Members of the local community are invited to enjoy two gardening talks taking place at an over-55s independent-living village in Sherborne. 

Platinum Skies’ Sherborne community, based at the top of the A30 and Horsecastles Lane, will be welcoming Alan Down on Monday 14 March at 11am to speak to homeowners and the local community. Alan, who owned and ran a successful garden centre for 35 years and has more than 50 years of gardening experience, will be speaking about container gardening during the talk, as well as passing on his top tips for getting the garden ready for the spring season. 

Jane Moore, who has been a guest presenter on BBC Gardeners’ World and has previously won a silver medal for a small garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will be speaking about planting for butterflies on Monday 11th April at 11am. Booking in advance is essential for the talks which have limited places available.

The Sherborne community comprises of a range of brand new, purpose-built apartments and houses available for purchase which benefit from a range of communal facilities including a bistro, bar, homeowners’ lounge, treatment room, and activity room. Sherborne also has two dedicated Community Managers who organise fun activities such as wine tasting workshops, talks, live music, yoga, coffee mornings, quizzes, and crafts, as well as providing practical and emotional support to the community’s homeowners.

Laura Warwick, Community Director at Platinum Skies, said: “One thing that many of our homeowners have in common is that they experience great joy being outdoors and love all of the wildlife that comes to visit the gardens in our community. We thought that arranging these talks would be the perfect way for our community to join together for some interesting conversations about making the most of the gardens and balconies that they have while planning for the spring season.

“The first homeowners moved into the houses within the Sherborne community last year, with their neighbours moving into their new apartments just before Christmas. Together they have formed a social focus group to discuss activities and events for the year ahead, which includes organising a street party to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.”

For more information about looking around the Sherborne community and to book a place at one of the talks, call the Platinum Skies team on 01202 040996.