"The gardening season officially begins on January 1st, and ends on December 31." - Marie Huston

Talk:  Festival of Chanukah by Linda Casper

Friday Forum member Linda Casper spoke about the origins and traditions of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of light. 

She spoke about the history, foods eaten and activities engaged in during the eight day festival, how it is celebrated today and answering questions from the members.

Ideas for Christmas flower arrangements

In preparation for the next meeting, when part of the proceedings will be given over to making festive displays, some members offered examples of what we may be able to achieve!

 Gill’s shared her tips on how to construct these wreaths

 Norma finished off this attractive arrangement with lights.  If you look carefully, the green of the “present” is actually ivy leaves pinned on and not paper as we first thought

 Judith cleverly used baubles glued on to kebab sticks to enhance her arrangement

Display Table

There is still a lot of interest in Ann’s garden.  She brought Callicarpa Bonieri, Fatsia Japonica, Arum Italicum, Cotoneaster, Hedera Buttercup, Crocosmia, Crocus Conqueror, Hebe Red Edge, Jasminum nudiflorum, two varieties of Persicaria and Erysmum

 

 Jenny’s garden is shaded by huge Beech trees and she brought in this spectacular tray of fungi which had formed.  However if this fungi is seen on the branches of a tree it could be a sign of decay and likely to fall off

A plantsman’s garden features some of the more uncommon and harder to find species of plants to inspire the keen plants person.  Carl recounted that in the 1940’s Hellebores were such a plant for his father and Trilliums for himself until now. 

  Carl’s garden now boasts the Cardiocrinum giganteum.   This unusual lily which will take 5-7 years to produce an enormous 6-10ft high flowering spike of scented white flowers and will make a fascinating talking point for visitors to your garden.  Germination of this hardy perennial may be very slow but if you are game to try and have the patience to wait, Carl has offered seeds

Notice Board

Margaret D thanked everyone who helped at the Late Autumn Show which was a financial success.  We thank Margaret for all her hard work.
The programme for 2017 can be accessed by clicking on the tab at the top of the blog entitled Programme 2017.

Next Meeting

16^th December:  Christmas Party.  As mentioned, we will have the opportunity of making a festive arrangement.  Some greenery will be brought in and accessories will be available to purchase, should they be required.

James has once again devised his famous Quiz, which is always good fun.