"Even the harshest winter cannot suppress the strength of a snowdrop” Anon

 

Sue Gray

Sue Gray gave us a delightful presentation on Snowdrops and Winter Gardens, peppered with interesting facts and amusing anecdotes, which was well received on a dull and damp day. We learnt that the snowdrop is not a native plant but arrived here in the 1500s. Initially a plant for the wealthy, there are thousands of species, some of which can cost over £1000 each. There are different flowering times for snowdrops which range from October to April and we were shown illustrations of various gardens to see how they can be planted with Cornus, Nandina, aconites and cyclamen to great effect.

Display Table

 Kate’s Clematis urophylla Winter Beauty

 Kate’s vase contains Galanthus: S. Arnott woronowii and nivalis flore pleno, hellebore, foliage of Bergenia and Arum italicum marmoratum

 Wendy brought Hellebore, Uncinia rubra Everflame, Euphorbia rigida, the fragrant Daphne Jacqueline Postill and Lonicera fragrantissima

Next meeting:

20th February: Presentation - Sarah Owen-Hughes on Plants and Medicine.

“In January, we plant seeds of hope that bloom throughout the year.” Anon

Peter Spedding gave us an interesting presentation on Meanwood Park, familiar to quite a few of our members. Some of the illustration had sound tracks of birds, running water and even a brass band! Peter first discovered the park in 1983 when working in Leeds and looking for somewhere to have a picnic.

We learnt of the history of the park and the families who owned it before it was acquired by Leeds City Council in 1954. In 1792 Edward Oates, a relative of Captain Oates of Antarctic fame bought the land, including the original hall which no longer exists, Meanwood Beck runs through the centre of the park and its various weirs, ponds and bridges as well as the many trees add interest. Today the park has a cafe and is used for a wide range of activities for example walking, running, playing tennis and even Tai Chi. Local schools and football clubs also make use of the large. green spaces although the surfaces are not all flat.

Display Table

 Judith brought this fabulous Amaryllis called River Dance

Sue’s vase contained Cornus ( cornus alba elegantissima and Midwinter Fire) Narcissus tete-a-tete, Nandina, Hamamelis (Diane and Levis which are very similar), Viburnum Tinus, sarcococca, Winter Honeysuckle and the fragrant Daphne “Jacqueline Postill”

 Ann’s display in the pot received as a Christmas gift contained Viburnum tinus, Hamamelis mollis, coum, Galanthus nivalis, Narcissus tete-a-tete, Cyclamen erifiosa, Iris unguicularis, Jasminium nudiflorum, Hellebore “Ashwood”, Vinca minor and Clematis “Freckles”

Marjorie brought this Amaryllis 

 Amanda brought her first flowering Snowdrop

 Kate’s Hamamelis “Arnold promise”

  

Peter brought leaflets for coach tours which include garden centres and offers local pickups. 

Next Meeting

6th February: Forum - Sue Gray to talk on Snowdrops and Winter Gardens

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – Meredith Willson

Friday Forum Christmas Party 

A good time was had by all! 

 The winning team with their prizes of the quiz organised by Dorothy

  

 

 Crafting workshop by Peter

Crafting workshop organised by Peter


Norma set up this table for Winter Solstice and read a poem much loved by her late mother

Thanks to Liz

We thanked John to show appreciation for all he does

Display Table 

 

Ann has lots of interest and colour in her garden.  Her vase contains:  Iris unguicularis, hamamelis mollis, Bergenia, Cyclamen coum, Erodium “Spanish Eyes”, Liriope muscari, Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête', Pyracantha 

 

 Carol’s Veronica (formerly Hebe) 

Next meeting:  January 16th when Peter Spedding will be giving a presentation on Meanwood Park. 

“Winter clears the path for new growth.” anon

 Fabulous festive floral arrangements

Nothing nicer than spending a cold afternoon creating festive decorations. Members produced amazing displays using foliage, pine cones and candles while listening to Christmas music, helping each other and sampling delicious cakes supplied by Liz.

Materials included rosemary, pine, holly and pine cones

Some of the finished products

Display Table

 

Kate received this lovely Hellebore Carly as a gift from her sister

 Dorothy’s eye-catching Christmas tree made out of pompoms

Next Meeting

19th December: Friday Forum Christmas party with Quiz and food. There will be a nature table for the Winter Solstice and crafts by Peter B.

Cliff Bank Nursery; A new chapter by Ben Preston

 Presentation: Cliff Bank Nursery; A new chapter

 Ben Preston of Cliff Bank Nursery, Huby

Ben, former Head Gardener at York Gate, told us of the progress made at his nursery through his vision, hard work, enthusiasm and the support of his partner, Laura.

The site, formerly owned by Joe Maiden, had been closed for about eight years until Ben took it over about three years ago.

Since Friday Forum visited in September 2023, we could see the enormous improvements made and the challenges he had to overcome. He has employed a full time gardener, Nadine, formerly of Beningbrough Hall, to help realise his ambitions. Ben is interested in plants for all weathers and is experimenting with growing in sand.

 Ben saves all his own seeds and brought along a selection 

By the end of the talk, we felt as though Ben had taken us along on his journey.

The nursery is still evolving but will remain a plant nursery rather than a garden centre.

The website is Cliff Bank Nursery

The nursery is currently closed, except for Christmas trees and wreaths, but we hope to visit again soon when it reopens on 1^st April.

Display Table

Judith brought Phytolacca “Laka Boom” and offered the seeds with the caveat  that they are poisonous

 

 Amanda brought cuttings of Erysimum for members to take

 Ann brought a pot of Cymbidium orchids, which she mistook for Agapanthus before they flowered.

Next Meetings:

5th December: Forum - Making table decorations for Christmas. Please bring containers, foliage etc to create your personal display during the meeting.

19th December: Christmas party Quiz and food. Crafts demonstration by Peter Blackwell