For nearly 90 years Newton-le-Willows Gardeners' Association has been working for the benefits of local gardeners with a membership of about 650 in and around Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, in the United Kingdom. The main attraction for members is our shop on the Rob Lane Allotments site in Newton (generally known as the "Sales Hut") where composts, fertilizers, and many other gardening requisites can be purchased at very competitive prices.
We also hold a Flower & Vegetable Show in September each year and there are monthly lectures or demonstrations on a variety of horticultural topics. Coach trips are arranged to major flower shows, stately homes, famous gardens, or other places of interest.
Members receive two newsletters each year and the annual membership fee is:
£3, or £2 for the over 60s.
Our origins are uncertain, but the general belief is that it probably all started with the formation of an Allotments Association during the First World War. More information about the early days and pictures on our "Archives" page.
Membership
We are always pleased to
welcome new members.
for membership application form
If you are already a member and would like to receive your newsletters by email and /or subscribe to our mailing list of forthcoming events/offers etc.
Please sign our guest book before you leave
Number of visits to our site
For full calendar of evening talks, coach trips and shows planned by the NLWGA for 2012
RHS Advice
April 2012
Growing Leeks
The leek is a member of the onion family, but easier to grow than the onion. Although the leek is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, they grow best on a moist, light soil that has been heavily manured from a previous crop. The ideal soil is high in organic matter and have a ph of around 7.Freshly manured soil is not suitable, because leeks grown in very rich soil will be coarse and tough and with far too much leaf growth. If the soil is in need of organic matter, it is best to dig in well rotted garden compost. <READ MORE>
March 2012
How to Grow Gooseberry Bushes
An ideal fruit for the small garden - gooseberry bushes are easy to grow, produce a large amount of fruit for their size and will tolerate partial shade conditions. They are self-fertile, so one bush can be grown on its own. Gooseberry bushes are also well able to withstand harsher conditions (both temperature and wind) than many other fruits. This makes them a good choice for cooler areas. <Read More>
New Additions
The Royal Horticultural Society to which the NLWGA is affiliated, is seeking closer links with associations like ours, were they are able to provide solutions to gardening problems that many of us amateur gardeners cannot.
Forthcoming Events
Plant Hunters’ Fairs (2012) make the perfect day out for all garden lovers, they organise great garden events in your local area and beyond offering great value days out for organised groups or for individual members to visit.
Each of our fairs is hosted by a great garden or countryside venue. In most cases there is free entry to the plant fair or reduced entry prices to the garden with the fair included. Some events offer free guided tours by the head gardener, free gardening talks, garden problem clinics and much more.
Every fair features some of the most highly respected nurseries around, including RHS medallists, National Collection Holders and small specialist growers. Pre-booking is only normally necessary if you decide to come as a coach party; you can contact the venue direct to make arrangements. For further details for events during 2012 <click here>
Gardeners often develop into good cooks as they look to find different ways to use the produce they grow either outside there own back door or on the allotment. Have a look through or recipes section were you may find some different ideas .
Recipes
Hut Helper Do - Friday 11th May 2012
We had hoped for a warmer evening by postponing the hut helpers do for its usual December slot until May but this year it was not to be. Still all had a good evening with a warming hot pot supper and it was a big thank you to all who help out with the various activities of the association through the year.
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Alnwick Gardens & Beamish - 13th/14th May 2012
Our overnight trip this year took us to the beautiful Alnwick Gardens in Northumbria were the weather was rather bracing for May but still very enjoyable. After an overnight stay near Newcastle we were able to spend a full day exploring the many exhibits at the Beamish open air museum.
