Wharfedale Gardeners' Group

About Wharfedale Gardeners' Group

The group meet at Beech Hill Church, Otley at 7.30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of every month between September and May.

There is a program with expert guest speakers to inspire and inform, an annual plant auction and a Christmas party (see events section).

Membership is £20 for the year.Guests are welcome to attend at a cost of £5.

Affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, the group was formed in January 1947 for the purpose of promoting and extending interest in gardening

Read about the history of the group

Check out our Facebook Group

Events

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13 Aug 2025

The Health Benefits of Gardens and Garden Groups

WGG article

9 Sep 2025

Gardening in a changing climate

Dr Andrew Ward, Norwell Nurseries

14 Oct 2025

Weeds to love or to loath, that is the question?

Matthew Smith

11 Nov 2025

The Business of Horticulture

Neil Barwise-Carr (Otley Garden Centre)

9 Dec 2025

Christmas Party

13 Jan 2026

What a flower farmer does in the winter

Fiona McDonald (Flowers by Raspberry Wild)

10 Feb 2026

People, plants and propagation

Ben Preston, Cliff Bank Nursery

10 Mar 2026

Looking at wild flowers near and far

Alan Wilson

14 Apr 2026

Keep your garden buzzing

Maureen Little

12 May 2026

AGM & Social Evening

WGG

15 May 2026

WGG Plant Sale

14 Jun 2026

Garden inspiration on our doorstep

8 Sep 2026

Growing Herbs & Garlic

Paul Turner (Garth Cottage Nursery)

Paul is renowned for his expertise in growing and using culinary herbs and has been running his nursery for over two decades, building a comprehensive collection of culinary herbs.

13 Oct 2026

Dentdale - A Hidden Gem

Ian Brand

Ian originally trained and worked in medicine, rekindling his early interest in plants on his retirement. Something for everyone: plants, history, geography, natural history, geology and farming from this small western dale.

10 Nov 2026

Don't Go To Sleep In Winter

Kevin Pratt

Kevin's journey is marked by extensive experience and dedication to horticulture, working as a landscaper for 35 years. His expertise extends to the identification and cultivation of rare and unusual plants.

8 Dec 2026

Christmas Party

WGG

An afternoon party at Otley Rugby Club, from 2pm, including quizzes, games and more. Please bring a dish of tea party food to share.

12 Jan 2027

Secrets Of The Soil

Sarah Owen-Hughes

Sarah is Head Gardener at Rudding Park. She is a scientist, educator and passionate advocate for horticulture and well-being. She brings a wonderful insight into the relationship between plants, people and the planet.

9 Feb 2027

Evergreens, Stems & Seedheads

Sarah Hopps

Sarah's passion for plants and gardening developed when she ran a small hardy plant nursery from her home in Thirsk. She escorts garden tours in Britain and Europe.

9 Mar 2027

Growing Sweet Peas

David Matthewman

After many years David has retired from running a company growing sweet peas for seed. He will delight us with growing tips, affectionately known as the Matthewman way.

13 Apr 2027

The Story of Horticap

Alistair Garnett

Alistair first became a volunteer at Horticap and then became a trustee. He promotes Horticap's mission of providing adults with disabilities, training through horticulture.

11 May 2027

AGM and Social Evening

WGG

Our annual general meeting and something a bit different.

14 May 2027

Annual Plant Sale

Otley Buttercross

This will be held in the morning under Otley Buttercross.

12 Jun 2027

Open Gardens

WGG

Restricted to members only.

13 Jun 2027

Open Gardens

WGG

Restricted to members only.

15 Jul 2027

WGG 80th Anniversary Commemoration Meeting

Chris Beardshaw

After 10 years, Wharfedale Gardeners' Group is delighted to welcome back our special guest speaker, Chris Beardshaw, with his wonderful horticultural stories and gardening expertise. This meeting is taking place on Thursday 15th July at The Bridge Church Hall, Otley at 7.30pm. Members free, non-members £10. Refreshments will be available.