Daniel Charles Solander a very neglected horticulturalist

Presentation:  by Dr Carl Denton - "Daniel Charles Solander - a very neglected horticulturalist"

 

 Friday Forum member Carl gave a most entertaining and educational talk on the little known but important horticulturist Daniel Charles Solander.  Solander originally went to Uppsala University in Sweden to study medicine but was soon persuaded to change to botany by Professor Linnaeus with whom he lodged.

Seeds and plants were arriving in Europe by the Dutch East India Company.  When Solander learnt that Joseph Banks together with his secretary, couple of artist and four manservants were to sail on the Endeavour with Captain Cook bound for Tahiti to observe a rare occurrence, the transit of the planet Venus across the face of the sun, he jumped at the chance although the voyage would be dangerous.
The perilous journey would take three years and it was on this voyage that Cooke discovered Australia.  The ship returned laden with 30,000 new plant speciemens.  On their return, Banks was elevated to the presidency of the Royal Society and Solander was given a doctorate and made Keeper of the British Museum to continue his work on the classification of plants.

Display Table:

There was some snowdrop rivalry amongst members to ascertain whose were first to flower, but there was no evidence presented.

Phyllis brought a Hydrangea grown from a cutting off a sickly specimen she inherited with the house.

 

 Ann showed off her bargain which comes from the Himalyas/Northern India (via Gordon Riggs) so should be hardy

Judith’s spring display which graces her back doorstep.  The plants are kept in their pots and placed in a container so can be easily changed as the season progresses

 Judith’s bargain was £3 from Morrisons (plants from other supermarkets are available) and contains Polyanthus, Hyacinth and Daffodils

 Carol still has plenty of interest in her garden:  Morina longifolia, Hesperantha, Skimmia, Jasmine, Daphne and also found a crocus in flower

 This stunning Cyclamen was brought in by Norma

Gardening Matters

There are many places to visit where you can see snowdrops en masse.  Here is a link to Burton Agnes in East Yorkshire https://www.burtonagnes.com/DB/Events/Snowdrop_Spectacular.html

Notice Board

If you haven’t already done so, please could you pay the annual subscription for 2019.  The fee is £12.00; cheques should be made out to Paxton Horticultural Society or cash (correct amount if possible) should be in a named envelope.

Next Meeting

18^th January:  A presentation on Patagonia by Peter and Barbara Murphy.  Barbara usually sells greeting cards produced from her wonderful wildlife photography in aid of Rodley Nature Reserve.