March on!

Talk on Spring and Autumn in Japan by Ian Richardson

 Ian's visits to Japan and his hobbies of photography and chrysanthemums makes him the ideal person to give an illustrated talk on Japan

Ian transported us to another world of white, pink and red cherry blossom, quince, acers in two seasons of every colour and multicoloured, gravel gardens and moss gardens in their settings of lakes, temples linked by bridges and parks.  The reflection of the landscape in the water gave a feeling of serenity.

Please note that the photographs shown below are not by Ian Richardson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We saw densely planted bamboo forests.  The bamboo was long and strong enough to be used in the construction industry. We also saw golden carpets where the leaves of the Ginko trees had dropped.

The practice of Bonsai was in evidence.  This is the art of shaping trees using wire and rope and much patience and is not confined to the miniature specimens we tend to think of as Bonsai.

Ian visited flower shows for chrysanthemums and we saw photographs of 1000 blooms on one stem!  Figures outside temples are dressed in hundreds of chrysanthemums which are renewed regularly.

We also learnt of the culture of Japan accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Ian.  We saw examples of snacks of a fish on a stick and heard that battered and fried acer leaves are served for breakfast. 

Ian had produced spectacular albums of his photographs; one for Spring and one for Autumn.

Display Table

 Sue's Hellebores and Ann's Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns', recommended as a good doer

 Margaret's hardy cyclamen coum

 Spring in a pot. 



 Any ideas?   This is kapok from the kapok or Java cotton tree which Norma brought from Costa Rica

Gill's examples of Spring flowers from her garden.

 

Peter impressed us with his display of art work.  My favourite was the potting shed.

Notice Board

The Paxton Open Spring Show will take place on 5^th April.  Pick up a leaflet or look on Paxton’s main site.

Friday Forum’s mini show will be the day before.  Donations of tombola prizes will be appreciated.

For our yellow flower display to celebrate the Tour de France in July, there are seeds available for members to sow and grow   For more ideas of yellow flowers see http://letour.yorkshire.com/documents/tdf/rhs/RHSTurningYorkshireYellow.pdf  If anyone any creative ideas on how to display our yellow blooms in front of Paxton Hall, please come forward.

Paxton Plant Market is on Saturday 31^st May.   Please consider planting and growing on for the sales table and, if you can help on the day from 10 am, this would be appreciated.

Dates for your diary

Next meeting

21^st April – Plant Propagation with Mike Davey

Friends of Paxton are meeting Monday 7^th April from Midday.  An hour or two or your time to help maintain the premises are always welcome.  If another date is more suitable for you, please let us know.  In June, there will be a Dig In at Paxton Garden; date TBA.

Friday Forum meetings are 1.30pm on 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at Paxton Hall, Paxton Horticultural Society, 186 Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS5 2AB.   Meetings may be hands-on sessions, guest speakers or garden visits. Regular features are the Display Table where members can bring their plants for discussion and advice and the Sales Table where members sell their plants, cuttings and produce to help the club funds.  For further information log on to https://sites.google.com/site/paxtonhorticulturalsocietycouk/Home