"Not all seedlings are weeds. You may feel that life is too short to leave a seedling in till it's large enough to identify. My own feeling is that life's too interesting not to leave it there until you can identify it."
(Christopher Lloyd, 'The Well Tempered Garden', 1973)
All meetings and garden visits are free to NOG members. All meetings held at the Friends Meeting House are open to non-members for an entrance fee.
Future Events
Date |
Event Description |
May 21st 2022Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm & 12:00noon - 3:00pm |
NOG Visit to Wakelyns Agroforestryhttp://www.wakelyns.co.ukOrganic farming on one of the longest-established and most diverse agroforestry sites. Wakelyns are about food, people the environment and much more. Learn about their organic rotation Agroforestry short food chains and enterprise stacking Getting to Wakelyns : Wakelyns, Metfield Lane, Fressingfield, Suffolk. IP21 5SD Wakelyns recommends using the what 3 words app, to locate them precisely (because the post code can get you to the wrong place using mapping programs or apps) www.what3words.com they are slugs.meatball.megawatt Please see Wakelyns Terms & Conditions for your visit : https://wakelyns.co.uk/tandc/ Refreshments : Delicious Food is also available from the Wakelyns Bakery Team No Entry Fee |
NOG VisitAugust Date (TBC)
|
NOG VisitEast of England Orchards Project (TBC)https://www.applesandorchards.org.ukThe story of the project to preserve and promote our local fruit orchards and expand planting over East Anglia. *Please note that this event is a NOG Summer Visit |
Past Events
Date |
Event Description |
April 25th 2022Monday 7:30pm |
ReSource General StoreCata Parish (TBC) cata@resorucegeneralstore.co.ukNorwich’s first Low Waste (vegan, organic) store cafe, and workshop space: a talk on the aims and vision to provide a resource for each visitor to develop their own low impact lifestyle: to "Do what you can, where you are, with what you have". Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table Non Members entry suggested donation of £3.00 |
March 28th 2022Monday 7:30pm |
Norfolk Green Care NetworkTalk by Nigel BolderoNigel spearheaded this network which fosters activities and organisations which foster a ‘Nature Connection’ for people. followed by Annual General MeetingNon-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
February 28th 2022Monday 6:45pm |
Annual General Meeting - Postponed until Monday March 28th, 7:30pm, 2022 Friends Meeting House*ZOOM MEETING*Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. followed by *ZOOM MEETING* 7:30pmWakelyns Farm - An Organic OasisTalk by DavidMembers Zoom EventDavid will talk about organic farming, short food chains and enterprise on one of the longest-established and most diverse Agroforestry sites in the UK. Wakelyns in North Suffolk is about food, people, the environment and much more. Wakelyns Agroforestry. www.wakelyns.co.uk *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
January 31st 2022Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*Creating and Developing School AllotmentsMatt Willers, The Papillon Project, http://www.thepapillonproject.comMatt will talk on the history of the Papillon Project and the importance of school allotments in a learning environment. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
November 29th 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*From Old Carpet to Astroturf, A History of GeotextilesBob Flowerdew, Norfolk Organic Group PresidentFrom first experiments in the 1970's as an easier way of breaking new ground through to current use as a mulch and ground cover, with a choice of materials, advanced applications as a method for including green manures in a rotation, and new techniques using geotextile for pest control. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
October 25th 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Caring for Elderly Apple Trees"Illustrated Talk by Bob LeverUnderstanding the value of "veteran" fruit trees. How to prune and generally take care, of old apple trees, in order to give them the best chance of survival. Bob Lever, orchard expert and member of the East of England Apples and Orchards Project is a fountain on knowledge for orchard restoration and apple identification. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
September 27th 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*NOG Members Harvest EventAn opportunity for you to share your "organic growing experiences" of 2021. What worked really well, and on the contrary, not so well"? Have you found a new fruit, vegetable or salad crop, that was a real surprise ? Did you find yourself, rather disappointed with an old favourite? Are you planning to save seed from your harvest, to sew next season? What have you grown that has got those tastebuds reaching override? Would you like to share your secrets for growing a healthy, productive and tasty organic crop? Do Come along, whether you have anything to share or not, but the more examples the merrier for celebrating, commiserating, or solving problems with our many years of shared wisdom between us. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
August 29th 2021 Group Summer Social/VisitSunday From 2:30pm |
NOG Summer SocialVisit to Maggy & Partner's Garden
Maggy, Our Chair, and partner welcome NOG members to summer social at their garden, on Sunday 29th August. Please arrive from 2.30pm where there will be cups of tea, coffee and cake. Feel free to bring your own baked offerings as well. They do have ducks and chickens so well behaved dogs on leads and children are also welcome. Please dress for inclement weather as there is little shelter and could you also confirm your visit using Maggy’s email. Please refer to the NOG August Newsletter or the round robin email for the address.Thank you |
July 10th 2021 Group Summer Visit2.30pm - 4.30pm |
A Tour around the Norwich Farmshare site at Whitlingham Nurseries, off Whitlingham Lane,Norwich. NR14 8TZ'Members are welcome to join us for our first real live outdoor visit; In two seasons. And it is to Norwich FarmShare growing site, at Whitlingham Nurseries at the far end of Whittingham Lane. A 2.5 acre market garden site designed on regenerative agriculture lines, with much work done to be wildlife friendly. This is the " new" site we moved to in 2018, and its proved a great success so far. The visit will include some refreshments (cake and snack makers please step forward now! We will welcome your cooking contributions). There will be a formal farm walk round at 3pm, and if Bee can, she will show some video drone footage of previous years, and a fun musical one with our many loyal volunteers. There is a compost loo, and some shade to sit in, but not much wet weather shelter, so do dress accordingly. Please let Bee know if you are coming along; As we are not out of Covid restrictions, then we will need to ensure safe numbers for the Farmshare protocol, and it will be helpful for catering. If you are planning to bring a non member guest then you must let us know beforehand. The Norwich Farmshare site postcode is NR14 8TZ. Parking is OK inside the field entrance, or, if it’s very hot, you could park tidily, right under the bypass bridge, and walk the last 100 metres. |
June 2021 Group Summer Visit**Postponed** |
**Postponed Due To Covid** |
May 31st 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Perennials in a Royal Garden (Highgrove)"Illustrated Talk by George LockwoodMembers Zoom EventThis talk is on the perennial plants that are grown at Highgrove. George explains when each plant flowers, what soil and aspect it needs and through his own knowledge as an organic gardener will pass on any tips that he can. Every plant grown at Highgrove is grown organically, no insecticides or pesticides are used, only liquid feeds for the soil and garlic water to deter pests. George will explain how to make up liquid feeds and garlic water and how it is used at Highgrove and Buckingham Palace. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
April 26th 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Garden Bugs – Cohabit, Conserve or Control ?"Illustrated Talk by Entomologist, Dr Ian BedfordMembers Zoom EventWhat are the good and bad garden bugs we often find in our gardens, and what should we do with them? What do we do, when foreign pests such as the Spanish slug invade our gardens?. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
March 29th 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Never Mind The Burdocks"Illustrated Talk by Emma GunnMembers Zoom EventEmma will talk on the subject of foraging edible plants in the garden and further afield. Emma has written a number of books on the subject and has a website called "Never Mind the Burdocks". Her mission is to educate people in a better understanding of nature, survival and how we can protect nature and ourselves for the future. The more we understand the better equipped we are. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
February 22nd 2021Monday 7:00pm |
Annual General Meeting*ZOOM MEETING*Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. followed by *ZOOM MEETING* 7:30pm"The Trouble Without Wasps"Illustrated Talk by Entomologist, Dr Ian BedfordMembers Zoom EventMention wasps and most of us think of an annoying, angry yellow and black striped flying insect that delivers a painful sting when confronted. However, there are approximately 9000 different wasp species in Britain and their value to us, as humans, is immense. We'd certainly have a lot of problems without them. This illustrated talk explains why. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
*ZOOM MEETING*January 25th 2021Monday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Desert Island Vegetables"Illustrated Talk by Pauline PearsMembers Zoom EventPauline Pears has grown vegetables at home, and on various allotments, for many years. Pauline prefers vegetables that give maximum return for the work involved, and likes to eat something "home grown" all year round. This illustrated talk introduces some of her favourites to grow (which can change from year to year), plus some of her organic growing hints and tips. Pauline Pears has written, and co- authored books on running an organic allotment. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
*ZOOM MEETING*December 16th 2020Wednesday 7:00pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Getting Ready For Spring"Members Winter Zoom SocialLet us share and exchange our wealth of organic gardening ideas and knowledge. Tell us your favourite seed varieties? Which seeds worked well for you, which seeds have not? What seeds are you getting in early? Are you going to make, any new year organic gardening resolutions? Please join-in. *Please note that this event is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
November 30th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*“Planting by UFO-light”Bob Flowerdew, Norfolk Organic Group PresidentAn investigation of some quasi-scientific aspects of gardening, including solar, stellar and lunar sowing, magnetism, crystals and waves, Kirlian photography, crop circles, mistletoe and blood. *Please note that this talk is via a ZOOM MEETING* *ZOOM MEETING* |
October 26th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
*ZOOM MEETING*"Companion Gardening For A Balanced Garden"Talk by Entomologist, Dr Ian Bedford*Please note that this talk is via a ZOOM MEETING* |
*EVENT POSTPONED*September 28th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
*EVENT POSTPONED*Norfolk Organic Group, Gardeners Question Time and Member Produce SaleLet’s all share our huge knowledge and experience of Organic Gardening and sell our spare harvest and plants! Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
*EVENT CANCELLED*August 2nd 2020Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm (weather permitting) |
*EVENT CANCELLED*Norfolk Organic Group, Summer Social Afternoon, at Brigid's & Derek's House... location NR14 6JTIncluding a small "Moth talk"Talk by Dr Ian BedfordDr Ian Bedford will be able to tell us about the Moths (caught the previous night), as we undo the box to see what we have caught. Plus a chance to meet, get to know each other, and learn from our very own knowledgeable members. Please bring a platter and a drink to share. Please park your car in Loddon, the house drive will be reserved for the disabled and elderly, thank you. Please email Brigid, brigid@agcl.com to confirm your attendance members only |
*EVENT POSTPONED*July 19th 2020Sunday, Times to be confirmed Near Reepham, full location address to be confirmed |
*EVENT POSTPONED*A visit to the permaculture Papillon project near Reephammembers entry free, plus a guest Visit details to follow. |
*EVENT CANCELLED*June 28th 2020Sunday 1.00pm-4:00pm Dickleburgh |
*EVENT CANCELLED*Private Visit to Bob Flowerdew's Gardenmembers entry free, plus a guest This is one of the main benefit's of becoming a Norfolk Organic Group member. An opportunity to visit Bob Flowerdew’s private garden. It will not be like any other garden you have been too! You will be inspired to re cycle items and relax amongst weeds. Bob himself will be there, on the afternoon. Bob always thinks outside the box, and his garden is a reflection of this. A unique chance to see his words in action and talk to the man himself. He knowledge is boundless! Bob, has never failed to deliver his wisdom and knowledge of organic gardening. Members who have never visited, this is a your opportunity to talk to Bob in person (Norfolk Organic Group, President) and see how he gardens organically, here in Norfolk. It’s also a good opportunity to chat with other Norfolk Organic Group members. Members can bring a guest with their newsletter for proof of membership. |
*EVENT POSTPONED*May 25th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
*EVENT POSTPONED*"Using Permaculture to inspire children and young people at secondary level education"*Royal Horticultural Society's School Gardening Champion of the Year (2018) & Norwich & Norfolk Eco Hero (2019). Talk by by Matt Willer*, project leader & founder of The Papillon ProjectFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
*EVENT POSTPONED*April 27th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
*EVENT POSTPONED*"The answer lies in our Soil"How we care for the soil, and how we can make a difference to the future by how we treat the soil, improve the soil and preserve the soil for future generations. Talk by Karen KennyFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
*EVENT POSTPONED*March 30th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
*EVENT POSTPONED*"The carbon in our soil and climate change"Carbon sequestration potentially holds the key to recapturing atmospheric carbon and halting climate change. With over 10million acres of gardens in the United Kingdom how can we garden in a climate friendly way to capture and hold carbon in the soil and do our bit for climate change? Please come and find out ! Talk by Stephanie Laurence of www.tatterfly.co.ukFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
February 24th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General MeetingFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. followed by "All you might ever need to know about Slugs"What exactly is a slug and what do we really know about their fascinating lives? Slugs have been around for the past 500 million years, so they obviously have an important role to play within our ecosystems, but are we aware of what they do? Around 40 species of slugs can be found in Great Britain, but the vast majority of these are not plant pests and should be encouraged into our gardens rather than controlled. This talk explains why..... Talk by Dr Ian BedfordRefreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
February 8th 2020Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato Day"Come join us for the 25th East Anglian Potato Day, with grand opening by Bob Flowerdew"Mid-Suffolk Showground. 80 varieties of potato tubers ordered for 2020, with nearly 1/3 being grown organically. This very popular event began, back in 1996 and provides an opportunity for growers to purchase certified Scottish seed potatoes by the tuber. You can read about what potato tubers have been ordered on the following website page: /http://www.eapd.btck.co.uk/PotatoesorderedforFeb2020 Keep looking at the website because potatoes are living things. And that means things can go wrong. We learn, for example that Juliette is a crop failure and that is no longer expected. Late crops in East Anglia have had blight. Of course, for the Sarpo Potato Breeders Group, this is good news, because we have had two years in succession that did not put our new hybrids to the all-important test of Late Blight. The new boys on the block are looking quite healthy so far. Standard variety Tubers are very reasonably priced at 18 pence each. East Anglian Potato Day is run jointly with our sister groups in Suffolk. Group volunteers are rewarded with £5 worth of free seed potato tubers, for their efforts. If you feel you would like to volunteer and receive your free seed potatoes, please contact Mr Julian Turner or any of the Norfolk Organic Group committee members. The day also includes many stalls with relevance to organic gardeners and growers, including potato chip tasting sessions, food and drink refreshments, seed swap table, carrot fly mesh fabric and root trainer sales, onion sets, seed and soft fruit plant sales, potato sack sales, recycling and composting, books, pre loved tools etc. Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
January 27th 2020Monday 7:30pm |
"Green Manures"Green manures, a discussion on their various benefits and their uses in the garden. Talk by Karen KennyFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
November 28th 2019Thursday 7:30pm |
Bob Flowerdew, Norfolk Organic Group President"Fruits, Nuts and Seeds"Bob shares his "Top 10" favourites for the home garden. *The Steiner School, Hospital Lane, Norwich. NR1 2HW*Apologies in advance, there will no refreshments available on the evening after this talk £5 entry for non-members |
October 28th 2019Monday 7:30pm |
"Preserving and storing your produce and crops"Get a taste of how the Elliot's go about preserving and storing all their veggies, and their version of fast foods. It’s the way, we should all be going! Talk by Nicky & Graham Elliotwww.bikeways.org.uk Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
September 30th 2019Monday 7:30pm |
Norfolk Organic Group, "Organic gardeners question time, social event and member produce sale"Let’s all share our huge knowledge of Organic Gardening, and share our ideas and experiences. A great opportunity to talk and get to know each other, show off your produce, and boast about your organic gardening success’s, so we can learn from each other. Bring along and sell your spare harvest and plants! Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
August 11th 2019Sunday 2.00pm (weather permitting) |
Norfolk Organic Group, Summer Social Afternoon, at Brigid's & Derek's House... location NR14 6JTA chance to meet, get to know each other, and learn from our very own knowledgeable members. Please bring a platter and a drink to share. Please park your car in Loddon, the house drive will be reserved for the disabled and elderly, thank you. Please email Brigid, brigid@agcl.com to confirm your attendance members only |
July 7th 2019Sunday 2:00pm-4:00pm |
"Visit to Nicky & Graham Elliots Home & Garden, whom are 70% Self Sufficient from 3 Acres! ”Nicky & Graham Elliot have been long standing Norfolk Organic Group members. Their home and land is located at Barsham between Bungay and Beccles. Before we had the Charles Dowding talk, the Elliot’s had a talk in previous years and they packed the large hall at Friends Meeting House to capacity. They are very inspiring in leading the way in self sufficiency! www.bikeways.org.uk members entry free, plus a guest |
June 30th 2019Sunday 1.00pm-4:00pm Dickleburgh |
Private Visit to Bob Flowerdew's Gardenmembers entry free, plus a guest This is one of the main benefit's of becoming a Norfolk Organic Group member. An opportunity to visit Bob Flowerdew’s private garden. It will not be like any other garden you have been too! You will be inspired to re cycle items and relax amongst weeds. Bob himself will be there, on the afternoon. Bob always thinks outside the box, and his garden is a reflection of this. A unique chance to see his words in action and talk to the man himself. He knowledge is boundless! Bob, has never failed to deliver his wisdom and knowledge of organic gardening. Members who have never visited, this is a your opportunity to talk to Bob in person (Norfolk Organic Group, President) and see how he gardens organically, here in Norfolk. It’s also a good opportunity to chat with other Norfolk Organic Group members. Members can bring a guest with their newsletter for proof of membership. |
June 26th & June 27th 2019Wednesday & Thursday |
Visit to Royal Norfolk ShowRoyal Norfolk Showground, Dereham Rd, Costessey, Norwich NR5 0TT. Stand 044 Please do, come and visit our Norfolk Organic Group stand in the Community Hub of the Horticultural Area. Have fun, socialising with other Norfolk Organic Group members. You can also help out with our stand, to share your enthusiasm for organic gardening and it's benefits. |
June 15th 2019Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm |
"Compassion in world farming awareness day"NOG Stall, The Forum, Bethel St, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1BH Please do come and visit our NOG stall, or maybe volunteer to help! |
May 27th 2019Monday 7:30pm |
"Rising to the Climate Crisis. What does this mean for Food and Farming"A talk about an overall vision for a green future and how the different elements of this (including sustainable food and land management) fit together. Rising to the climate crisis. Building a 0% carbon future. Talk by Adrian Ramsay ex CEO of the, The Centre of Alternative Technology and previous deputy leader of the Green Party.Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
April 29th 2019Monday 7:30pm |
"How to build wildlife friendly structures and hibernation sites in your garden. Hibernaculum; inviting the invertebrates to stay."Increasing pressures on our native wildlife means, that now more than ever, providing a place of refuge for wild creatures in your garden or outdoor space is so very important. The Latin roots of Hibernaculum are ‘Winter Quarters’ a place where a wild creature can seek refuge and hibernate or breed. This talk aims to help you make the most of materials you may already have or by recycling unwanted materials from elsewhere to create the ultimate hibernaculum. It could be as small as a bird box to an entire hibernaculum wall! These structures not only provide vital habitats, but can look really interesting and be a very creative process, incorporating a range of materials and styles. Come along and find out! Talk by Stephanie Lawrence of wwww.tatterfly.co.ukFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
March 25th 2019Monday 7:30pm |
"Learning the language of trees"Paul has had a life learning from trees, he has intuitively felt the complexity and elegance of their communications. More recently studies have confirmed we have so much to learn about the lives of trees. On the practical side Paul has spent 30 years of tree work developing sustainable tree management and work. Talk by Paul JacksonFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
February 25th 2019Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General MeetingFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. "Microscope images of the life in your compost heap!"Master composter, Pauline Williamson with microscope and compost, will share the images screened and creatures found, discussed. When Brigid was a master gardener, Garden Organic had a visual display live on a screen, of compost at Garden Organic, Ryton. It is incredible how alive the amazing creatures in compost are, and how many, even pseudo scorpions! It really makes you appreciate just how alive, organic compost is. Talk by Pauline WilliamsonFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
February 9th 2019Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground. 81 varieties of potato tubers ordered for 2019. Hoping to have approx 21 varieties of potato tuber produced organically. This very popular event began, back in 1996 and provides an opportunity for growers to purchase certified Scottish seed potatoes by the tuber. Most tubers are priced at 17p each, apart from a few. East Anglian Potato Day is run jointly with our sister groups in Suffolk. Group volunteers are rewarded with £5 worth of free seed potato tubers, for their efforts. If you feel you would like to volunteer and receive your free seed potatoes, please contact Mr Julian Turner or any of the Norfolk Organic Group committee members. The day also includes many stalls with relevance to organic gardeners and growers, including potato chip tasting sessions, food and drink refreshments, seed swap table, carrot fly mesh fabric and root trainer sales, onion sets, seed and soft fruit plant sales, potato sack sales, recycling and composting, books, pre loved tools etc. Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
December 9th 2018Sunday 12.00noon-5:00pm |
Norfolk Organic Group Christmas Social at Brigid's house NR14 6JTmembers and guest only p> |
November 21st 2018Wednesday 7:30pm |
Bob Flowerdew, Norfolk Organic Group President and panel member of BBC Radio 4 Gardeners Question TimeCoping with Climate ChangeWhat can gardeners do, to cope with changes in climate and the difficulties, and possibilities this introduces, including different methods, crops and problems Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £5 entry for non-members |
November 17th 2018Saturday 2:00pm-4:00pm (Please arrive early) |
Charles Dowding of "No Dig" fameNo Dig Gardening !Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) A talk from Charles on how to have healthy soil, and enjoy easier harvests. Charles explains how he makes, buys and uses composts of different kinds. How to clear perennial weeds with mulches, including couch grass and bindweed. How to maintain a No Dig plot, with a annual mulch of compost. How to crop intensively, all through the growing season. Tips on propagating. You will see photographs of the trials, Charles runs to compare the effects on growth of Dig v No Dig, different composts and no rotation. Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table Free entry for Norfolk Organic Group members (however, suggested donation contribution of £4 requested on the day) *NOG Members, please reserve your free entry ticket to the talk, with our group membership secretary, contact : membership@norfolkorganic.org.uk (only £15 for single Annual NOG Membership) £7 entry fee for non-members of NOG to Charles Dowding talk *Please Note that there are only 200 tickets available for the NOG; Charles Dowding talk, so please book early, as we may run out of tickets on the day. |
September 24th 2018Monday 7:30pm |
Norfolk Organic Group, Gardeners Question Time and Member Produce SaleLet’s all share our huge knowledge and experience of Organic Gardening and sell our spare harvest and plants! Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
August 12th 2018Sunday 11.00am-4:00pm |
Visit to High Ash Farm with guided tourHigh Ash Lane, Caistor St Edmund, Norwich NR14 8RD home of well known Norfolk Naturalist Chris Skinner, of BBC Radio Norfolk's "Countryside Hour" fame https://www.highashfarm.com/walks/ and Tatterfly Wildflowers https://www.tatterfly.co.uk With an Amazing Wild Flower Meadow and a haven for wildlife, with 50% of the farm set aside for wildlife crops; looking to create greater diversity. There are miles of Norfolk countryside farmland walking tracks to enjoy on the farm. A guided tour, followed by a social relax time, and picnic. |
July 15th 2018Sunday 10.00am-1:30pm |
Visit to Norfolk HerbsBlackberry Farm, East Dereham, Norfolk NR19 2QD On our NOG Chairperson's recommendation www.norfolkherbs.co.uk Bring a picnic for a social, after a browse around the extensive collection of unusual herbs, of which they supply throughout the UK. Rosie Clifton Sprigee of Norfolk Herbs will talk to us, including how they would like to be organic and the reasons they are currently not! |
June 27th & June 28th 2018Wednesday & Thursday |
Visit to Royal Norfolk ShowRoyal Norfolk Showground, Dereham Rd, Costessey, Norwich NR5 0TT Please do, come and visit our Norfolk Organic Group stand in the Community Hub of the Horticultural Area. Have fun, socialising with other Norfolk Organic Group members. You can also help out with our stand, to share your enthusiasm for organic gardening and it's benefits. |
June 24th 2018Sunday 1.00pm-4:00pm |
Private Visit to Bob Flowerdew's Gardenmembers entry free, plus a guest This is one of the main benefit's of becoming a Norfolk Organic Group member, an opportunity to visit Bob Flowerdew’s private garden. It will not be like any other garden you have been too! You will be inspired to re cycle items and relax amongst weeds. Bob himself will be there, on the afternoon. Bob has never failed to deliver his wisdom and knowledge of organic gardening. Members who have never visited, this is a your chance to talk to Bob in person (Norfolk Organic Group, President) and see how he gardens organically, here in Norfolk. It’s also a chance to chat to other group members. Members can bring a guest with their newsletter for proof of membership. |
June 17th 2018Sunday 1:00pm-5:30pm |
"Guided tour of organic, Ash Farm" TwyfordStone Lane, Bintree, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 5NA Social event with food and drink refreshments. 2:30pm guided tour and then relax and finish at approx 5:30pm courtesy of Ash Farm owners, Coen and Wilhelmina van BeuningenMembers and Guests |
June 2nd 2018Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm |
"Compassion in world farming awareness day"NOG Stall, The Forum, Bethel St, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1BH Please do come and visit our NOG stall, or maybe volunteer to help! |
May 28th 2018Monday 7:30pm |
"Water Gardening; for conservation and wildlife"Norfolk has one of the lowest levels of rainfall throughout the United Kingdom. So how can we maximise the collection and conservation of water in our gardens? And what is the importance of adding water to your garden for wildlife? This talk looks at irrigation and how we can improve techniques to make the most of harvested rainwater for our plants and also the importance of adding water for wildlife to our outdoor spaces. Adding just a small pond or water feature can be one of the biggest draws to wildlife of any feature in the garden. By combining the conservation of rainwater, and wildlife attracting water features, we can create some really interesting and environmentally sustainable water gardening techniques. From formal water features to bog gardens. Come and find out how you can introduce more diversity and sustainability to your garden, whatever the size. Talk by Stephanie LaurenceFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
April 30th 2018Monday 7:30pm |
"Building fertility and accessing it" green manures and compost teasThis talk will look at the use of plant based fertility building techniques within organic gardening systems. Simple to use and suitable for gardens and farms of all sizes. Green manures are increasingly being used where access to manure is difficult or insufficient, or within vegan growing systems. They also offer a wonderful opportunity to support the wider eco-system above and below ground. Hannah will take us through how to use, what to use and when to use them and also introduce the idea of compost teas to boost soil biology, thereby activating plants abilities to take up nutrients. Talk by Hannah Claxton, of www.eveshillvegco.com facebook.com/eveshillvegco/Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
March 26th 2018Monday 7:30pm |
"Growing food, growing communities"Reflecting on 13 years of community gardening in Norwich Talk by Mahesh Pant, of Sustainable Living Initiative.Mahesh has got the grants and created communities that learn how to grow their own food, next to others in a social supported setting. I've had a plot. It's brilliant how well it works. It's a very inspiring way to help society. www.grow-our-own.co.uk Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £3 entry for non-members |
March 25th 2018Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm |
Visit to Norfolk & Norwich Horticultural Society Spring Flower & Produce ShowEaston & Otley College, Green Room, Jubilee Building, Easton Campus, Easton, Norwich. NR9 5DX Come and join us at the NOG stall.Refreshments Available Free entry |
February 26th 2018Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General MeetingFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. "How to plant and grow a Wildflower Garden"Ever wished your could create your very own Wildflower Garden ? www.tatterfly.co.uk Talk by Stephanie LawrenceFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £2 entry for non-members |
February 10th 2018Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground. 80 varieties of potato tubers ordered for 2018. Hoping to have approx 21 varieties of potato tuber produced organically. This very popular event began, back in 1996 and provides an opportunity for growers to purchase certified Scottish seed potatoes by the tuber. Most tubers are priced at 17p each, apart from a few. East Anglian Potato Day is run jointly with our sister groups in Suffolk. Group volunteers are rewarded with £5 worth of free seed potato tubers, for their efforts. If you feel you would like to volunteer and receive your free seed potatoes, please contact Mr Julian Turner or any of the Norfolk Organic Group committee members. The day also includes many stalls with relevance to organic gardeners and growers, including potato chip tasting sessions, food and drink refreshments, seed swap table, carrot fly mesh fabric and root trainer sales, onion sets, seed and soft fruit plant sales, potato sack sales, recycling and composting, books, pre loved tools etc. Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
January 29th 2018Monday 7.30pm |
"British Butterflies ...How to attract them in your garden"How to attract butterflies, what plants they like and the benefits. What is a butterfly and how do you tell a butterfly from a moth? What species can we find in Great Britain and how we can attract butterflies to our gardens ? Many species of British Butterflies are in serious decline, so can we do anything to help them survive ? Talk by Dr Ian Bedford, Head of Entomology at the John Innes CentreFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
November 22nd 2017Wednesday 7.30pm |
"Dealing with Pests without Poison"Practical ways, in which, Bob, explains how to cope with pests in the garden without the use of poison Talk by Norfolk Organic Group President, Bob FlowerdewFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £3 entry for non-members |
October 30th 2017Monday 7.30pm |
"Why we need to change how we grow Potatoes"Julian, whom is very experienced about potatoes, will talk about less late frosts, the limits on pesticides, the obsolesence of the Smith Period, and eelworm. There will also be an opportunity to taste seven freshly cooked different potato varieties, there is quite a difference! Talk by Julian TurnerRefreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) £2 entry for non-members |
September 25th 2017Monday 7.30pm |
"Gardening for Wildlife"How to make your garden a haven for wildlife, using good gardening techniques and suitable plants. This is crucial for any organic garden, and it is great for our planet too! Talk by Charlotte PhilcoxRefreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) £2 entry for non-members |
August 6th 2017Sunday 2.00pm |
A visit to the "Calf at Foot"The Calf at Foot Dairy Home Farm ,Somerleyton, Suffolk, NR32 5PR members entry free, plus a guest Fiona Provan will take us on a tour of her farm, to meet the calves and Mother cows first hand and see her animal welfare in action. The cows are named , unrestrained when milked and just look so healthy. Take a look at the photos on their web site. www.the-calf-at-foot-dairy.co.uk Everyone but everyone, goes on about the taste of her milk. Fiona is not certified organic but says she goes beyond organic… Is Calf At Foot Dairy raw milk safe for us to drink? Their hygiene standards are extremely high and we have the magic '5' from Waveney District Council's Environmental Health Office. The FSA (Food Standards Agency) registered their standard as a generous 'GOOD' this is the best/highest standard they would award! And here are some testimonials from some who have been! "go and visit! A magical little place, contented cows and happy calves ... nothing quite like it! Oh, and I almost forgot: great Proper Milk!!!!!!" Rita Lenko "Compassionate farming of the highest quality and the best milk I have ever drunk. I am privileged to have found it. Watch as the girls come in off the pasture for milking when they are called by name and see the calves, with whom you share the milk, happy with mum in the beautiful Suffolk countryside" Jack Muddikins. Janet Buck wrote........ " Visited last week, amazing girls doing a great job, not been that inspired for a long time". |
June 25th 2017Sunday 2.00pm |
Private Visit to Bob Flowerdew's Gardenmembers entry free, plus a guest This is one of the main benefit's of becoming a Norfolk Organic Group member, an opportunity to visit Bob Flowerdew’s private garden. It will not be like any other garden you have been too! You will be inspired to re cycle items and relax amongst weeds. Bob himself will be there, on the afternoon. Bob has never failed to deliver his wisdom and knowledge of organic gardening. Members who have never visited, this is a your chance to talk to Bob in person (Norfolk Organic Group, President) and see how he gardens organically, here in Norfolk. It’s also a chance to chat to other group members. Members can bring a guest with their newsletter for proof of membership. |
June 4th 2017Sunday 2.00pm |
"Visit to How Hill" Ludham, Norfolk. NR29 5PGSimon and Partridge have been Norfolk Organic Group members' for 2 years. Simon is the director of the How Hill Trust and is willing to, with their gardener, provide our NOG members with a tour of the Environmental Study Center for the Norfolk Broads. The secret gardens and house, were established by the original owner of How Hill House, Edward Boardman, in the early 1920’s. The area was once a piece of rough grazing marsh, open and windswept. To create the sheltered garden seen today, deciduous tree species, such as Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Hornbeam trees were planted on the slope between the house garden's and the scrubby woodland. This woodland was allowed to establish on the low lying land surrounding the area. Many exotic species were raised from seeds. These seeds were sent by Boardman’s friends and correspondents from around the world. A series of ponds were created, providing what the original family called their ‘Bog garden". A ‘woodland walk’ ,with the imaginative bug hotels of ‘Habitat Hamlet’, white garden, yew hedges, walled garden and herbaceous borders are a selection of things to see. The Azaleas and Rhododendrons are especially spectacular during May and June, and in October the autumn colour's of the trees, can be beautiful. Recently the gardener has had good success with Meconopsis (Blue Himalayan poppies). There are a number of specimen species including one of the first Dawn Redwoods to arrive into this country in the late 1940s. The Trust tries to run the gardens on organic principals, but regretfully this is not always the case! The How Hill head gardener, Chris Tubby, will be on site to answer any questions and in turn get advice on Organic gardening from our Norfolk Organic Group members. The How Hill Tearoom is located in a wooden building to the rear of How Hill House, and is signposted from the public car park and river.They offer a selection of homemade cakes, scones and sandwiches (all made at How Hill) as well as locally made ice creams and hot and cold drinks. They normally have a couple of gluten free cakes/tray bakes available too. Free car parking is available at their public car park members only |
April 24th 2017Monday 7.30pm |
"Secrets of the Soil"From identifying soil types, to Mycorrhiza. Everything you wanted to know about the soil and it's care. Improve your soil. This is a practical session, and you are invited to bring samples of your soil for some simple testing. Talk by Charlotte Philcox"Seedling Sale"*Please bring any seedlings, labelled, that you would like to sell to this event. Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) £2 entry for non-members |
March 27th 2017Monday 7.30pm |
"Producing milk with compassion"Making the world a better place for dairy cows. Why I set up my high welfare micro-dairy. I use the "Calf at Foot" Dairying System, sharing the cow's milk with her calf. Why raw milk is so good for you. Why I chose to be certified Pasture For Life (100% grass feeding) and why properly holistically managed grazing animals are good for our planet and the produce from them is better for our health, than from other systems. We work to, and beyond organic certifying standards. I will bring milk to taste and to sell. Talk by Fiona ProvanRefreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) £2 entry for non-members |
February 27th 2017Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General MeetingFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW. (next to St. Giles Car Park) Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. "The wonderful world of Stinging Nettles"Nettles are often much maligned and under appreciated, but their many uses and merits will surprise you. From their first recorded use in prehistory, their wide variety of associated invertebrate life, to the modern-day kitchen. For example, what exactly does happen to nettle tea when you add lemon juice ? Why dock leaves are useless as an antidote to nettle stings ? They provide a fascinating story for us Talk by Fay JonesRefreshments Tea, Coffee, Cake. Seed Swap Table £2 entry for non-members |
February 11th 2017Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground. 86 varieties of potato tubers ordered for 2017. Hoping to have approx 25 varieties of potato tuber produced organically. This very popular event began, back in 1996 and provides an opportunity for growers to purchase certified Scottish seed potatoes by the tuber. Most tubers are priced at 17p each, apart from a few. East Anglian Potato Day is run jointly with our sister groups in Suffolk. Group volunteers are rewarded with £5 worth of free seed potato tubers, for their efforts. If you feel you would like to volunteer and receive your free seed potatoes, please contact Mr Julian Turner or any of the Norfolk Organic Group committee members. The day also includes many stalls with relevance to organic gardeners and growers, including potato chip tasting sessions, food and drink refreshments, seed swap table, carrot fly mesh fabric and root trainer sales, onion sets, seed and soft fruit plant sales, potato sack sales, recycling and composting, books, pre loved tools etc. Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
January 30th 2017Monday 7.30pm |
"Hedgehogs are in serious trouble"What's happening and how you can help! Jayne Moore of BBC Radio 4 fame and from Greensted Hedgehog Rescue will discuss the serious position hedgehogs are in now. They could be gone by 2020! What you should do if you find a Hedgehog in the daytime and how you can support Hedgehogs living in your garden. How your can support the people who volunteer to help Hedgehogs that need help. www.greenstedhedgehogrescue.com Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £3 entry for non-members (£1 goes to the rescue centre) |
November 24th 2016Thursday 7.30pm |
"Coping with Climate Change in the Garden"Practical ways, in which, Bob copes with the changing weather patterns Talk by Norfolk Organic Group President, Bob FlowerdewFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £3 entry for non-members |
October 31st 2016Monday 7:30pm |
"Oats and Beans and Quinoa Grow" !A talk by Josiah Meldrum and Nick Saltmarsh of Hodmedod'sHodmedod are a fascinating local company, growing and supplying less usual and overlooked pulses and grains. Emerging from a Norwich project that asked whether the city could feed itself; they began with Fava Beans (small dried broad beans), widely-grown but not much eaten in the UK, and have since added a range of Oganic Peas, Naked Barley and Quinoa, Pulse Flours, Snacks and Canned Beans. Their Organic Carlin peas, which have a lovely nutty flavour, won two "Soil Association BOOM Award's" this year and the company also won Best Food Business in "Suffolk’s Greenest County Awards". Hodmedod aims to inspire people to eat more plant protein, make a fair return to farmers and help create a more sustainable food system. They also have amazing product packaging by designed by Andy Croft, of whom created our Norfolk Organic Group information leaflet and posters! *Norfolk Organic Group,members, please bring in your spare packets of seeds, to swap, on the evening, heritage seeds, especially welcomed ! Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
September 26th 2016Monday 7:30pm |
"Save Open Pollinated Seeds to give you True Seeds, to attract and protect our Biodiversity".A background of the seed situation we are in, growing seeds locally and how to save our seeds, emphasizing the need to work with open pollinated seeds. Talk by Peter BrinchPeter completed his formal studies on Biodynamic Agriculture in Jarna, Sweden, in 1984. Ever since then he has been working with and on the land in one way or another. From 2001 till 2006 he worked for the Biodynamic Association as Seed Development Fieldsman when he traveled from farm to farm, working with and assisting farmers to save their seeds. Together with Pupak Haghighi, he established Open Pollinated Seeds Initiative in 2010 in England to raise awareness and promote the practise of using and investing in the open pollinated seeds throughout the world. *Norfolk Organic Group,members, please bring in your spare packets of seeds, to swap, on the evening, heritage seeds, especially welcomed ! Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
September 4th 2016Sunday 2.00pm |
A Social Afternoon with Wood Fired PizzasVisit to the 5 acre property of one of our life time Norfolk Organic Group members Martyn and Lil Newton. Located at Memory Cottage, Church Lane Ringsfield Beccles Suffolk NR34 8JY.There will be sign posts put up, to help direct you, with directions.There will be plenty of car parking available. members only This is an opportunity to talk and meet other Norfolk Organic Group members and their families. We rarely have time, after our evening group talks to meet properly. Being a group member that cares about Organic principles, it is easy to share our passions, ideas and practical solutions. Please bring a friend and hopefully inspire them to become more interested in becoming Organic too. We are hoping to have a pizza oven and have freshly baked pizza’s for you to enjoy. Martyn and Lils home and land is very interesting. They have built a straw bale cottage which they rent out on Air BNB. Please visit following for more details : https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/12090177?guests=1&s=GSXFR-XS This was a practice run for the larger house they planned to build the same way. It involved a lot of physical work and Martyn and Lil have just been to visit a company abroad, who provide already built straw bale walls that are delivered to you. For inspiration check out the following : www.modcell.com/ and a youtube presentation of the panels being put up : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N1h9x8Y3bg Martyn and Lil have also built a small self-contained separate flat they call the piano room in their garden with a living roof and made from Timber. They have very interesting willow fencing sheltering their flower and vegetable beds, which they constructed quite cheaply, with 2 trailer loads of cut Willow for £40 which made 25 metres. They live in a 500 year old cottage surrounded by 5 acres of land , with lovely flower beds with wild flowers, vegetable beds and scenic views. There are Nut copses, Fruit trees, and livestock with Pigs, Rams Sheep and Lambs, also Chickens. It Has everything! Please can you book for this party, as we are providing food. Could you also bring a chair or mat, cutlery and any pizza toppings you like and whatever you drink. We will provide tomato sauce and mozzarella. It would be great if Group Members could bring any home grown Basil, Salad, Fruit and any Homemade Cake also. This would bring a smile. We want to encourage vehicle lift sharing, please let us know if you are willing to give other Norfolk Organic Group Members a shared lift, at the time of booking. To book contact Brigid Hayward publicity@norfolkorganic.org.uk if in south Norwich or Norfolk Please let us know if you think you would be happy to help with preparing the pizzas. We will need volunteers. Please let Brigid know by email. Thank you. |
July 17th 2016Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm |
Visit to Robert Bailey's AllotmentPlot 60 on Bluebell South Allotments, just off The Avenues, Norwich NR4 7DN. 2nd plot on the right adjacent the gate. Norfolk Organic Group direction signs will be displayed. Car Parking is located on The Avenues or George Borrow Road. Refreshments, Tea & Cake. members only Robert's (also known as William) allotment was featured in the November 2015 edition of the "Kitchen Garden" magazine. The allotment has raised beds, using redundant household radiators 20” high. Robert's allotment also features, a large fruit cage containing Gogi berries and a new Scottish super food, Saskatoon’s. Two active wormeries and a pond. |
June 26th 2016Sunday 12.30pm - 4.00pm |
Visit to Bob Flowerdew's GardenHarvey Lodge, Harvey Lane, Dickleburgh, Norfolk IP21 4NL members entry free, plus a guest Always an inspiring visit, for the organic gardener. Members who have never visited, this is a your chance to talk to Bob in person (Norfolk Organic Group, President) and see how he gardens organically, here in Norfolk. |
May 23rd 2016Monday 7:30pm |
"Easy cheap ways to make your home less toxic" Learn about the potential toxic things we inadvertently bring into our homes and gardens and begin to plan your cool green spring clean.Talk by Helen LynnHelen has worked on issues linking health and the environment since 1995. Her work includes, working for the Women’s environmental network, and at EU level with Women in Europe for a common future . Helen is the one of the founders of the No more breast cancer campaign. Helen is also on the Soil Association's Health Products Standards committee. Helen facilitates the Alliance for cancer prevention. Finally, she is working on launching a new cosmetics and environmental initiative called Coolgreen. *Norfolk Organic Group,members, please bring in your spare packets of seeds, to swap, on the evening, heritage seeds, especially welcomed ! Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
February 29th 2016Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General MeetingFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. No charge |
February 13th 2016Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground. 100+ varieties sold by tuber from 16p each. Refreshments, books, tools etc.Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
November 26th 2015Thursday 7.30pm |
"Duff Stuff" or how horticultural experts misinform and mislead usTalk by NOG President, Bob FlowerdewFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £3 entry for non-members |
September 28th 2015Monday 7:30pm |
Cosmic Influences on PlantsTalk by Philip CulleyFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
August 23rd 2015Sunday 1.00pm - 4.00pm |
Visit to John Mott's Garden62 Great Melton Road, Hethersett, Norfolk. NR9 3HA |
July 21st 2015Tuesday 6.30pm |
Visit to FarmShare Norwichguided tour of the FarmShare area, with teas and cakesPostwick Roundabout, off the A47 bypass Directions: http://norwichfarmshare.co.uk/visit/ members £2 entry |
June 28th 2015Sunday 1.00pm - 4.00pm |
Visit to Bob Flowerdew's GardenHarvey Lodge, Harvey Lane, Dickleburgh, Norfolk IP21 4NL members and guests |
May 17th 2015Sunday 2.00pm |
Visit to Jeremy Kent's Smallholdingwith teas and cakesChurch Farm, Arminghall, Norwich NR14 8SG members and guests, free entry |
April 27th 2015Monday 7:30pm |
Hedgehogs - Their History and EcologyTalk by Jillian MacreadyFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
March 30th 2015Monday 7:30pm |
Enclosing Eden - The Story of the Walled Kitchen GardenAn illustrated Talk by Charlotte PhilcoxFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
February 23th 2015Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General Meetingfollowed by a Talk and Discussion on Changes in the Composition and Value of Food, led by Mike HallFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. No charge |
February 14th 2015Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground. 100+ varieties sold by tuber from 16p each. Refreshments, books, tools etc.Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
January 26th 2015Monday 7:30pm |
Weeds and how to Cultivate ThemAn illustrated Talk by Robert Maidstone, professional gardener and naturalistFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
November 27th 2014Thursday 7:30pm |
How to Smell More in the GardenTalk by NOG President Bob FlowerdewFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £3 entry for non-members |
October 27th 2014Monday 7:30pm |
Vegetable Growing in Small SpacesTalk by Pauline Harper, Gardening Expert and Show JudgeFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
September 29th 2014Monday 7:30pm |
Seasonal TopfruitTalk by Robin ParkerFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
September 7th 2014Sunday 11.30am-5.00pm |
Thornage Hall 25th Anniversary FeteCamphill Community biodynamic farm and gardens, Thornage Hall, NR25 7QH Produce, Handicrafts, Entertainments and Refreshments |
August 5th 2014Tuesday Meet at 6.30pm |
Visit to Walnut Tree Farm, Spooner Row, for either 'Herbal Medicines Walk' with Christine Herbert or 'Guided Tour of Smallholding' with Mark NaylorSpooner Row, NR18 9LN small charge of £2, under 16s free |
August 3rd 2014Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm |
Norfolk Smallholders Training Group 8th Annual Show and MarketSheringham Park NR26 8TL entry £5, under 16s free |
July 20th 2014Sunday from 2.00pm |
Visit to 'The Old Rectory', Aslacton,Marilyn and Peter's Smallholding, with Afternoon tea and cake !Aslacton, NR15 2JN by kind invitation of Marilyn and Peter Robinson |
July 6th 2014Sunday 12.00–4.00pm |
Visit to Bob Flowerdew’s GardenHarvey Lodge, Harvey Lane, Dickleburgh, IP21 4NL Members and their guests only; bring membership card or newsletter as proof of membership. Entry: guests £1 |
June 11th 2014Wednesday 6.30pm |
Visit to Raveningham Hall Kitchen GardenRaveningham Hall, Raveningham, NR14 6NS Tour with Head Gardener Carol Clutten Charge £3.50 per head, under 16s free, numbers limited, please book with Mike Hall, 01379 740636 by 8th June |
May 10th 2014Saturday Meet at 10.00am |
Visit and Conducted Tour of Farm and Gardens, Thornage Hall Camphill CommunityThornage Hall, NR25 7QH |
April 28th 2014Monday 7:30pm |
Composting and Care of the SoilTalk by Terry Rands, Organic Smallholder and WriterFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
March 31st 2014Monday 7:30pm |
An Introduction to Biodynamics and the Preparationstalk by Philip Culley, Land Supervisor for the Thornage Camphill CommunityFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
February 24th 2014Monday 7:30pm |
Annual General MeetingFollowed by discussion on what members want from NOGFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Non-members welcome, but cannot vote at AGM. No charge |
January 27th 2014Monday 7:30pm |
Companion PlantsA talk and discussion led by Mike HallFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
February 8th 2014Saturday 9:30am-1:30pm |
East Anglia Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground. 100+ varieties sold by tuber from 15p each. Refreshments, books, tools etc.Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT Entry £1.50 |
November 28th 2013Thursday 7:30pm |
A threat to us all - even more things to worry aboutTalk by our President Bob FlowerdewFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £3 entry for non-members |
October 28th 2013Monday 7:30pm |
Squash it or notIllustrated talk by Robert Maidstone, the professional gardener and naturalistFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
September 30th 2013Monday 7:30pm |
Getting the most from your vegetable plotIllustrated talk by Charlotte PhilcoxFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW £2 entry for non-members |
September 15th 2013Sunday 11am – 5pm |
Wolterton Organic Garden Open DayWolterton Park, Erpingham, NR11 7LY Biodynamic vegetables growing in walled gardens Entry: adults £2, children free; car parking free. Note: NOG members have to pay the entry fee |
August 20th 2013Tuesday 6.30pm |
Visit to Sam Eglington’s market gardenPodmore, NR19 2NY Sam’s market garden supplies organic food to local outlets. Members and their guests only |
July 9th 2013Tuesday 7pm |
Wolterton Organic Garden – guided tour by David BarkerWolterton Park, Erpingham, NR11 7LY Members and their guests only Numbers strictly limited: book with Mike Hall by Saturday 6th July on 01379 740636. Meet 7pm in courtyard Entry: NOG members and their guests £2/person |
June 30th 2013Sunday 12n – 4pm |
Visit to Bob Flowerdew’s GardenHarvey Lodge, Harvey Lane, Dickleburgh, IP21 4NL Members and their guests only; bring membership card or newsletter as proof of membership. Entry: guests £1 |
May 19th 2013Sunday 11am – 5pm |
Wolterton Organic Garden Open DayWolterton Park, Erpingham, NR11 7LY Biodynamic vegetables growing in walled gardens NOG stall with books and advice Entry: adults £2, children free; car parking free. Note: NOG members have to pay the entry fee |
April 29th 2013Monday 7:30pm |
Guarantee your harvest & save our vegetable heritageby Trish Le GalFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW The ‘hungry gap’ (March, April, May) is my very favourite time of year and a real test of feeding ourselves all year round. I’ll be sharing my experiences with heritage seed varieties and why I like them so much. I’ll be bringing with me seedlings to sell ~ a few tomatoes, celeriac, chard, lettuce, cabbages, squash, courgette, broccoli, sprouts, cauli, beans. With trying out several heritage varieties each year, I generally have one or two that thrive in adversity. £2 entry for non members |
April 14th 2013Sunday Noon – 3.00pm |
Visit to Trish le Gal’s allotment in the hungry gapTrish has written a great book about it!Trish will provide refreshments. Northfield lane, Wells. This is a visit for members and guests only, please book for a place and directions by emailing brigid@agcl.com or calling 01508 520532 |
March 25th 2013Monday 7:30pm |
Sustainability in the Post Austerity Ageby Prof. Tim O’Riordan, OBE (UEA & Soil Association)Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Sustainable localism; community-led politics and economics; a three-day working week. These seem off-the-wall now, but they won’t by 2020, let alone 2030. In such a scenario, organics and permaculture would have a huge role to play, as would changing diets to more “meatlessness” and locally produced food. £2 entry for non-members |
Febuary 25th 2013Monday 7:30pm |
Norfolk Organic Group AGM'Norwich FarmShare: Connecting community with food growing on 7 acres. Our story so far.' A talk by Teirney Woods.Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Norwich FarmShare: Connecting community with food growing on 7 acres. 'Our Story So Far'. Members of the social enterprise will share their experience of creating a community-run vegetable growing business. You’ll hear of how it got started, the site and soil, how people have benefited from being on the land and opportunities to get involved. |
Jan 28th 2013Monday 7:30pm |
Successful Potato Growing (And A Chance To Taste 12 Types)A Talk By Julian TurnerFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Potatoes are a huge part of the energy requirement of a typical organic home. Nearly all of us want to grow some of our own, and usually do. Sometimes we can be disappointed by poor results and this talk should give some ideas to avoid pitfalls and keep results satisfying from one year to the next. "A NOG member for the past 28 years, Julian Turner has been organising the regional Potato Day since 1996 offering a real choice for taste." |
Nov 26th 2012Monday 7:30pm |
Wholefood Trading with Organic StandardsA Talk by Richard Austin of Rainbow Wholefoods.Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Richard will talk about his experience of buying and selling organic goods as a wholesaler and retailer: Why buy organic? How has the organic movement and public opinion changed? And what’s it like to work with the Soil Association’s regulations for 36 years? |
Oct 29th 2012Monday 7:30pm |
Soil and Roots – The Key to Growing Good VegetablesA Talk by Sam EglingtonFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Local market gardener Sam Eglington will be talking about the inter relationship of soil roots and micro organisms; how to grow good root crops ; and what you can do in the vegetable garden before winter really takes hold, to get an earlier crop next year. |
Sept 27th 2012Thurs 7:30pm |
Bob Flowerdew Talk: Coping with DroughtFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Cunning ways to make your garden productive and floriferous in the face of adversity and water companies. Including digging wells, installing syphons, free water tanks and other water storage devices. |
August 25th 2012Sat from 12pm |
Visit Trish le Gal's Allotments...All 6 of them, right by the coast! We are going to try to use buses. (£8 return from Norwich) 29 bus to Fakenham. There are trains to Sheringham from Norwich and then the Coasthopper. There's the bus to Fakenham (X29) and then the 29 (and sometimes you stay on the X29) to Wells. Please check buses here. Email Brigid (chair@...) to let have an idea of numbers going. Please be aware that visits to private gardens are for members and guests only. Please bring a newsletter with you. |
August 5th 2012Sun 10am to 4pm |
Norfolk Smallholder's ShowHolt Hall, Kelling Road, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7DU. Please do not use Sat. Nav as it will not find the venue. Please drive to Holt then use the Kelling Road. Members Free. Non members £5. This is a lovely event: small enough to be personal and big enough to be interesting. Great for animals and plants, great for children. This is not one to miss, it the best of living in the countryside. Holt hall is great too, fantastic nature garden, loads to see. |
July 22nd 2012Sun 2:00pm-4:00pm |
Visit to John Mott’s GardenHethersett NR9 3HA We visit John Mott’s garden at Hethersett NR9 3HA. John lives at 62 Great Melton Road, but his entrance is in Melton Clourt. It is a corner plot with a caravan in the drive. Parking can be in any of the roads around. The plot is only 30m x 30m, with a bungalow in the middle. All plots are raised with Link-a-Bord recycled plastic edging and hoops over for protective netting. All plots are irrigated by drip pipes from water butts, which can be replenished from a well if necessary. Collect a plan on arrival, all plots are lettered from A to Z. Please be aware that visits to private gardens are for members and guests only. Please bring a newsletter with you. |
June 24th 2012Sun 12:00pm-4:00pm |
Bob Flowerdew's GardenBob has been there the last few times, and he's always so interesting to talk to. Please be aware that visits to private gardens are for members and guests only. Please bring a newsletter with you. |
May 28th 2012Mon 7:30pm |
Living foods and FermentationFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW With Jo Balfe from The Nectar Cafe. |
May 20th 2012Sun 10:30am-5.30pm |
Wolterton Organic Garden Open DayOne of our favourite places to have a stall. Great place to buy veg. plants and see what David is up to in his biodynamic plot. |
April 30th 2012Mon 7:30pm |
Grow Your Own MedicinesFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW With Christine Herbert. |
March 26th 2012Mon 7:30pm |
The Importance of Worms in the GardenFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Notice the lowly earthworm, squirming away, going about its everyday business. Simple creatures you may think, but they have quite an important use in the garden. Did you know the earthworms are nature’s first gardeners? They don’t exist just for children to eat or fishermen to use as bait. So fascinating that Charles Darwin studied them for over 40 years. Chris Wright from Roots and Shoots – Growing for the Future will be exploring the life and works of the worm. He will also answer questions on wormeries and home composting. |
Feb 27th 2012Mon 7:30pm |
"WILD FRUIT" - What, Why and Where to GrowFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Mark will be talking about fruits which have not been heavily cultivated (such as amelanchier, aronia, rubus and morus species) and as such are not only hugely tasty, but are healthier and much more disease resistant plants than most cultivated fruit plants. He shall also be addressing what is forest gardening and how these "wild fruits" fit into such a garden and the benefits of growing them e.g. the harvest and also the benefits for the garden as a whole such as nitrogen fixing, etc. Finally he will talk about how to use these plants visually in the garden - creating a stunning, edible space. |
Feb 11th 2012Sat 9:30am-1:30pm |
Potato DayMid-Suffolk Showground Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AT East Anglia Potato Day is an annual event run by volunteers, with over 100 different potato varieties on offer - it is an exceptional event, and an occasion you won’t forget! Alan Romans, author of 'The Potato Book’, is coming all the way from Edinburgh with his seeds, potatoes and advice. Chips and mash will be on offer, so you can try different varieties, and a score board will keep track of which are most popular! There will also be stalls offering tools, seeds and seed swaps, and lots of information, as well as some very interesting people to talk to. It’s a very popular day, so don’t miss out! Volunteers needed: If you feel you could volunteer to help, either with setting up the day before, or on the day itself, please email chair@norfolkorganic.org.uk |
Jan 30th 2012Mon 7:30pm |
"Planning for year round vegetable consumption” A talk by the Elliotts of BikewaysFriends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Graham and Nicky, are probably the most organised and efficient people I have ever come across when it comes to being self sufficient. They have brilliant spread sheets that show exactly how thought out the process is for them. I can guarantee most of us don’t get round to planning enough and waste time and energy with space in the ground left bare. This talk could possibly make a huge difference to the amount of produce you get. Check them out www.bikeways.org.uk. |
Nov 24th 2011Thurs 7:30pm |
Bob Flowerdew Talk: 'Tropical Indulgences or Carbon Footprint?'President of the Norfolk Organic Group, Bob Flowerdew, will speak at our forthcoming meeting on Thursday, 24th November (please note the change of day from our usual Monday) at 7.30pm at the Friends' Meeting House in Norwich. |
Nov 19 2011Sat 2pm |
Third Annual Organic Seed SwapThe third annual organic seed swap will be held at 2pm in the Grow Our Own allotment hut. Entrance is free. Grow Our Own is situated on the Bluebell South allotments. The entrance is where 82 The Avenues would be, down a narrow lane immediately after George Borrow Road on the way out of the city. For more information on the venue see grow-our-own.co.uk/. For more information, contact Erik at www.tinyurl.com/contacterik. |
Nov 5 2011Sat 2pm - 5pm |
Elliott's CourseVegetable storage, drying apples, wood as fuel, pruning soft fruit. £12 per session. |
Oct 31 2011Mon 7:30pm Talks |
A talk by Trish le Gal about her book ‘Grow Your Own For The Hungry Gap’Trish’s beautiful new book is full of great advice and covers crop protection over winter, seed saving, growing heritage seeds, storing produce, etc. It’s a personal book covering her experiences with things she has grown illustrated with exceptional photographs. In Trish’s words: ‘I wrote the book because I was fed up with trying to plan for a spring harvest from half a dozen books at a time and coordinate this with the right varieties from the seed catalogues. It was quite difficult to learn that timing was crucial and that you have to plan for space for things to grow slowly over the winter. It is so tempting to fill the allotment up with summer crops that grow quickly and end up with a glut. What surprised me, once I'd started, was to find that there are over 30 vegetables you can eat fresh or stored in March, April and May and around 20 herbs. Why aren't they in the shops? Some of them are, but we by no means reach our potential in this department. Most of them are grown outside, or under a little cover (shade netting, plastic or glass)’. 7.30pm Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Non-members welcome. £1 entrance |
Oct 8 2011Sat 2pm - 5pm |
Elliott's CourseApples, storage, juice and cider-making, chutneys. £12 per session. For more details, see www.bikeways.org.uk or 01502 714661 or email graham@bikeways.org.uk |
Sept 26 2011Mon 7:30pm Talk |
Autumn TalksOur first Autumn talk of this year in which Norfolk Organic Group member Chris Wright will be talking about his project 'Roots and Shoots', a Victorian walled garden where he works with special needs children, teaching them how to garden with wildlife in mind. See visit above for more information. 7.30pm Friends Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW Non-members welcome. £1 entrance. |
Sept 25 2011Sun 10am Visits |
Visit to Roots and Shoots project at Holt HallStarting with a fungay foray with Dr Tony Leech and a fry up of wild mushrooms. Following which, Norfolk Organic Group member Chris Wright will show us around the walled kitchen garden he works on. 10.00am start. Holt Hall, Kelling Road, Holt, NR25 7DU (http://www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/go/rootsandshoots/) |
Sept 18 2011Sun 10:30am - 5pm Events Attended |
Organic Open Garden Day at WoltertonWe will be there with a stall. Tour the biodynamic kitchen garden with grower David Barker. Also, birds of prey, wormery demos, children's corner, pond dipping. Wolterton Hall entry £5, garden only £2. |
Sept 10 2011Sat 2pm - 5pm |
Elliott's CourseWinemaking, seed saving. £12 per session. For more details, see www.bikeways.org.uk or 01502 714661 or email graham@bikeways.org.uk |
j