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"Friendly" Horticultural Society

Sunday, 17 August 2025 17:07

By Martin Webber

The Chair of the Groombridge Horticultural Society, Gwyneth Davies, tells us about the varied events that the 200 members of the society enjoy.

In a live interview on Friday drivetime with Martin Webber back in July 2025, Gwyneth Davies explains that you don't have to be a keen gardener to enjoy the programme of talks and outings that the society arranges.

Gwyneth Davies (pictured below) told us that the society is a "very friendly, community run group, interested in all aspects of horticulture and nature".

The Groombridge District Horticultural Society was formed in November 1930 by Mr McDonald who was the head gardener at Burrswood and was the first chairman.

Gwyneth Davies says she got involved around 2016 and took over from Gillian Grey as Chair in 2019. Gwyneth says she only moved to Groombridge 12 years ago and being a member of the group has allowed her and her husband to meet people who are now valued friends.

There are typically 12 events a year, including speaker evenings, coach trips and spring and autumn shows.

Recent events include a visit to Doddington Place Gardens which is part of a 850 acre Edwardian estate, located on the edge of Doddington village, near Faversham in Kent (see pictures below). 

The membership is £5 a year but the membership card entitles holders to discounts at three local garden centres.

To find out much more, listen to the 8 minute interview with Gwyneth Davies here:

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