COGS members are invited to visit two gardens in Church Norton near Selsey.

Parking is very limited so please share cars where possible. To find us take the B2145 towards Selsey. Turn left to Church Norton (Rectory Lane) and then take the first right into Grange Lane and continue for about 1/2 mile. At the time of writing there is no road sign for Grange Lane, so look out for the COGS signs.

Tea & cakes in aid of COGS funds.

Susan Maguire's garden at Fieldings, Grange Lane, Church Norton, PO20 9DS

Fully organic one acre plot with a no dig vegetable garden, fruit cage, greenhouses, pond, wild garden and mature shrubs, roses and perennials.

Pat & Colin Evans' garden at White Gates, Grange Lane, Church Norton PO20 9DS.

1/3 acre plot with a small greenhouse and a fruit cage, some mature and several newly planted beds and one currently being converted from the old vegetable beds. Also 1 acre 'wild-ish' area comprising native trees, a tiny orchard and a new vegetable garden with raised beds surrounded by a willow fedge.

COGS members have been invited to an informal visit to Ted and Pam Osborne's eco house at Hunston (on the way to Church Norton). They will show us round their home and explain the renovations they have done.

1.00 pm for approx 30 mins. Numbers limited. (Please call Vee 07789 013472 to reserve a place )

The Birches, 19 Selsey Road, Sidlesham, PO20 7NF.

A chance to see the 1 acre garden Monica talked about in September last year. Her garden is full of plants to attract honey bees and butterflies and has a large herbaceous border and she employs a colour co-ordinated planting.. Monica will be selling plants and honey for us to buy.

6.45pm for 7.00pm start. £2.00 donation for W Sussex Snowdrop Trust

Chidham Lane,Chidham,Chichester,West Sussex, PO18 8TD We are delighted to have organised a private visit to these lovely local gardens. First opened in 1935, the garden underwent a large refurbishment several years ago and has several new features. Set in 33 acres the 60 foot herbaceous border has been replanted this year, a rose garden which should be in full flower, a white garden, 3orchards which contain 110 different varieties of apples, woodland area, a 5 acre Pond (Yes 5 acres!) which has varieties of grasses and dogwood planted around some of the perimeter. We will be shown round the gardens by one of the gardeners.

2.15 for 2.30 pm start Cost £2.30

First indoor meeting of Autumn season

Chris Howkins is a well known Ethnobotanist, Writer, Publisher and Illustrator and has researched information on the use of plants in Britain for over forty years, so his database is now reckoned to be the third largest on the subject in the country. It includes material on both practical and ritual usages: from the sacred plants of ancient religions through to the Ivy and Mistletoe at Christmas and for the practical uses, everything from food and medicine, furniture and dozens of everyday commodities.

Chris will talk to us about our EARLY SAXON ancestors' relationship with the land of West Sussex and how the intervening years have changed our perception and relationship with crops and gardening practices...

Selsey's best-kept secret is about to be unearthed - eighteen stunning gardens will be opening for the first time on Sunday 30th May 2010!

From cottage and organic gardens creating havens for wildlife to those enjoying spectacular sea views - there's something of interest for everyone. Teas and plants will be on sale.

Fund raising for Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group and St Wilfrid's Hospice. Tickets and programmes, £5.00 per adult, under 12s free (must be accompanied by an adult) will be on sale from 2nd April 2010 at Selsey Off Licence; The Fudge Shop; Selsey Cards & Gifts; The Selsey Florist; The Fruit Basket, East Beach; Manor Nurseries, Pagham Rd, Runcton; Russells Garden Centre, Main Road, Birdham, Wyevale Garden Centre, Bognor Road, Merston and Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, Comptons Farm Shop and participating gardens on the day.

A ticket to the event would make a perfect Easter gift for garden lovers.

For more information the Fundraising Team contacts are Ann 01243 606899, Eileen 01243 602982 or Margaret 07763 209039