A fruitful Friday

  Autumn at Harlow Carr

Bulbs

The growing season may be coming to a close, but Friday Forum is still going strong.  Last Friday Judith led a useful and interactive discussion on the A-Z of bulbs, where members added their tips and favourites. 

The Tulip Purissima was recommended as a good doer and, for permanent planting in the ground, they should be planted 8” deep.

A range of bulbs were described and discussed, some of which were new to me.

 

 A display of bulbs from our mini-show last Spring

Hardwood cuttings

Norma gave us a tutorial on hardwood cuttings of roses, hydrangea and other suitable candidates.  Before putting them into a deep container of sand, she dipped them in hormonal rooting powder which sparked a lively debate on to use or not to use which was inconclusive; only time will tell. 

Late Bloomers

Although we are in mid-November, the display table was laden with examples of flowers and foliage still on show in members’ gardens.

Graham brought a pot of Chrysanthemum “Boulou White” which he recommended as a good dwarf plant.  He also told us about Markham Grange Nursery and Steam Museum in Doncaster, which hosts the Northern Chrysanthemum Show.  Have a look at the site which looks interesting at  http://www.markhamgrangenursery.com/

Another member brought in a pot of beautiful autumn-flowering saffron crocuses (crocus sativus) whose red stigmas give us the saffron which flavours our food. 

Flower Arrangements

Judith explained how to make a festive Pot et Fleurs  display and Gill exhibited her  Continental display of a variety of foliage from her garden set on a flat container . 

Fungi

Joyce brought us a sample of fungi from her tree stump, which she had spoken about in an earlier meeting.  After consulting with the RHS, it was confirmed that it was Dead Man’s Finger( Xylaria polymorpha), a very fitting name for it!

Unfortunately there are no photos to show you.

Dates for your diary

November
23rd          Late Autumn Show at Paxton (see last post for full details)
December
2^nd             Friends of Paxton meet at Midday
6^th             Next meeting of Friday Forum with guest speaker Clare Beard of Lineham Farm www.linehamfarm.co.uk

Annual Membership Fees for 2014 of £11.00 can now be paid

The Friday Forum meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at 1.30pm at the Paxton Hall.  Paxton Horticultural Society is located at 186, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS5 2AB.   The meetings are split between hands-on sessions, guest speakers and garden visits. A regular feature is the "Plant Table" where members are invited to bring their plants for discussion and advice.  Another feature is the "Sales Table where members bring plants and cuttings and produce they havegrown to sell at a small cost to help the club funds.  For further information, please use the comments box or log on to https://sites.google.com/site/paxtonhorticulturalsocietycouk/Home

 

 

 

Now it's November

Gardens of Yorkshire

Tony Cleaver:  Popular speaker and talented flower arranger

There could be nothing better on a damp, grey afternoon than a talk by Tony Cleaver on a selection of large and small gardens from all over the Yorkshire region.  The presentation was illustrated by stunning photos which took us through the year; some shots of the flowers entailed Tony lying full length on the ground on a duvet!  That’s dedication.  We learnt about the history of the gardens and heard many anecdotes.  Tony even told us who provides the best afternoon tea!  I have a list of gardens I aim to visit next year at the time they are in their prime.  Maybe we can even go on a Friday Forum trip.

Get gardening to live longer!

Jill brought to our attention a recent article in the Guardian.  Read it here, and let us know your thoughts.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/oct/28/gardening-exercise-cutting-heart-attack-risk-diy-60-plus

Display Table

Considering that we are now in November, there was a colourful display on the table from the gardens of various members.  Plenty of ideas for Autumn interest in our gardens next year.

Reminder for the Late Autumn Show of the Paxton Horticultural Society

Going by the last show which was a very lively and successful event, we are anticipating great things at the Autumn Show.

This will take place on 23^rd November with the judging of the Chrysanthemums, Fruit and Vegetables, Flower Arranging, Pot Plants and Cookery and Crafts classes at 12 noon.  The show will then be open to the public from 2.00 – 4.30 pm when there are refreshments and a tombola.  Contact Graham Wheatley on 0113 2563055 for further details.

Update

·         The Bring and Buy sale proved profitable and we are grateful for Margaret and Carl for the jam and cream they provided for the celebration cream tea.

·         Membership numbers are being maintained.

·         Friends of Paxton are meeting at midday on 4 November, but if anyone can’t make it but is willing to offer their DIY or caretaking skills at another time, please let us know.

 

Next Meeting

 

We will discuss bulbs of all kinds; not just tulips and daffodils.  Contributions of tips and advice from members will be invaluable.  We are also going to cover hardwood cuttings and perhaps flower arrangements for the Christmas season.  There will be something for everyone!

The annual  Membership Fee for 2014 of £11.00 can be paid from now until end December

 

The Friday Forum meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at 1.30pm at the Paxton Hall.  Paxton Horticultural Society is located at 186, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS5 2AB.   The meetings are split between hands-on sessions, guest speakers and garden visits. A regular feature is the "Plant Table" where members are invited to bring their plants for discussion and advice.  Another feature is the "Sales Table where members bring plants and cuttings and produce they have
grown to sell at a small cost to help the club funds.  For further information, please use the comments box or log on to https://sites.google.com/site/paxtonhorticulturalsocietycouk/Home