"Gardening is not a rational act" Margaret Atwood

Talk:  The Handkerchief Tree by Friday Forum member Jenny Williams

 Jenny told us about the Handkerchief Tree, Davidia involucrate.  After wondering why a plainish tree was given pride of place in the Sundial Garden at Heligan, she realised that there was such a tree near her home at The Hollies.  Also known as the Dove Tree or Ghost Tree you can read up on its interesting history of how it was introduced into this country.  http://www.hearnearboriculture.com/blog/tree-of-the-month-may-2017-dove-tree

 Seed pods

To germinate, seeds have to be kept warm for three months followed by two consecutive years of freezing conditions and then they take years to flower!

Demonstration:  Take Five Flowers by Friday Forum member Gill Evans

Gill demonstrated how to take five flowers and add some foliage to produce an attractive display.

 This gave us inspiration to make our own displays and ideas for foliage, which could be found in our gardens.   We can now confidently enter Class 8 in the Friday Forum Mini Summer Show “Take 5 Flowers” on 7^th July.

Display Table

Ann’s Lantern Tree Crinodendron hookerianum from Chile, Camellia and Pinellia tripartita, or Green Dragon

Janella’s Hosta

 

 Janella’s Hosta

Carl brought the late flowering Tulip sprengeri Nancy Bodell grown from seed given to him 25 years ago 

Kate's vase contains Sysiringia, white Iris, Astrantia Gill Richardson and Buckland, Silene fimbriata, Anconia, Geranium, Persicaria,  Centaurea

 Smells awful but does the job, as endorsed by the late great Joe Maiden

Norma’s clematis (pl. clematises?) include Ruby Wedding, Cezanne and Arabella plus a perfumed Iris.

Eileen’s jug of wild flowers and Parahebe

Notice Board

Graham reminded us about the Paxton Summer Show on 24^th June and requested volunteers for help in the kitchen.

Dorothy informed us that the coffee mornings and plant sales have been very profitable.    

Next Meeting

 The next date, 16^th June, will be the day trip to Lincolnshire.  Those members who have booked should note that the coach will be leaving Paxton at 8.45 prompt and it is advisable to bring a packed lunch but drinks will be available at all venues.

The Friday Forum mini show is on 7^th July and categories are as follows:

CLASS 1: One bloom HT Rose

CLASS 2: One Stem Floribunda Rose

CLASS 3:  One Stem any other Rose

CLASS 4:  One vase Sweet Peas

CLASS 5:  One vase Pinks

CLASS 6:  One vase cut flowers, judged for frontal effects

CLASS 7:  One pot plant

CLASS 8:  Flower arranging – Take Five Flowers

It’s the taking part that matters!