We are volunteer community gardeners, based in the village of Halton near Lancaster.
The Halton Gardening Group planted plenty of bulbs again this Autumn and we’re looking forward to a colourful display next Spring. There are other activities to get on with, such as digging up and splitting plants to make new ones, looking after cuttings, studying seed catalogues, cleaning tools and greenhouses, tidying up borders or leaving some areas for wildlife, and planning the Garden Safari for next year.
The Garden Safari will be held on June 7th and 8th 2024. We welcome new residents around the village,, as well as residents with mature gardens. You do not need a large garden to take part, or have to be a perfect showcase. Thinking about taking part but not sure? You might have something in your garden that would inspire other people, whether it’s a creative touch for a small garden, a scheme for a new border, or a special feature. People like to see what you’ve done. Some participants may have plants for sale but you don’t have to. We would like to get gardens confirmed by March if possible so as to get the map ready in good time.
In previous Safaris it was interesting to chat to visitors and meet people. They asked questions about the plants, the names of certain flowers, which fruit and vegetables we liked to grow, what worked best, any problems we had or new features that we had begun. Some people just liked to have a wander on their own, others walked round with us.
Don’t be shy, get in touch, email haltongardeninggroup@gmail.com - we’d welcome you.
News:
February 2025
November 2024:
It’s been a real mixture of weather from chilly and wet, to sunny and mild, but in spite of the changeable conditions there are distinct signs of Spring with green shoots springing up everywhere. It won't be long before the village is once again in bloom thanks to all the planting that was done last Autumn.
Many pleasant things are on the horizon. There’s a joint event organised in partnership with Hearts of Halton WI on Wednesday 19th March at 7.15 for 7.30pm in the Centre, where a talk entitled “Design a pollinator friendly border” will be presented. If you are not a member of either group and would like to attend please get in touch with us. Space is limited.
Our very popular Garden Safari will take place over the weekend of 7/8th June 2025. There is still time to enter your own garden so please do get in touch, otherwise watch out for more information regarding opening times, maps and tickets.
Like many voluntary groups today we are also now struggling to attract new members as some members have left the village and others have hung up their spades. We are a friendly, caring group where long term friendships have been made and much has been learnt from each other, and not just about plants and gardening. We have enhanced the village's outdoor spaces for you to enjoy but also had a laugh and fun at the same time. It’s not all about digging and getting mucky! We have organised many social events for members to enjoy too.
We now meet at the Red Door Cafe on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:45am, where refreshments are served, in an ‘Open Forum’ event. Our next meetings are on 20th February and 20th March. If you would like to join us please contact us or come along to one of the meetings.
Email: haltongardeninggroup@gmail.com
May 2024:
Following on from our receipt of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the two Kaths from our group were honoured and privileged to visit Buckingham Palace for the Royal Garden Party on 8 May. The weather was superb. They had a look around the extensive gardens before the Royal Party arrived on the Terrace and the National Anthem was played. A tea of sandwiches, quiches and exquisite cakes followed. Despite not actually meeting any of the Royal Party it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Halton Gardening Group made a tremendous £1300 from the successful plant sale in May. The money will be used to buy bulbs, plants and fertiliser for public spaces in the village.
Our Aims Are :
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Fundraising
We aim to plan, implement and maintain community planting projects, with the focus on the renovation of heritage sites and the provision of planters and planted areas within the village of Halton in the Lune Valley. We are able to do this through fundraising and by working with the Parish Council and local residents.
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Gardening
We aim to promote interest and participation in gardening by communicating our plans and inviting village residents to participate in meetings and in community gardening. Our activities are updated with regular Facebook posts and also in the local community magazine ‘The Prattle’.
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Community Development
We aim to develop community integration and build a harmonious social network within the local gardening community by holding open monthly meetings and arranging group outings to local and more distant gardens.
