Solutions not problems

Talk

A well-illustrated talk by Brian Dennison based on his own garden, entitled “New year, new plants, new ideas” certainly lived up to the topic.  

Brian came to horticulture relatively late.  However, his technical background held him in good stead when, with no gardening knowledge to speak of, he had to get to grips with the garden at his new house in the ‘60s.  Where others would find problems, Brian found solutions and we all took away some useful tips from his interesting presentation as well as a printed list of the plants discussed. 

Display Table

Peter’s Mimosa with some buds nibbled away by an unidentified bug (which he brought along in a sealed bag)

Carol’s attractive succulent Echeveria Painted Lady

Carol’s Nandina domestica with an everlasting Sweet Pea which has finally flowered after 15 years

Ann brought Zauschneria californica, Cyclamen hederifolium, Scilla autumnalis and Gentian

Judith stunning vase contained Senna, two Coleus, Dahlia (Flaxton?) and Verbena bonariensis

Gardening Matters

Cookridge Flower and Produce Show is always a good event.  It’s on Saturday 10^th September 2.00 – 4.15 at the Methodist Church Hall, Tinshill Road, Cookridge.  For more information phone 0113 2671858 or visit their website www.cookridgegardenclub.co.uk

Next Meeting

September 2^nd Presentation – Canal and River Trust, Yorkshire and North East

The Flowers and Gardens of Barbados

Talk

Hilary Hutson gave a fascinating presentation on the flowers and gardens of Barbados.

 

Her illustrated talk included the history, geography and culture of the island which, unlike the other volcanic islands of the West Indies, is made of coral and soil had to be imported. We saw photos of the beautiful flowers and trees in gardens from the little Chattel Houses to the huge Old Plantation Houses. We learnt that National Trust members can use their cards to visit Barbados National Trust properties.

 Display Table

Ann’s Allium Carinatum (Keeled Garlic) which is a pretty colour but very invasive 

Ann’s vase contains Houttuynia Cordata, Ceratostigma Willmottianum Desert Skies, the dramatic black grass Ophiopgon planiscapus nigrescens and a smaller Agapanthus Windlebrooke from a visit to Beth Chatto’s garden 

Kate brought Phlox paniculata in various colours: The King, Franz Schubert, Flame Purple, Monica Lynden-Bell and Blue Paradise 

Maggie brought a bouquet of blue: Ceratostigma Willmottianum, Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, the scented, shrubby Clematis Cassandra and the sea holly, Eryngium amesthystinum 

Peter’s Datura noxia which he bought as a small plant from the Friday Forum sales table 

Next Meeting 19th August - a talk by Brian Dennison