2022-2023 Programme of the Edinburgh and Lothians Rock Garden Group
Edinburgh and Lothians Rock Garden Group
Dear Members,
We are delighted to be able to reinstate the lecture programme for 2022-23 here at the RBGE. We have introduced an earlier start time of 3pm for our November, December and January meetings and hope this will encourage members to make it along during those colder, darker months. In addition to the change of time our November meeting we also have a change of venue to The Botanics Cottage. All of these are highlighted on the programme below and please let us know if you see these as a good or bad thing! If we don’t know we can’t improve!
We have a wide range of inspiring topics to look forward to from far flung travels to garden creation and renovation and the at look back at Elspeth’s stellar work here at RBGE after retiring last year. It has been a difficult 2 years for everyone with not being able to meet friends and family and visit gardens and since Covid has not gone away we will set the room up with more distance between seats and have additional airflow where possible for people that are still concerned about indoor events. We hope as many of you as possible will return to our meetings as without participating members we will struggle to maintain the events and programmes in the longer term. Suggestions for additions and improvements are always welcome!
It was great to see SRGC shows back this year and there are still a couple of events in the autumn to look forward to as well. Though the Discussion Weekend will not take place this year, which is a great shame the club will hold an Autumn show in Glasgow on the 1st October and another at Hexham on the 8th October so we can still catch up with friends and see some lovely autumn Alpines.
After many years as convenor, I think that it is right time to hand over the reins to someone new and I have managed to pressgang Scott Cook to take over as convenor and I would like to wish him well for the future.
I look forward to seeing you all in September and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Kind regards,
John
Edinburgh & Lothian’s Rock Garden Group
Affiliated to the Scottish Rock Garden Club EVENING MEETING PROGRAMME
2022 – 2023
Meetings will be held in the Conference Room,
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Entrance from Inverleith Row) Entry charge for meeting is £2 Doors open 7.00 for 7.30 pm unless otherwise mentioned below Guests and visitors welcome
www.srgc.net EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS ROCK GARDEN GROUP
CONVENOR John Mitchell
RBGE, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR j.mitchell@rbge.org.uk
SECRETARY
TREASURER Peter Moore
peter.j.moore12@btinternet.com
Glasgow Autumn (in place of discussion weekend) October 1st 2022
Hexham Autumn October 8th 2022 Kendal March 18th 2023
Stirling (in Dunblane) March 25th 2023 Hexham April 1st 2023
Edinburgh April 15th 2023 Perth April 22nd 2023 Glasgow April 29th 2023 Aberdeen May 13th 2023 Hexham October 7th 2023
Dates for Highland and Discussion Weekend have not yet been confirmed.
13th September 7.30pm 2022
Launching a Horticultural Career
Aaron Marshall
My parents bought their house in 2008 and an extensive renovation was required, including the garden. It is constantly evolving and with a notable Snowdrop collection opens reguarly under Scotland’s Garden Scheme. This experience led to me studying the Horticulture with Plantsmanship BSc here at RBGE before gaining further experience at NTS Branklyn Gardens.
Coming from RHS Harlow Carr’s alpine department, I am the newest member of the Alpine department at RBGE.
11th October 7.30pm 2022
European Alpines in nature – a new look
Jim Jermyn
Jim needs no introduction. A well-kent plantsman, author, nurseryman, lecturer and now Property Manager at Branklyn, Jim will speak on one of his many passions.
8th November 3.00 pm 2022
To be held in Botanics Cottage at 3.00pm
21 years in Horticulture.
Graham Gunn
Having worked in horticulture for over 20 years Graham will be talking about what led him into horticulture, what a good career choice it is and he will talk about his experience as manager at Kevock garden.
13th December 3.00pm 2022
Members Day
Talks to be confirmed- Volunteers welcomed!
10th January 3.00pm 2023
Annual General Meeting
Photographic Competition Two classes:
Plants in the wild or garden
Landscapes
Entries can be submitted in digital, slide film or print formats to David Millward at dmillward6@aol.com
(Wine and nibbles)
14th February 7.30pm 2023
Travels in Armenia
Harry Jans.
Is a passionate plant explorer and rock gardener for more than 40 years. In 2014, he received the prestigious Alpine Garden Society (AGS) Lyttel Trophy; Harry is regular lecturer at conferences and study weekends in many countries throughout the world and has written many articles on various plant subjects.
14th March 7.30pm 2023
A Lifetime in Alpines
Elspeth MackIntosh
Elspeth worked at the RBGE for over 30 years. She at first worked in the Rock and Woodland section but developed a passion for alpines and moved to, and remained in the Alpine Department for her entire career. Elspeth was responsible for the whole Alpine section, including the public display areas, the collections in the back-up area and propagation of Alpines.
11th April 7.30pm 2023
Before and After Lockdown
John Mitchell
John Mitchell is supervisor of the Alpine Department and has travelled extensively around the world. His talk will start with a tour of NZ just before lockdown then a visit to Germany and Czech Republic just after restrictions were lifted looking at private and Botanic Gardens
