Meeting and Events
Throughout the year Purbrook Horticultural Society lay on a series of informative meetings about gardening, conservation, plants, nature, flower shows and lots more besides. On this page you can see our list of forthcoming meetings for the year ahead.
2026 Programme and Meetings
Something for everyone
We are very excited for the 2026 year ahead. Our range of speakers for 2026 will provide something for everyone, and we look forward to sharing their expertise we our members. If you have any questions about the speakers, just contact Lynda.
Start Times & More Details
All talks are held at Deverell Hall, London Road with doors open at 7PM for a 7.30PM start. Meetings are free to members and there is ample free parking behind the hall. An interval is normally held mid talk in order to have a free cup of Tea or Coffee and Biscuits; purchase from the Sales Table; announce the winner of the £5 Store voucher for best exhibit on the Show table [as judged by the speaker]; book your seat on the trip; draw the raffle, renew membership and take a comfort break!
Bring cash to meetings
As with many of our speakers bringing seeds; plants and/or books but do not have the facility to take debit/credit cards may I suggest you bring some cash to meetings just in case you wish to purchase something.
Thursday 2nd April 2026 - Speaker Andrew Perrin
The History of Widley and Portsdown
A talk by local Andrew Perrin on the History of Widley and Portsdown.
Thursday 7th May 2026 - Speaker Robert Stewart
The Branch of Horticulture
Robert Stewart from the Solent Bonsai Society will talk about this fascinating branch[!] of Horticulture.
Thursday 4th June 2026 - Speaker Elizabeth Sawday
Roses Grow on You
Elizabeth Sawday from Apuldrum Roses is keen to let us know that "Roses Grow on You". I'm sure that most of us already love them even if we have the wrong soil. Maybe there is a way around this?
Thursday 2nd July 2026 - Speaker Barry Norman
The Modern Kitchen Garden
Barry Norman is a well known grower; exhibitor; lecturer; judge and a keen allotmenteer. He is a senior judge for the National Vegetable Society and a Britain In Bloom judge. In 2022 he was awarded the Kew Guild Medal for Services to the Horticultural Industry. His talk is entitled "The Modern Kitchen Garden".
Thursday 6th August 2026 - Speaker Ray Broughton
The cultivation of herbs and their uses
Ray Broughton, who many of you will know, will talk about the cultivation of herbs and their uses in society. He is a very good speaker and will keep you interested and at times amused. Ray trained at Wisley in the 70’s and taught horticulture for over 40years. He was head of horticulture at Sparsholt College for 12 years and has a lot of credits and awards to his name. He is now retired.
Thursday 3rd September 2026 - Speaker Guy Deakins
Lady Chatterley’s Gardener
Lady Chatterley’s Gardener, now I’ve got your attention, this is the name of an illustrated walk through gardens of historical importance. With a humorous informal style, Guy Deakins delivers useful tips, insights and new perspectives against a backdrop of personal anecdotes. He has been a plantsman, horticulturist and garden designer for 30 years.
Thursday 1st October 2026 - Speaker Pauline Weeks
The wild bunch in your Patch
Pauline Weeks will give a talk entitled "The wild bunch in your Patch" She will be identifying critters and showing the relationship between your patch and the life within. She will also help us in understanding the social media critter scientists. There will be specimens to hold!! Pauline has spoken to us before on a different subject and she is a good clear speaker.
Thursday 5th November 2026 - Annual Quiz
And winter/ pumpkin evening
Our Annual Quiz and winter/ pumpkin evening. You will be pleased to know that Frances has not compiled the fiendish quiz this year, it has been very kindly set by Wendy. Details of the entries for the pumpkin, squash or winter arrangement will be published soon.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GARDENING?
The society is open to ALL who are interested in gardening. Meetings and talks are held at DEVERELL HALL, LONDON ROAD, PURBROOK and start at 7.30pm.
For just £5.00 PER YEAR for a household, you can access these meetings and our Trading Store which offers discounted gardening items.
PHS Trading Store
Open every Saturday
Shows & Exhibitions
Annual shows in Purbrook
Our Trading Store has a wide range of horticulture materials, all at competitive prices.
The PHS hold meetings every month, which feature a varied range of speakers and discussion.
Floral Art meetings are for those people who love flowers, flower arranging and lots more besides.