2024
CABAHS meetings are held on the third Monday in the month, except December. Door open at 7pm, meetings start at 7.30pm, in the Old Library at Charlton House.
Forthcoming Meetings & Events:
NEXT EVENT: Saturday May 18th, Plant Sale at Charlton House Our big annual sale of plants donated by members and surplus ones grown on by the volunteers from Charlton House Gardens. Lots of other stalls will be there, including WI cakes, a lovely family day. Bugs in the Beds trail for the kids, Garden History talk by Stella at 2pm and Garden tours led by the Volunteers at 1,2 and 3pm. See the Trust’s website for more details: https://www.greenwichheritage.org/events/plant-sale-market/
NEXT MEETING: Monday 20 May: Bumblebees
Dave Goulson is Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Sussex. He has spent more than two decades studying bumblebees and founded the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in 2006. In 2019 he published The Jungle Garden or Gardening to Save the Planet.
Monday 17 June: The Secrets of Hever Castle Gardens
Neil Miller has been Head Gardener at the magnificent Hever Castle for the past 17 years. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this Kentish Castle and its grounds are steeped in history. The 125 acre gardens include a giant topiary chess set and over 5,000 rose bushes.
Wednesday 19 June: Coach Trip to Great Dixter (Rye)
CABAHS visit to the world-famous Great Dixter House and Gardens, near Rye, Sussex. Entry to garden (and house) will be from 11-1.30pm. Cost of the trip will be £25.00. The departure time of the coach from Charlton House will be 8.30am. Depending on traffic, Anna hopes for a short 20-30 minute coffee stop at a nearby garden centre before arrival at Great Dixter. Details of the afternoon stopover nearer the time. Within the gardens, a small outdoor cafe is located in the shop garden. Picnic lunches can be consumed at tables in the car park. There are steps and narrow paths through several gardens. Please look online for further details. An online list of plants is available for purchase from the nursery.
Monday 15 July: The Savill and Valley Gardens, Windsor Great Park
John Anderson has been Keeper of these famous gardens since 2016 and will tell us some of the joys and challenges of caring for these royal gardens.
Monday 19 August: Gardeners Question Time
This annual event gives us all a chance to get advice on garden problems.
Monday 16 September: Autumn Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show
An informal competition which gives members a chance to share their 2024 gardening successes.
Friday 27 September: Coach trip to RHS Hyde Hall (Chelmsford)
Cost of the trip £19.00. Coach will depart 8.30am from Charlton House to arrive at our destination at 10am. Departure will be at 4pm. Refreshments can be purchased from the Hilltop cafe/restaurant which provides plentiful seating inside and on the terrace. There is a range of gardens to explore, including the Sky Meadows, Global Growth vegetable garden, Winter garden and the rock/boulder garden below the terrace. Please look online for further details.
Monday 21 October: Evolution of Copton Ash
Tim Ingram will tell us about the development of this beautiful garden near Faversham, Kent which he began with his mother in 1978. The nursery specialises in alpines and dry-loving plants.
Monday 18 November: Great Gardens of Great Britain (TBC)
Andrew Babicz has worked at Inverewe Gardens in the North of Scotland as well as RHS Wisley, Hampton Court and several London Boroughs. He was Chief Recreation Officer at the London Borough of Redbridge.
Past Events:
Monday 15 January: Flowers in Art
Ruth Cornett, Senior Director of Heritage & Taxation at Christie’s and owner of Eltham Gatehouse gave a talk about how flowers have inspired artists to produce some of the most exquisite artworks ever produced.
Monday 19 February: Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting was followed by a talk by Tom Stanier who is Horticultural Team Lead at Greenwich Park.
Monday 18 March: Panel of members shared tips and stories, including on growing fruit and vegetables.
Monday 15 April: Spring Flower Show was held in the Old Library at Charlton House.
Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society 