At our AGM in November, author Michael Gilson, spoke about the early days of the Dover House Estate, created on ‘Garden City’ principles as part of the house building initiative after the first world war. ‘Homes for Heroes’ were declared by prime minister Lloyd-George – which would include the right to green space to grow food. Each house would have it’s own green space and allotment plots would be part of the design.

Of course, many who rented the houses were not naturally green fingered, and had never owned a garden before, so Richard Sudell, a Quaker and political firebrand as well as a well known plantsman and garden writer took on the challenge of helping. He set up training allotments and gave lessons, forming the Roehampton Estate Garden Society. It seems that meetings of the committee took place in the basement at St. Margaret’s church, just below where we have our AGM. Roehampton became one of the leading garden estates in Britain as the country became the ‘nation of gardeners’./

Our centenary exhibition featured boards about this history – which are now in PDF form. We hope you will read and enjoy them. You may have to use the links after each page to read the whole pdf. Use the slider bars on the right if you see them (desktop only).

READ about the building of the Dover House Estate

READ about Richard Sudell and the founding of the RGS

READ about Living on the Dover House Estate

In 1955 the two Roehampton horticultural societies merged together to become Roehampton Garden Society.

Michael Gilson’s fascinating book, Behind the Privet Hedge, is now available from booksellers.

There’s been a debate going on about growing garlic. Should you buy seed garlic – or can you use a supermarket bulb? Is it best to plant now (even September I have seen mentioned) or wait until early next year. How much water should you use – that balance between tiny bulbs and rotting stems.

Monty Don certainly caused controversy by planting a supermarket variety – some swear they grow well – but it will be next spring before the results of the Gardener’s World experiments are known. The latest information suggests that for good results you need garlic that grows in a cold climate – not that imported from sunnier climes. Also concerns have been raised about possible viruses on supermarket bulbs. Both of these concerns are valid.

The store has recommended varieties.

Here’s a great ‘No Dig’ video full of garlic information from Charles Dowding

Here’s a comprehensive growing guide from Gardener’s World… Gardener’s World Guide

In the news this year has been the effect of climate change on our trees. Trees are slow to adapt – and although trees in our woodlands and forests are gradually spreading northwards as new seedlings grow, the pace is too slow and many of our native trees may not survive without help.

It’s good news that English oak trees may be more resilient to warmer climates than other species, but many other well-known species, such as the European beech, will struggle. Read more from New Scientist

Kew Gardens expects to lose 50% of it’s 11,000 trees to heat and drought before the end of the century and is already sourcing more tolerant tree varieties from Europe to fill the gaps. Read about Kew here

In our woodlands our native trees could die off equally suddenly. But should we be helping their migration? An interesting article in the Guardian explains the dilemma Read here

It’s a complicated argument – but one thing is clear, as we plant as many trees as possible in parks, gardens or rewilding ventures such as Skiddaw, the seedlings may need to come from further south if they are to survive. Seedlings from local areas need to populate projects northwards.

Our 100 plus visitors to our Nation Garden’s Scheme open day were delighted with their allotment walk, commented on the many beautiful things that there were to see – in particular two lovely clematis covered arches, and the tea space by the potting shed! Many of them stopped and asked questions on the plots – some shared this year’s gardening challenges.

Most enjoyed the magnificent array of cakes and tea, with outside service provided by our younger helpers – thanks to you all! Many bought plants from the plant stall.

The event was very well organised by the committee, and our sincere thanks to them and to the many who came to help and participated . A huge effort, but very much rewarded.

More than £1000 was raised for the NGS charities.

View an online photo gallery of the occasion here. Photos by Vivienne Fowler and Bella Stebbings

” Wandsworth is a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasting 24 different habitats from heathlands to the River Thames, supporting an astounding array of approximately 3,149 species. From common garden birds to rare bees and bats, and with 23% of the borough designated as Local Wildlife Sites, Wandsworth’s vision for biodiversity is clear: to recognise, value, conserve, enhance, and wisely use our diverse natural resources”…..

Enable need to map our borough’s wildlife and are asking all RGS members to help. Just pick your area, plot or garden, and tell them what you see by filling in the “On Your Street: What Can You Find in Your Garden?” survey online. You only need to do this once before 25th October – but please do contribute if you can.

More about “On your Street” here
Find the Survey Form here

The Survey asks about specific species that you may have seen in the last 5 years. This includes bats, hedgehogs, starlings, house sparrows, swifts, stag beetles…

if you’re unsure – here are some links to identify the birds and bugs in your garden….

Quick and easy garden bird sheet from the WWT

Identify Insects with the Wildlife Trust