We are very fortunate in living within a few minutes walk to the Ventnor Botanic Garden so my wife & I have been making the most of our Annual Passes to take our permitted daily exercise in the Garden on several occasions during our first ‘stay at home’ week.
For those who are not so local and are unable to visit the Garden at this time we have taken some photographs to keep you up to date with how wonderful the Garden is looking in early Spring.
It has been necessary for the 2020 AGM to be postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus emergency situation.
The Agenda for the meeting is published here: – AGM Agenda 15 April 2020
The minutes of the 2019 AGM are here: – Minutes of AGM 21 February 2019
Due notice will be given of the revised date for the AGM both on this website and by email to Members who have their email address registered with the Society.
A very special event will take place on Wednesday 18th March when renowned botanical artist Emma Tennant will talk about her meticulous and much lauded paintings.
She will bring a pop-up exhibition of her wonderful paintings, and Ben Wood, Isle of Wight resident, photographer and film maker, will be screening his recently made documentary film, Emma Tennant, Artist & Gardener.
Emma has generously waived her expenses to support the Friends, and will make a donation in respect of any paintings sold on the night.
The evening begins at 6pm and will finish at 8:30pm. Tickets are £20, to include a glass of wine and Canapés, and can be reserved by contacting Sally Peake, tel: 731403 or email: sallye.peake@btinternet.com
Members can book now before the event is opened to non-members.
In the Autumn Winter edition of ventnorensis Roz Whistance talks to Emma Tennant about her work as an artist, gardener and botanist.
You can read the article here – The art of gardening
Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends’ Society (VBGFS) are thrilled to have been awarded a £500 grant from the island-based WightAid Foundation. This grant will fund the purchase of new hand tools for the ever-growing and enthusiastic band of gardening volunteers who regularly join the gardening team at VBG. Secateurs, rakes, brooms and barrows are all needed to make the most of this willing workforce.
Last Wednesday, Sally Peake from the Friends and Adam Cooke, VBG apprentice, were invited to join other groups receiving their grants at a joint cheque presentation at WightAid’s head office at Calbourne. Sally told us, “It is so inspiring to hear how WightAid encourages and helps Island businesses to support local charity – money raised on the Island for the Island.” Adam, who has been working at VBG for nearly two years said, “I was amazed at the different projects being funded – great to learn how the Island business community can help improve life for everyone. Our volunteers are so brilliant – we achieve so much more with the extra hands and new tools will really make their jobs easier and more enjoyable”
Volunteers who would like to help at the Garden are encouraged to get in touch, via the Friends’ website at www.ventnorbotanicfriends.org.uk or by phone to Sally Peake (731403). Sally says, “We meet every Wednesday at 10am and are happy to welcome would-be-gardeners with or without experience – there’s a job for everyone. All that you need is strong shoes and a willingness to join in.”
The steps leading down from the first floor of the Visitor Centre to the Pond Courtyard have been demolished. Clearly work in progress but the demolition opens up the area and will allow more outdoor seating to be installed adjacent to the Edulis restaurant and provide better access to the plants surrounding the area.
The programme of works also includes the refurbishment of the pond and fountain to give a fresh look to the area for the 2020 season.
