For 2026-2027, there is a program of visits planned to local gardens taking part in the National Garden Scheme, from May through to September. In the Autumn and Winter months there will be indoor garden talks. Members will need to make their own way to the gardens but car-sharing can be arranged. Contact the group leader if you wish to come on any of these visits so that you are expected. Members only.

Thank you to everyone who came to the garden visits this year, and as we go into the winter here is our list of garden talks and speakers. 

Winter Talks 2026-2027

The venue is Bilton Community Centre, 48 Bilton Lane Harrogate HG1 3DU. The number 2 bus from the bus station stops across the road. 

Cost: £4 on the door. Tea and coffee included.

They will be held on the 3rd Friday of the month 10am to 12 noon.

• 16th October "Crops in Pots". Speaker : Mrs Mary Ellis. Mary is a keen gardener and allotmenteer. She ran her own garden centre for many years. Mary is a trained chef and uses a lot of her home grown ingredients. She will be talking about growing vegetables and cut flowers in containers. 
• 20th November "Winter colour in the garden". Speaker: Nige Eaton. Nige was a garden centre retailer. He worked for the RHS for 22 years. Finally retiring from Harlow Carr. He will be talking about creating winter displays. 
• 18th December Christmas social and gardening quiz. 
• 15th January "Looking after houseplants and orchids" Speaker: Nige Eaton
• 19th February "Growing Primroses, Auriculas and Alpines. Speaker: Jeff Walbank. Jeff has been growing award winning primulas and auriculas for over 40 years. Join us for an entertaining talk and see some of his award winning exhibits. 

U3A NGS GARDENS 2027 PROGRAMME

• TBA

NB Refreshments are available to buy unless stated above. 

Shared transport to be arranged from the Hydro Carpark. Designated driver has cost of entry paid by passengers.