Gardening and Nature Group
Next Event: Saturday, 13th June
A visit to Jardin Intérieur à Ciel Ouvert (61)
This is not a big garden and will take between one and two hours to complete. But it is unusual and interesting, in a modern French sort of way. Please click here for a link to the garden.
Car sharing: This garden is north of Flers. If anyone would like a lift from Stephen’s house in Bagnoles, he will have three seats available in his car. If interested, please email Stephen directly at stephen.bostock@outlook.com.
July’s Event: Saturday, 11th July
A visit to Parc Botanique de Haute Bretagne (Le Châtelier, Fougères) (35)
This is a big garden and needs a full day; it’s open from 10.30 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. There is a restaurant and a tea room available. If the weather is fine, some of us will take a picnic lunch. Please click here for a link to the garden.
Car sharing: If anyone would like a lift from Stephen’s house in Bagnoles, he will have three seats available in his car. If interested, please email Stephen directly at stephen.bostock@outlook.com. The return trip will arrive in Bagnoles by about 6.00 p.m.
General Information
This group is open to all, and where possible activities and discussions will be supported in both English and French, to help make sessions as inclusive as possible.
Non-members are very welcome to attend for a trial session. If you’d like to continue, you’ll then be invited to join the association. We look forward to seeing you there!
EuroMayenne members can be added to an emailing list for the Group to be informed of events. Please email Stephen Bostock (details below) if you would like to be added to the list.
If you would like to accept a visit by the EM Gardening and Nature Group, please volunteer by sending an email to Stephen Bostock (details below).
There is no charge for our indoor meetings but donations are invited for refreshments.
Gardening and Nature Group Contacts
| Contact | Telephone | |
| Stephen Bostock | stephen.bostock@outlook.com | 02 33 66 93 11 |
Plans for the 2025/26 Year
| Date | Venue / Time | Topic(s) |
| September | No meeting. | – |
| 10 October | La Visitation, Mayenne. | Success, Failures / Wild flora of the Mayenne. |
| November | No meeting. | – |
| December | No meeting. | – |
| January | No meeting. | – |
| 13 February | La Visitation, Mayenne. (2.30 to 4.30 p.m.) | Asian hornets / Garden tools. |
| 13 March | La Visitation, Mayenne. (2.30 to 4.30 p.m.) | Talk on garden reptiles and amphibians. Companion planting and composting. |
| 25 April | Stephen and Julia’s garden, Normandie. (From 2.00 p.m.) | Plant Swap and afternoon tea. (Please see above for more details.) |
| 5 May | A visit to Coteau de Mesnil-Soleil, near Falaise (14). | A slow walk looking at plants. |
| 13 June | A visit to Jardin Intérieur à Ciel Ouvert (61). | Garden visit. |
| 11 July | A visit to Parc Botanique de Haute Bretagne (Le Châtelier, Fougères) (35) | Garden visit. |
| August | No meeting. | – |
Details of Open Garden Days for your diary to follow when available
Full details are on the scheme’s website: https://www.opengardens.eu/index.php
There is a small cost for the charity – normally 5 €.
Online Gardening Resources
If anyone is interested, the BBC Gardeners’ World Programme has a good website. The BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine also has a good website. Among other things, this website provides free access to a ‘What to do now’ section, which provides a week-by-week breakdown of things to do for fruit, flowers, veg, in the greenhouse and in the garden in general. There is also a ‘How to …’ section.
For gardening equipment you might want to check this Buyer’s Guide, which not only shows you the best possible tools for your garden but also some very helpful tips!
Comprehensive advice on gardening (in English) is available from the Royal Horticultural Society.
