The end of the summer is not the end of the world. Here’s to October ... A A Milne

Recreating the flower catalogue of 16^th century Holland
In the 16th century, flower bulbs were so rare and expensive that it was more economical to commission a painting of an arrangement than to own fresh blooms. “Some flowers were purposely placed facing backwards and sideways…they were not crowded in the vase – the aim was to make each bloom clearly visible.”
At this time, Dutch plant sellers were bringing back exotic specimens from their journeys all over the world.  In order to publicise these plants, paintings were commissioned of flower arrangements containing one of each specimen.  The images in these paintings were not always a true representation; often details such as length of stem were exaggerated and, because they were painted over a long period, would portray favourite varieties from different blooming seasons.  
So, in true Friday Forum “try anything once” fashion, a display was made up from one of each type of flower brought in from Judith’s garden.

 

From that to these .....

 after 3 minutes

 after 5 minutes

 after 7 minutes

 .... and complete

 work in progress

 I think you will agree that the end result was rather attractive.   

Display Table

 

Gill’s display contained Physostegia (the obedient plant), Astrantia, Osmanthus and Corydalis

 

 Kate’s posy of roses contained the yellow Chinatown, Blush Noisette, rosa Le Fairy, Rosa Mutabilis which goes from apricot to rosy pink, Lady of Shallot and Gertrude Jekyll, which are still in bloom in October

 

James’ prize-winning Aeonium Schwarzkopf.  James told us there are 35 specimens of succulents which come from Madeira and the Canary Islands where they grow on sloping, rocky ground.  Can be out outside in winter and can grow up to 7ft tall.

Ann brought a pot of containing Kirengeshoma palmate, Tithonia rotundifolia, Desfontainia spinosa, Berberis  Linearifolia Orange King, Dahlia Flaxton, Alstromeria Indian Summer, Persicaria affinis Superba, Fat Domino, Golden Arrow and J.S. Caliente, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Crocosmia Star of the East, Hedera helix Buttercup, Rudbeckia Goldsturm, Liriope muscari and Euonymus elation

Notice Board

Congratulations to Kate and Carol who were both awarded Gold plus for their gardens by Leeds in Bloom. 

 

Next Meeting

*please note changes to published programme*

19^th October:  Presentation – Kew through the seasons by Ken Matthewman 

 2^nd November: A celebration for the 50^th anniversary of the Society moving into our current premises.  John M Sheard FRICS, a former resident Land Agent of the Bolton Abbey Estate, will give a talk on ‘The Life and Achievements of Joseph Paxton’

16^th November:  Harvest Forum – Brexit Bash and Bring & Buy