And so we reach meteorological Autumn

 Presentation

Joy Van Rensburg of the Canals and River Trust, Yorkshire and North East areas gave us an interesting insight into the history, workings and scope of the 2000 miles of navigable waterways.  We learnt how blacksmiths were sited along the route to shoe the horses used to pull the barges and how, today, the importance of these waterways in providing activities for people and boats as well as the projects undertaken by volunteers and their role preserving wildlife.  We also heard of the effects of  storms and droughts.

Maybe we won’t be kayaking or paddle boating anytime soon, but the website does give details of towpath walks and bat walks.

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

Display Table

The following are plants brought from the gardens of our members:

Margaret H’s Astrantias

Ann brought Arum italicum mormoratum with its bright red berries, Liriope muscari, Colchicum autumnale (distinguishable by its 6 stamens whereas Autumn Crocus has 3) Colchicum agrippinum, Scilla autumnalis, Acis (Leucojum) autumnalis.

Ann also brought Water Ferns – the half hardy salvinia natans and Azolla filiculoides which overwinters as resting buds.  Invasive so take care they don’t end up in the waterways!

Ann has counted more than 20 goldfinches in her garden attracted by the sunflower hearts in her feeders.

Gill J is delighted with her orchid.  The first time she has got one to reflower

Liz brought Anemone Frilly Knickers, Persicaria Black Field, Gaura, the bright pink Clematis Giselle, Verbena hastata, Achillea Cloth of Gold, Aster Monch, Scabious, Thunbergia, Clematis Mrs Cholmondeley, Geranium Rozanne, Althaea cannabina

Carol brought Rudbeckia and  Argyranthemum Jamaica Primrose

Peter brought Fuchsias:  Vibrant Thalia and pink Jasper’s Lightning

Sue G’s ornamental Chicory, Catananche, Campanula Pritchards, Kniphofia Popsicle, Asters Monch and Rudolf Goethe, Crocosmia River Limpopo, Verbena bonariensis brought

Judith brought Althaea cannabina, Miscanthus malepartus which is 6 ft high and Salvia Amistad

Kate brought Helianthus Lemon Queen, Heleniums meranti, autumnale and sahins early flower Rudbeckias Goldsturm and deamii

Garden Matters 

York Gate Garden is displaying stunning Autumn colour plus Jack Ogg’s tropical garden is looking good.  Luckily they have their own bore hole to access water.  Remember that you can use café and plant sales without paying entrance fee.

 Paxton Autumn Show is on Saturday 1st October.  More details to follow.

Next Meeting 

Next meeting on 16^th September is a forum about drought.  We would appreciate your input about drought resistant plants, your plans going forward, watering regimes etc.  Examples of plants that did well or badly especially welcome. 

Solutions not problems

Talk

A well-illustrated talk by Brian Dennison based on his own garden, entitled “New year, new plants, new ideas” certainly lived up to the topic.  

Brian came to horticulture relatively late.  However, his technical background held him in good stead when, with no gardening knowledge to speak of, he had to get to grips with the garden at his new house in the ‘60s.  Where others would find problems, Brian found solutions and we all took away some useful tips from his interesting presentation as well as a printed list of the plants discussed. 

Display Table

Peter’s Mimosa with some buds nibbled away by an unidentified bug (which he brought along in a sealed bag)

Carol’s attractive succulent Echeveria Painted Lady

Carol’s Nandina domestica with an everlasting Sweet Pea which has finally flowered after 15 years

Ann brought Zauschneria californica, Cyclamen hederifolium, Scilla autumnalis and Gentian

Judith stunning vase contained Senna, two Coleus, Dahlia (Flaxton?) and Verbena bonariensis

Gardening Matters

Cookridge Flower and Produce Show is always a good event.  It’s on Saturday 10^th September 2.00 – 4.15 at the Methodist Church Hall, Tinshill Road, Cookridge.  For more information phone 0113 2671858 or visit their website www.cookridgegardenclub.co.uk

Next Meeting

September 2^nd Presentation – Canal and River Trust, Yorkshire and North East

The Flowers and Gardens of Barbados

Talk

Hilary Hutson gave a fascinating presentation on the flowers and gardens of Barbados.

 

Her illustrated talk included the history, geography and culture of the island which, unlike the other volcanic islands of the West Indies, is made of coral and soil had to be imported. We saw photos of the beautiful flowers and trees in gardens from the little Chattel Houses to the huge Old Plantation Houses. We learnt that National Trust members can use their cards to visit Barbados National Trust properties.

 Display Table

Ann’s Allium Carinatum (Keeled Garlic) which is a pretty colour but very invasive 

Ann’s vase contains Houttuynia Cordata, Ceratostigma Willmottianum Desert Skies, the dramatic black grass Ophiopgon planiscapus nigrescens and a smaller Agapanthus Windlebrooke from a visit to Beth Chatto’s garden 

Kate brought Phlox paniculata in various colours: The King, Franz Schubert, Flame Purple, Monica Lynden-Bell and Blue Paradise 

Maggie brought a bouquet of blue: Ceratostigma Willmottianum, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, the scented, shrubby Clematis Cassandra and the sea holly, Eryngium amesthystinum 

Peter’s Datura noxia which he bought as a small plant from the Friday Forum sales table 

Next Meeting 19th August - a talk by Brian Dennison

Garden Visits July 2022

Friday Forum members were fortunate to be able to visit two gardens in North Leeds.   These were advertised to us as small gardens but they were large in performance.  Both gardens were attractively laid out, well maintained and full of interesting plants, garden ornaments and sculptures.  We all found ideas and tips and added to our plants-to-buy lists.  Thanks go to Bridget and Janet for a very enjoyable afternoon which finished with tea and delicious cakes.  Donations were made to the Alzheimer's Society.

Bridget's Garden

Lots of colourful hanging baskets

Afternoon tea was taken in the Summer House

Janet's Garden

Front garden

Colourful baskets and pots

Janet 

Janet's She Shed

Next meeting:  5^th August.  Hilary Hutson is giving a presentation on Flowers and Gardens of Barbados