Looking forward to 2026

Winter is never what we expect, bringing many seasons in a single day. While January started out fair with gorgeous brisk days of cold weather and blue skies, it feels like it quickly descended into a quagmire of mud with the village commons more like a bog than a grassy field. Alas gardeners do like to complain about the weather but most of us have been racing outside any chance we get to prune fruit trees, cut back herbaceous borders and start preparing for spring. It does feel like it was ever thus. I find that working in the garden over the winter months quiets my mind and gives me joy. Certainly, better than sitting inside waiting for the sun to rise before 7am or set later than 4pm at least.

In December, the Society took advantage of the weather and finally managed to plant trees in both Dunsfold and Hascombe. Members will recall that the Society had pledged one tree for each village in honour of the King’s Coronation and two more trees to celebrate our Centenary year in 2025. For various reasons, planting was delayed until late 2025. Huge shout out to Rik, Nigel and Ted for their help in planting these trees.

Dunsfold now has an Ostrya carpinifolia (Hop Hornbeam) and Acer October Glory planted near the pond between Gratton Chase and Nugent Close. In Hascombe the Society purchased and planted a Cercidiphylium japonicum, which has been planted on the recreational field, and an Acer October Glory by the village pond. May they thrive. Rik and Ted will help us to look after them.

Hopefully DHHS members have received their Programme and Show Schedules for 2026. A quick glance in the programme or on our website will show you that the committee have been hard at work organising another full year of events. We have some brilliant talks and garden visits planned! A few other events will also be announced shortly including a workshop for making your own plant supports as well as visits to a local nursery and a small biodynamic market garden. Like the Dunsfold Village Shop, we believe in supporting local businesses.

We are delighted to be returning to in-person talks over the next few months and hope that everyone will come out and support us. The talks cover topics from growing cut flowers and vegetables to the incredible garden design skills of Piet Oudolf, the Dutch born landscape architect responsible for influencing garden design worldwide, including RHS Wisley, and encouraging naturalistic planting using a mix of perennials and grasses. Our winter lecture series kicks off in February when hopefully lighter days and better weather will encourage more people to venture out on a Thursday evening. 

FLOWERS FOR THE GARDEN AND VASE ALL YEAR WITH CLAIRE BROWN

THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY AT 7PM

WINN HALL, DUNSFOLD

Claire Brown

For our first talk we welcome Claire Brown from Plantpassion. As a flower farmer and gardener, Claire shares her tips for making sure your garden is floriferous for as long as possible and gives her top picks for each month of the year to have colour and interest. Claire Brown has 33 years of horticultural expertise with a career in plant retail, garden design, and for the last 13 years as a cut flower farmer. Claire and the Plantpassion team grow seasonal, scented and sustainable flowers in East Clandon, on the slopes of the Surrey Hills. She is the author of 'The British Flowers Book', now in its 2nd edition, and is an RHS Committee member, for trials of Tulips, Delphiniums from seed, and Sweet Peas, and speaks regularly at RHS Wisley Hilltop Live. Talks will take place in-person at The Winn Hall, Dunsfold. DHHS members go free and guests are £5 payable at the door. Tea, coffee and cake will be served. Please RSVP bookingsdhhs@gmail.com for catering purposes.

Polite reminder that membership renewals are now due. Membership remains at only £10 per person. New members are always welcome!