Welcome to the blog for Friday Forum, a gardening group which is part of the Paxton Horticultural Society in Leeds, West Yorkshire. We hope that both members and non-members will enjoy reading it and we look forward to receiving your comments.
Sarah Owen-Hughes gave an interesting and informative talk on Plants and Medicine and recommended some books to research this topic further.
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| Kate brought these ferns |
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| Ann brought these Spring flowers in a slate container |
Next Meeting
6th March: AGM followed by a talk by John Freer
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| 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
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| Kate’s Clematis urophylla Winter Beauty |
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| Kate’s vase contains Galanthus: S. Arnott woronowii and nivalis flore pleno, hellebore, foliage of Bergenia and Arum italicum marmoratum |
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| 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.
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
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| 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”
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| 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” |
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| Marjorie brought this Amaryllis |
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| Amanda brought her first flowering Snowdrop |
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| Kate’s Hamamelis “Arnold promise” |
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| 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
Friday Forum Christmas Party
A good time was had by all!
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| The winning team with their prizes of the quiz organised by Dorothy |
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| 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 |
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| Thanks to Liz |
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| We thanked John to show appreciation for all he does |
Display Table
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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
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| Carol’s Veronica (formerly Hebe) |
Next meeting: January 16th when Peter Spedding will be giving a presentation on Meanwood Park.
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.
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| Materials included rosemary, pine, holly and pine cones |
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| Some of the finished products |
Display Table
Kate received this lovely Hellebore Carly as a gift from her sister
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| 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.
