Iris was the Greek Goddess of the rainbow - and now we know why

Presentation:  The History of Irises

Claire Gallagher of The Iris Nursery in Whixley gave a wonderful, illustrated talk on the Iris, of which there are 300 species and 15,000 registered bearded ones in every colour imaginable (except red).

We learnt about the history of the plant and how the Oris root has been used in food, drink, as a purgative, a remedy for bad breath and to perfume clothes and linen. It is still used today in gin.

We saw how versatile the Iris is in its various heights and how it can be incorporated in planting schemes or, of course, in a bed of its own.

Claire’s enthusiasm for the Iris is infectious and, if you too are smitten, visit the nursery on open days  http://www.yorkshireirises.co.uk/about

Display Table

Norma offered seedlings of Crème Brulee, an annual Phlox, for members to grow on

Judith brought African Bride and the self seeding Euphorbia with lovely foliage

 Dorothy's: Ixia

 Judith:  Hesperis and gladiolus

 Kate:  Irises, nepeta, erigeron, cistus Altrap, Libertia grandiflora , Geraniums Patricia, Roaxanne and Johnson’s Blue, Persicaria, Astrantia Buckland and Roma, Tradescantia

Gill:  Geranium nodosa and palmatum, Geum, Allium, Lychnis, Thalyctrum thundercloud, Astrantia, Crinodendron, Solanum Glasnevin, teucrium, ceruma, peruviana, corydalis

Ann’s  Clematis: Fusca, Buckland Beauty and Fascination

Gardening Matters

Film at the Media Museum Bradford on the gardens of Piet Oudolf 19^th , 20^th June and at Showcase Birstall 16, 18, 19^th June.

The series Great British Gardens is currently on Tuesdays 9.00 pm on Chanel 5 with Carol Klein.

Notice Board

Sad News:  We learnt that Friday Forum member, Celia, has passed away.  She will be remembered for her gracious manner and her interesting talks on a variety of subjects which she researched in depth without the use of the internet.  RIP Celia.

Paxton Summer Show and Plant Sales -  22^nd June:

 

5^th July - FRIDAY FORUM MINI SHOW:

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 effect

CLASS 7 One pot plant

CLASS 8 Exhibit of Fruit or Vegetable

FRIDAY FORUM MINI SHOW

FRIDAY 5 JULY 2019

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 effect

CLASS 7 One pot plant

CLASS 8 Exhibit of Fruit or Vegetable

FRIDAY FORUM MINI SHOW

FRIDAY 5 JULY 2019

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 effect

CLASS 7 One pot plant

CLASS 8 Exhibit of Fruit or Vegetable

Next Meetings:

21st June - Garden visit, Roundhay Gardens.

Please meet at 1a Springwood Road LS8 2QA at 2 pm.  Limited on road parking should be available.  Donation to St. Gemma's.

The garden has a large wildlife pond, a 'woodand' area, borders, small bamboo garden, soft fruit and a newly constructed pergola.

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Edible Bed, Oakwood Clock LS8 2FA.  Originally designed as part of the Feed Leeds initiative.  Demonstrates how to grow a succession of fruit, veg and herbs throughout the year.

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The Friends Garden near LS8 1EA.  This garden once neglected part of the park was created and maintained by Friends of Roundhay Park and became a Yorkshire in Bloom winner.

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There is a cafe in Canal Gardens close to the Friends Garden 

5th July -  Friday Forum Mini Show.  Details of  categories are shown above.