News

Plants for Health

Caroline Halfpenny

Afternoon Talk 8th February 2026 at Chart Sutton Village Hall

This was the first talk for the SVGA of 2026 and Caroline didn't disappoint. From the very start she kept us interested with her immense knowledge of fruit and plants that are beneficial to our health and environment. Starting from the soil they are grown in, to tomatoes and lettuce, various herbs, wildflowers and then to houseplants. It was so interesting that the time went too quickly and before long it was time for some questions. Caroline had even brought a pot of herbal tea for people to try if they wanted. A really enjoyable afternoon. 

 

Flower Arranging from Your Garden/Foraging

Sue Davies

Afternoon Talk 8th March 2026 at Sutton Valence Village Hall

We were sad to hear that Sue Davies was unwell and couldn't give her talk to us on Sunday 8th March. However, we had an excellent alternative when Sophie Leathart kindly stepped in and came along to give us an excellent talk and demonstration of flower arranging with the Spring Show in mind for all flower arrangers and novices. Sophie explained how to read the instructions for the class you are entering and she showed us how to display the flowers and foliage for the best display.

The talk was very well attended and people had lots of questions at the end and were allowed to take the flowers and foliage used.

 

Visit to Nettlestead Place 

7th June 2026

A group of 15 SVGA members met at 2.30pm at Nettlestead Place Manor House and Gardens on an overcast Sunday on 7th June. The owner, Roy Tucker gave us an introduction to his beautiful home and gardens before letting us wander unaccompanied through the grounds and see for ourselves just how tranquil and beautiful it is. It is set in the valley of the River Medway just where the river has cut its way through the Greensand Ridge. The gardens take up about 10 acres with many different types of planting (including a new maze to get lost in!) During the afternoon, the clouds disappeared and the sun made an appearance and everyone had a fabulous time enjoying the peace, tranquility and beauty of the house and gardens. 

 

Boldshaves Garden Visit

Woodchurch, Ashford in Kent

16th April 2025

A group of 7 SVGA members visited Boldshaves Garden which is a lovingly restored garden and Arts and Crafts house in Woodchurch, Ashford in Kent for the bluebell walk. We were given a garden and woodland tour by the owner and tea and home made cake. A thoroughly lovely afternoon when the sun shone for us. If you are interested in going, the website address is - boldshaves.com

 

Sale on the Green

Chart Sutton Village Green ME17 3RP

3rd May 2025

It was a lovely sunny day on Saturday 3rd May when the annual plant sale took place on Chart Sutton Village Green to raise money for St Michaels Church.

 

Visit to Goddards Green

Cranbrook, Kent

September 2025

A small group of  members visited Goddards Green Garden this September. The weather didn't dampen their spirits and as you can see the garden had colour even at this time of year. John Wotton took the group around to show them different parts of the garden .Their recent project is to plant an arboretum with almost 100 different types of tree and there is a mature mixed orchard of apple, pear, plum and cobnuts . The various parts of the garden are in contrasting styles : a traditional long border in front, shading into a meadow and birch grove, formality of structure in the Water Garden and they have extended their collection of camellias, hydrangeas and magnolias. There was lots to see and admire . The group were then treated to tea and cake inside the house as the weather looked doubtful . Altogether a lovely visit . 

The Hop Bine & Hop Pickers of Kent

Chris Stewart

Afternoon Talk 26th October 2025 at Chart Sutton Village Hall

The SVGA talk on Sunday 26th October was at Chart Sutton Village Hall where about 50 people came along to listen to Chris Stewart talk about all things hops and hop farming. The first thing Chris told us was that the most important tool in a gardeners box should be a pair of safety glasses which he proceeded to demonstrate with a pair from his pocket. The talk was really interesting and made more so by the many anecdotes Chris added throughout together with the slides and pictures. At the end, he took a number of questions and he wasn't put off by the number of farmers attending who knew a thing or two about hops themselves. Flower of the month was won by Angela Tweddell who organises and runs the raffle with her husband Philip. The afternoon was finished off by tea and homemade cakes. 

                                                          SVGA A.G.M.

                                                         Sutton Valence Village Hall Sunday 23rd November 2025

There was a very good turn out for the 2025 A.G.M. At least 40 people came along on a bright, cold Sunday afternoon to hear about the year and elect the officers for 2026. Blair (chairperson) welcomed everyone and told us about what had gone on throughout 2025. This was followed by  David (the treasurer) explaining the accounts, John Killick telling the audience about the voluntary work he does one day a week with children and teachers from Sutton Valence Primary School and then Sue Killick explaining about the new website for SVGA.  Tikki presented Ross (secretary) with a Christmas wreath for the fantastic work she does for the association - over and above what is required for the role.

After a break for tea and cake and the raffle, we were lucky enough to have Sue Davies show us how to put together a Christmas table centre piece with foliage, berries etc from our gardens or hedgerows. A very productive afternoon.