The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month, as below, at St. Paul’s Church, Coronation Road, BS3 1DG, doors open at 7.15pm and the meetings start at 7.30pm at (Unless otherwise stated). We meet in the upstairs room – there is a lift for anyone who cannot use the stairs, this can be accessed through the back of the main church.

Visitors are welcome, at £6 on the door*, to include refreshments and raffle.

*If visitors then become members, the £6 guest fee will be deducted from your membership

Wednesday 4 February
Fiona Jordan: the medicinal toolkit of the Polynesian voyagers.
Fiona M. Jordan is a Lecturer in Ethnobotany at the University of Bristol. Her research explores how plants are used for medicine, food and culture in traditional societies, combining rigorous academic research with engaging storytelling. This talk offers a fascinating insight into global plant knowledge and human–plant relationships.
Website: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/fiona-m-jordan/

Wednesday 4 March
Jane Lindsay and Toni O’Connor: Tynings Climbing plants
Jane Lindsay and Toni O’Connor run Tynings Climbing Plants, a specialist nursery holding four National Collections, including Passiflora and Jasminum. They are nationally recognised experts in climbing plants, with deep practical knowledge of plant selection, training and long-term garden performance.
Website: https://www.tyningsplants.co.uk/

Wednesday 1 April
Nathan Apperley: behind the scenes at Yeo Valley: soil, compost & organic gardening
Nathan Apperley is Head Gardener at the Yeo Valley Organic Garden. He oversees the management of a large, certified organic garden and brings extensive hands-on experience in soil health, composting systems and sustainable horticulture. This talk is firmly grounded in real-world organic practice.
Website: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/the-organic-garden

Sunday 3 May
Tobacco Factory Market plant stall
Find the South Bristol Gardening Club plant stall at the Tobacco Factory Market. A chance to buy plants, share growing knowledge and meet fellow gardeners in the heart of the community.
Website: https://tobaccofactorymarket.com/

Wednesday 6 May
Matthew Symonds: Gardening in small spaces
Matthew Symonds is an experienced urban gardener and designer known for transforming compact gardens into productive, beautiful spaces. His work focuses on practical solutions for city gardens, balconies and courtyards, making this an ideal talk for urban and small-scale gardeners.
Website: https://www.matthewmike.com/matthews-garden/

Wednesday 3 June
Summer social or garden trip – to be confirmed
A relaxed mid-season social event or garden visit, giving members the opportunity to connect, share ideas and enjoy gardens together. Details to be confirmed.

Wednesday 1 July
Nick Wray: Plants of the Avon Gorge – a tale of the Bristol Whitebeam
Nick Wray is Curator of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden. He leads conservation, research and public engagement at the garden and has specialist knowledge of the unique flora of the Avon Gorge, including rare and endemic species such as the Bristol Whitebeam.
Website: https://botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk/

Sunday 19 July
Summer Trip:  National Botanical Garden of Wales
A full-day visit to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, showcasing internationally significant plant collections, contemporary landscape design and conservation work.
Website: https://botanicgarden.wales/

Wednesday 5 August
Sally Morgan: Climate change in the garden
Sally Morgan is the founder of Living on One Acre or Less and a widely respected writer and speaker on sustainable gardening. Her talk explores how gardeners can respond practically and positively to climate change through planting choices and garden management.
Website: https://www.livingononeacreorless.co.uk/

Wednesday 2 September
Andy Dean: Gardening for species recovery
Andy Dean is founder of The Natural Garden, specialising in ecological gardening and biodiversity-led design. His work demonstrates how domestic gardens can play a meaningful role in species recovery and wildlife support.
Website: https://www.thenaturalgarden.co/

Wednesday 7 October
Josh Parker and Matthew Butler: people as part of a garden’s ecosystem and the ability to make change
Josh Parker and Matthew Butler are co-founders of Butler & Parker, a multi-award-winning garden design practice. They won Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 for their show garden, recognised for its strong ecological narrative and environmentally responsible design. This talk explores gardens as interconnected systems where people play an active role in positive change.
Website: https://www.butlerandparker.com/about

Wednesday 4 November
Jacqui Fry: working for Gardeners’ Association – a charity for passionate gardeners
Jacqui Fry is Regional Manager for Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Somerset at the Working for Gardeners’ Association (WFGA). She supports gardeners across the region through education, outreach and community engagement, and will speak about the charity’s work and its role in connecting and supporting people through gardening.
Website: https://gardenersassociation.org.uk/

Thursday 3 December
Christmas Social
A relaxed end-of-year celebration with shared food, a quiz, raffle and natural decoration-making, bringing the gardening year to a close.