Cold and Frost-free Glasshouse Gardening

 Presentation on cold and frost-free glasshouse gardening by Peter Williams

Peter gave us a most interesting talk on the history and usage of greenhouses.  Starting about 30 AD before glass was invented when the Roman emperor Tiberias wanted cucumbers out of season, the need for the plant explorers to keep the tender plants they brought back to Britain and the removal of the glass tax in the 1850s all influenced the growth and design of glasshouses.

We saw how the glasshouses developed over time and how they can be used for cuttings, alpines and overwintering plants.

Peter brought keys from the Acer tree in his garden and showed how to choose the best seeds and treat them.  It will be interesting to see the results from our members.

Display Table

Ann brought this from her Eriobotrya japonica Loquat tree which she planted from a stone brought back from Turkey or Australia, planted in 1990s and is now 15 – 20 ft.  The Loquat originates from China and Japan where it can grow to 25 ft and produces orange/yellow edible fruit in the spring. The flowers have a lovely fragrance and the autumn leaves are an attractive brown.

Peter’s Mimosa

Amanda says frequent deadheading has kept these plants in flower:  Cornflower, Rosemary, Nemesia, Alstromeria Silvester, Penstemon Just Jane , Chrysanthemum and Spiraea

Kate’s Salvias are still flowering:  Amistad, Confertiflora, Nachtvlinder, Mystic Spires and Leucantha.

Judith’s orange Bidens

Margaret H’s Winter Jasmine

Gill A’s Christmas Cactus in full flower which thrives on neglect and goes unwatered from May to October

Next Meeting

November 18^th Presentation - Ben Cooper followed by Paxton AGM