River Gardeners’ Association are offering Members and Non-Members alike an amazing 25% discount on orders from our supplier, Kings Seeds.
How to obtain a Catalogue and Order Form
The Catalogues and forms will be available at the following Events:
Temple Ewell Autumn Show – September 6, 2025 (Temple Ewell Village Hall)
River Autumn Show – September 13, 2025 (River Village Hall)
Seed catalogues can also be obtained before the shows by contacting: [email protected] or call: 07942 345527
Additional Information
Completed Order forms will need to be returned with the money at the latest by: 01 November 2025 at River Gardeners AGM @ 10 AM (River Village Hall)
We are pleased to be offering you a 25% discount off of all orders of seeds. Please note that there is no discount available on any plants, fruit, garlic, mushrooms, potatoes, onion and shallot sets, sundry items or Seed Collections. The cheaper rate band shown in the catalogue is available for Potatoes. Plug plants are not included in the scheme and will incur a one-off carriage charge.
Please include your Name, Address, phone number & Email on the order form, deduct 25% discount off and add £1.65 for packing, and return your order by 01November 2025 with cash or cheque made payable to River Gardeners Association.
Return form to: Chestnut Tree Cottage, Crabble Avenue, River, CT17 0JB or drop off at our AGM / Coffee Afternoon on 01 November 2025.
If you have any queries, call or leave a message on: 07942 345527 or email: [email protected]
The village of River is looking brighter than ever, thanks to a wonderful collaboration between local volunteer group River Gardeners’ Association (RGA) and the River Parish Council. A series of beautiful new planters, brimming with vibrant flowers, have been strategically placed around the village, adding a splash of colour and natural beauty for all to enjoy.
The initiative saw the River Parish Council generously fund the new planters and all necessary materials, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the local environment. The Parish Council is also grateful for the £1298 received from the Kent County Council Members Grant, secured through Councillor David Beaney, which contributed to this project. Complementing this investment, the dedicated volunteers from RGA contributed their invaluable time, expertise, and passion to design and meticulously plant up each container.
The Parish Council have invited RGA members to help to plant up and maintain some new planters that are to be positioned in the village, with a view to making River even more beautiful than it is now. This initiative is exciting because it could contribute to the ‘Dover in Bloom’ project, currently underway.
Some members have already kindly volunteered to help, but we would be grateful for a few more willing gardeners. The planters are going to be placed in the Lewisham Road and Lower Road areas.
If you are interested in participating in this project, even in a small way, please call Sue Vick 07474 810840, email: [email protected]
Mark your calendars for the Spring Show on 29th March. It’s going to be a blooming marvel! 🌸 We’re thrilled to announce that a local grower will be joining us to sell plants, so you can take home some green treasures.
Ever thought about giving showing a shot? It’s a great way to showcase your talents and have some fun! Here are the Classes to dive into:
Photography: Capture the essence of life in various themes. (Classes listed below)
Cookery: Share your delicious home-made treats. (Classes listed below)
Gardening: Display your green thumb with pride.
Crafts: Show off your creative handiwork.
Come join the excitement and see what you can achieve!
📸 Section A: Photography 📸 Open to Members/Non-Members. Only 1 entry in each class per person. Maximum size: 13 x18cm, shown unframed/unmounted.
Classes:
New Life
Monochrome
Arches
Take me home, Country Roads
It’s a Dogs Life
Nightlight
🍰 Section F: Cookery 🍰 Open to Members/Non-Members
Classes:
Decorated Victoria Sponge (use own recipe)
5 Easter Nests (use own recipe)
5 Cheese Straws (use own recipe)
Focaccia Bread (use own recipe, can be topped with rosemary, garlic etc.)
Marmalade – Approx. 500g Jar
Soft Fruit Jam – Approx. 500g Jar
Stone Fruit Jam – Approx. 500g Jar
Lemon or Orange Curd – Approx. 250g Jar
Jar of Jelly – Approx. 250g Jar
Jar of Chutney/Pickle (Matured)
Get ready to showcase your talents and creativity! We can’t wait to see your entries. Here’s to a year full of growth, both in our gardens and our community.
Have you ever wondered what to do with all those packets of seed you have in the drawer, or tin, or other special place you keep your seeds? Perhaps, like me, you got over-excited and bought too many packets of tomato seeds? Or picked up a bargain bundle (which included parsnips that you hate and will never grow)? Certainly, a look in my tin will uncover some seedy secrets of what I’ve over-indulged on, inherited, or even collected myself; way more seed than I can ever grow.
But surely, variety is great! Why not have five varieties of runner bean, and ten of sweet pea? Wait! Weren’t we trying to reduce our seed stashes?! There is another solution: Community Seed Swapping. This amazingly simple phenomenon has been taking place in towns and cities across the globe for many decades now. These events are often put together by local gardening organizations, charities, and keen growers, as a way of getting access to a wide variety of seed, without breaking the bank and ending up with more packets than is possible to grow.
Events like those in Brighton & Hove (the first community seed swap in the UK) are now huge event days with tables filled with heritage seeds & plants, natural health and beauty products, a program of speakers, activities for all ages and interests, and of course, tasty food. But at its heart is always the Community Seed Swap, where everyday gardeners can come and share their glut of seeds and pick up interesting alternatives. This is a great place to find seed which local gardeners have saved from plants which have done well during the year in their gardens and allotments, and which could, over time, adapt to the local growing conditions, creating exceedingly robust plants.
This sort of seed saving also means that there are more varieties of seed to choose from, outside the meagre few dozen registered with seed companies. Seed varieties need to be registered to be sold, and this can cost thousands of pounds, so companies stick to the same old seeds. Some varieties are good, but many older (often tastier), heritage varieties are on the verge of extinction. Swapping, rather than buying, gets around the registration loophole and allows every gardener to partake in some seed ‘piracy’. Saving your own seed can be very rewarding, and there are some great guides out there on how to go about it.
Community Seed Swaps don’t need to be a grand affair. River Gardeners Association are offering a space at their next coffee morning on Saturday 22 February, 10am, for anyone to come along to River Village Hall and donate unwanted (but in date and unopened) packets of seed in exchange for something they do want. If you don’t have any seeds to swap, no problem, just give a small donation for each pack you pick up.
Come along and help keep seed varieties alive and thriving in the hands of the people. What a relief to finally get rid of those parsnip seeds!
Exciting News: The 2025 Show Schedule is Now Available!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Show Schedule for the River Gardeners Association is now available for download on our website, or paper copies are available with a current paid membership for the 2024/2025 season! Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time participant, this schedule is your go-to guide for all the upcoming events and activities.
To obtain a paper copy of the Show Schedule and/or Entry forms, please contact a committee member or email: [email protected] Alternatively, Paper copies are available at all our events. Please note that a current paid up membership for the 2024/2025 season is required to receive a paper copy.
A Year Full of Exciting Events
The 2025 schedule is packed with a diverse range of shows and events designed to celebrate creativity, community spirit, and gardening excellence. From arts and crafts to baking and home-grown produce, there is something for everyone to enjoy and showcase. Here are some highlights you can look forward to:
Spring Show: Kick off the year with a vibrant display of spring blossoms. This is a perfect opportunity for flower enthusiasts to showcase their gardening skills.
Summer Show: Show off your best home-grown vegetables and compete for the title of best in show.
Autumn show: A celebration of the year’s harvest, featuring a variety of fruits, vegetables, and homemade preserves.
How to Download the Schedule
Downloading the 2025 Show Schedule is quick and easy. Simply visit our website at rivergardeners.com and click on the link in the top menu to access the PDF. The schedule is available for free and can be downloaded to your computer or mobile device for convenient access. Or simply click the button below:
To stay updated on all the latest news and information about our events, make sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter. By staying connected, you’ll receive regular updates, reminders, and insider tips on how to make the most of our shows.
The River Gardeners Association is more than just a series of events—it’s a community of passionate gardeners and enthusiasts who come together to share their love of gardening. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, our shows offer the perfect opportunity to connect and grow.
Get Involved
We are always looking for volunteers to help make our events a success. If you have a passion for gardening and want to contribute to our vibrant community, consider volunteering at one of our shows. It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and make a positive impact.
Contact Us
For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Our team is always here to help and provide any assistance you may need.
We look forward to seeing you at our shows and hope you have a fantastic time participating and connecting with fellow gardeners and enthusiasts. Download the schedule today and start planning your year of gardening fun and excitement!
River Autumn Show – 14 September 2024 (River Village Hall)
Seed catalogues can also be obtained before the shows by contacting: [email protected] or call: 07942 345527
Additional Information
Completed Order forms will need to be returned with the money at the Latest by: 02November 2024 at River Gardeners AGM @ 10AM (River Village Hall)
We are pleased to be offering you a 25% discount off of all orders of seeds. Please note that there is no discount available on any plants, fruit, garlic, mushrooms, potatoes, onion and shallot sets, sundry items or Seed Collections. The cheaper rate band shown in the catalogue is available for Potatoes. Plug plants are not included in the scheme and will incur a one-off carriage charge.
Please include your Name, Address, phone number& Email on the order form, deduct 25% discount off and add £1.65 for packing, and return your order by 02November 2024 with cash or cheque made payable to River Gardeners Association.
Return form to Chestnut Tree Cottage, Crabble Avenue, River, CT17 0JB or drop off at our AGM / Coffee Afternoon on 02 November 2024
If you have any queries, call or leave a message on: 07942 345527or email: [email protected]
While our name might evoke images of trowels and topiaries, we at River Gardeners are so much more than a gardening club. We’re a vibrant, all-encompassing community hub that thrives on bringing people together through a trio of annual village shows. These events are a celebration of creativity and community spirit, featuring an array of arts, baking, crafts, and hobbies, alongside a bounty of home-grown produce, vegetables, and flowers.
Our mission is to inspire participation from individuals of all ages. Whether it’s a sketch, a snapshot, a handcrafted item, or a culinary creation, we welcome contributions that reflect the diverse talents of our village and its neighbouring villages.
River Gardeners is synonymous with friendliness and inclusivity. Beyond our shows, we host an assortment of gatherings – from quiz nights to live music evenings – designed to unite our community and support the continuity of our cherished events. Participation in our shows is a breeze, with no membership required. Details are readily available on our website: rivergardeners.com We invite you to explore what we have to offer, join us on a show day to either exhibit your work or simply to revel in the local talent. And don’t miss out on our delightful array of home-made cakes, available for purchase, along with tea and coffee served at unbeatable prices.
As we continue to grow, we’re on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to help orchestrate our show days and major events. There’s also an opportunity to play a pivotal role in our community as a member of our committee. If you’re drawn to making a difference and fostering community spirit, reach out to us at [email protected].
Our passion for nurturing community events is boundless, but to flourish, we rely on your support and involvement. Join us in this communal journey of celebration, creativity, and connection.
Our next event is our Summer Show on Saturday 6th July, see our website for more details: rivergardeners.com
We will be hosting our Annual Quiz on Saturday 27th July, 7pm for 7.30pm. Teams of up to 8 welcome at a cost of £3 per head, bring your own food and drink and there will be a Raffle. The quiz is to raise money for a local school/club/charity and the winning team can choose the destination of the donation. With our unique scoring system nobody knows until after the last round which team has won, keeping every team interested right up to the very end. Come and join us for a fun evening. Tickets available from https://rivergardeners.com/event/quiz
We hope you had a wonderful start to the new year and are looking forward to the upcoming gardening season. We have some exciting events planned for you in the next few months, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Christmas Party Success!
We want to thank everyone who attended our Christmas Party last December. It was a great success, with over 60 members and guests enjoying a festive feast, Mini quiz, live music, and Dancing.
We hope to see you soon at our events and wish you all the best for your gardening endeavours. Happy gardening
Spring Show 2024
Firstly, we are thrilled to announce our Spring Show on 23 March 2024, where you can showcase your beautiful blooms and compete for prizes in various categories. The show will take place at the River Village Hall, admission is free for all.
Timetable: 9:00 to 10:45am – Bring your entries and set them up. 11:00am – The judges will start their work 2:00pm – The show is open to the public. 03:30 – 4:00pm (Estimated) – Awards ceremony, auction, raffle.
You can find more details and complete the entry form on our website: rivergardeners.com/event/spring-show
Relaunch of the River Photography Competition!
We are launching our FREE annual Photography Competition for 2024, the competition runs throughout the year with 3 separate shows to show-case your work.
There are a number of categories to choose from (you can enter as many categories as you like) for the first show:
1. Frost
2. Reflections
3. Human Form
4. Light and Shadow
5. Nostalgia
6. Up in the Air
The Show dates are as follows (entry’s to be received by Wednesday before each show)
Secondly, we invite you to join us for a fun and friendly Quiz Night on 13 April 2024, where you can test your General Knowledge and trivia. The quiz will be held at the River Village Hall from 7 pm to 10 pm, and tickets are £3 per person, with teams of up to eight. It’s an American Supper Style evening, so bring your own food & drinks.
Wow, what a year it has been for the RGA! We are so grateful for all the support and participation we have received from our members and the community. Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights of 2023 and get ready for an even more exciting 2024!
We had a blast at our all of our Shows, where we saw some amazing entries from local gardeners and artists. We were especially delighted to have Abbey Pre-school join us and display their creative work. Their art was a hit with the visitors and added a lot of charm to the shows. If you are part of a local club or group and want to showcase your talents, don’t hesitate to contact our Show Secretary at [email protected]. We would love to have you on board and help you get more exposure in the community.
We also had a lot of fun at our charity quiz in April, where we raised £100 for the Dover RNLI. Thank you to everyone who came and tested their knowledge. The quiz will be back in 2024, so get ready to challenge your friends and family and win some prizes!
AGM
Our AGM was held on 28 October, along with a coffee morning. It was a great opportunity for our members to catch up, learn about the club’s activities and plans, and welcome some new faces to the committee. We are thrilled to have a new Treasurer and a new committee member join us. They bring a lot of enthusiasm and expertise to the team.
The RGA is always open to new members, whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out. We offer a friendly and supportive environment where you can learn, share, and enjoy gardening with like-minded people. Membership is only £2.50 per year, and it gives you access to all our events and benefits. If you haven’t renewed your membership yet, please do so as soon as possible. You can renew at any of our events.
Christmas Party: December 9, 19:00, River Village Hall
Speaking of events, we have one more coming up this year: our Christmas Party!
https://rivergardeners.com/event/christmas-party
This is going to be a fabulous night of food, drinks, live music, and dancing. We have some talented musicians lined up for you: Hannah Estelle, Anje Howie, and Megan Bannister. They will keep you entertained and get you in the festive mood. Tickets are only £6.50 per person, and they are selling fast. You can buy them online at here. You can book a table of up to eight people and bring your own food and drink. We will also provide a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on entry.
We hope to see you there and celebrate the end of a wonderful year with you. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our events in 2024:
Coffee Morning: 17 February 2024
Spring Show: 23 March 2024
Quiz: 13 April 2024
Subscribe to our Events Calendar, and never miss an event again – here.
Thank you for being part of our club and making it such a success. We wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
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