Our very successful AGM took place at Writtle Horticultural College, near Chelmsford, Essex on 22nd June 2008. Nick Hamilton of Barnsdale Gardens gave his first Presidential address,  and author and journalist  Barty Phillips described 'The History of Herb Gardens'.  After lunch, we visited the wonderful gardens of Glen Chantry, developed over 30 years by Wol & Sue Staines at Wickham Bishops.

New CGS Notelets!

The foxglovespainted by Diane Willsteed for our 25th Anniversary edition of the magazine (June 2007) now appear on the new, unique CGS notelets.Printed especially for us, the notelets are blank inside so they can be used for birthdays, or short notes of any kind.  Packs of 5, with envelopes, are available from Clive Lane @ £2 per pack, incl. postage (in UK).  Groups may also obtain stocks to sell to members. Cheques (payable to the Cottage Garden Society) should be sent toClive Lane, CGS, 'Brandon', Ravenshall, Betley, Cheshire CW3 9BH.

Cottage Garden Recipes

A selection of recipes from The Cottage Gardener magazine is now available in a booklet produced to mark our 25th Anniversary.

Its 24 pages include Soups & Starters;  Savoury & Vegetable dishes; Puddings & Fruits; Cakes; Preserves; Drinks & misc. They were selected as the most original and unusual recipes sent in by CGS members - and not easily found elsewhere - within our remit of using garden or hedgerow produce.

Copies of Cottage Garden Recipes are available @ £1.50 incl. postage (within the UK)  from the Editor, Jill Bennett. (jill.bennett@waitrose.com)
(Cheques payable to the Cottage Garden Society)

The new edition of the Society's guide to village garden open-days, and members' own gardens will be distributed with the March 2008 magazine.  Forms for the 2008 edition were included in the December issue of the magazine.

After our annual Seed Distribution (carried out during January) we offer any remaining seed to members: this is available as a random selection of at least 10 packets of seed, in return for stamps.  CGS members also participate in growing Heritage Vegetables ‑ for Garden Organic's Seed Heritage Library. Our role is to grow varieties of vegetable which are no longer available commercially. You eat some of the produce, and harvest the rest for next year, keeping some for your own use. The remaining seed is sent back to HDRA in the autumn, to keep the variety 'alive', so our contribution to this scheme is vital. New members always welcome. The CGS Seed Exchange commences again next December with the new Seed List.