‘Penstemons on Parade’ at Kingston Maurward College in 2002 and, in September 2008, ‘Summer’s Swansong’ led by Mary Payne and Neil Lucas when we had a wonderful day studying late summer perennials in conjunction with Knoll Gardens. All our indoor meetings are held at Colehill Memorial Hall, BH21 2LR. Entry to normal meetings is free to members and we welcome visitors, who are charged £2.50. Celebrity lectures, special events and coach trips are charged to both members and visitors. Our annual membership subscriptions are £4 single and £5 for two at one address. If you would like further details of membership or our programme please contact us or come along as a visitor.
Programme	Click here for details