Unearth gardening at Godalming Library

Karen Neville

A new exhibition at Godalming Library is exploring the transformative power of gardening as Laura Bridger tells us with Unearthed

In May Godalming Library will be hosting an exhibition from the British Library Living Knowledge Network called Unearthed, which focuses on gardens, plants and community sustainability.  

Unearthed, which runs from May 1st to 31st before moving on for a tour around Surrey libraries, is an exhibition exploring the transformative power of gardening, tracing personal stories alongside global histories. It celebrates gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and connection. From the people who have fought for the right and space to garden to the stories of the plants we use for food and medicine, discover how gardening has shaped our lives, our communities, and our planet.  

Alongside the exhibition there will be several events happening at Godalming Library throughout the month of May, with a focus on plants and gardening starting with a launch event on the evening of Thursday, 1st May.  

Throughout the month we will be operating a seed swap at the library so please pop in and have a look. If you have seeds to donate, please make sure they are labelled clearly. 

Godalming Library will be hosting a series of gardening talks. These include the following: 

• A talk on Ecological Gardens by local charity What Next? on Wednesday, 7th May at 3pm 

• A talk by the co-founder of Green Hub project on the benefits of gardening for teenagers’ mental wellbeing on Tuesday, 13th May at 6pm 

• A talk on the Winkworth Arboretum on Wednesday, 14th May at 2.30pm 

• A talk on Munstead Wood and Gertrude Jekyll on Tuesday, 20th May at 4pm 

Local author/illustrator Susie Darnton will be running a botanical drawing workshop on two dates in May. These events are suitable for adults or children aged 9+ and will take place on Saturday 17th and Tuesday, 27th May at 10am. All materials will be provided in this beginner friendly, mixed age workshop, where you can learn how to draw various flowers. 

There will also be some activities for children running at the library. We will have green themed storytimes every Wednesday in May at 11am with a special storytime and craft session on Wednesday, 28th May for half term. There will be some craft sessions including making cress heads and paper flowers and a Create a miniature garden on a dinner plate competition. 

l For a full list of events and activities happening at Godalming Library, their details, and how to book, please visit our website: tinyurl.com/golibevents