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.

The Friends’ society has been most fortunate in securing the opportunity to have a repeat guided visit to Folly Farm.  The trip is limited to a maximum of 30 places.  The provisional arrangements are for travel will be in 16 seater minibuses departing from Ventnor Botanic Garden at 8am and crossing on Red Funnel.  There will be a lunch stop for a sandwich buffet at the Spring Inn, Sulhamstead before arriving at Folly Farm at 1 pm for an afternoon visit. 

The cost is £65 per person to include all travel, light lunch, admission by donation, guided tour and afternoon tea.  Returning to the Garden at 19:30 – 20:45, depending on traffic & ferry.

To reserve your place please contact Sally Peake – by email – sallye.peake@btinternet.com or telephone 01983 731403 – as soon as possible.

N.B. If the trip is oversubscribed preference will be given to applicants who were unable to secure a place on the May 2019 trip.

Colin Pope will talk on the flora of Tasmania, some specimens of which are grown in the Ventnor Botanic Garden, and the wildlife that lives there.