Gardeners' Question Time – A Spring Gathering with CHAS
Balcony gardeners to veteran allotment holders welcome at the Duck and Ball
Mark Wasilewski and Karen Liebreich are two members of the panel
April 3, 2026
The Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society (CHAS), one of West London’s longest‑standing volunteer‑led gardening organisations, is preparing to welcome residents for a lively Spring edition of Gardeners’ Question Time.
CHAS aims to support local growers, protect allotment culture, and promote horticultural education by running shows, workshops, seed swaps, and seasonal events that bring together everyone from balcony gardeners to veteran allotment holders.
This year’s Question Time continues that tradition of practical, good‑humoured expertise. The event takes place on Saturday 11 April at 2:30pm, hosted in the marquee at the Duck & Ball on Riverside Drive, a setting that has become a familiar hub for CHAS gatherings. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 2pm to settle in, enjoy refreshments, and meet fellow gardeners.
The panel brings together three respected voices in London’s horticultural world and includes Karen Liebreich MBE, founder of Abundance London, known for her work at Chiswick House Kitchen Garden and as a founding director of the Chiswick Flower Market as well as Mark Wasilewski LVO, a leading figure in the Royal Parks and a judge for the London Garden Society and Dennis Flaherty, current Allotment Secretary and former Chair of CHAS.
Tickets are £10, or £5 for CHAS members, with proceeds supporting charitable causes. Food and drink will be available before and after the session, making it as much a social afternoon as an educational one. With limited capacity, early booking is encouraged.
Since its foundation in 1915 as the Chiswick Allotment Holders Association, CHAS has promoted the art, science and practice of horticulture. To express your interest or learn more about any of these roles, email chair@growchiswick.org.
The Society is entirely run by volunteers from the committee to the Trading Centre.
It provides its members with free advice, seeds, bulbs, fertiliser, compost and tools at a lower cost than commercial garden centres and organises shows, talks, tours and events throughout the year.
Membership of the Society is open to everyone, whether they have an allotment, garden or window box.
CHAS holds two shows a year where novices or seasoned gardeners young or old are encouraged to exhibit a range of produce, including their flowers, vegetables, fruit, cakes, chutneys and photos.
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