Get fit, get an allotment and unearth a crop of benefits

 

Presentation:  Creating an Allotment show Garden and what the President gets up to by Phil Commersall BEM

 

The enthusiastic president of the Allotment Society gave an interesting talk about how his mission is to promote allotments in Yorkshire and beyond by whatever means.  He has been known to bribe the BBC with strawberries and stage amazing displays at a wide range of venues to publicise his cause.  We saw illustrations of exhibits which were a far cry from regimented rows of vegetables in a bed.  Indeed, Phil, often seen sporting flamboyant horticultural-themed clothes and bowler hat, and his team won Silver at Chelsea in 2014, in 2015 his VE Day anniversary allotment wowed the public at the Harrogate Show followed by a Gold in 2016

Phil has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Horticulture in Yorkshire, has set up Learning Days for allotment growers  and is active in Rawdon in Bloom.

Display Table

 Ann’s had this Veltheimia capensis since 1983.  The bulbs need repotting now to improve flowering

 

 In an experiment to produce more stems, Judith pinched out the main stem of her Aeonium resulting in 5 new heads

 This solitary trumpetless daffodil was found by Celia in a supermarket bouquet.  Can anyone put a name to it?

Kate’s bargain buy from The Arium for £1 a pot.  These Cyclamen hederifolium have beautiful leaves

 Currently flowering in Gill’s garden are Pulmonaria Blue Ensign and a white one, Allium paradoxum normale, fritillaria, Epimedium, Anemone blanda

Notice Board

Paxton Dorothy has requested kitchen helpers and donations of cakes for Paxton Spring Flower Show on 30th March.  Details here  Paxton spring flower Show

She also needs plants for the sale held that day after judging takes place when it is open to the public.

The Friday Forum Day Trip on 16^th August has now been finalised and it looks an interesting itinerary.  We thank Janella for organising it and she can give you full details of this event.

Next Meeting

April 5^th – Spring Mini Show judged by John Freer, who will also give a short talk.

Here are the categories and surely we can find one flower or plant worthy of entry!