Visit to Delph Cottage Garden

Friday Forum members Spent a very enjoyable afternoon at Delph Cottage in Methley where we were entertained by Colin, a master delphinium grower,  He chatted to us about his methods for producing the amazing show of delphiniums he grows in his back garden. Colin now has the national collection of delphiniums with over 100 different named cultivars. 

There can be no better way to spend a summer afternoon than in a gorgeous garden with lovely company and delicious tea and  homemade cakes baked by Colin's partner, Alison. 

"The smallest creatures often hold the key to the grandest mysteries of our ecosystems." - Rachel Carson

Bug Hotels

Members constructed bug hotels from wooden structures and tin cans using a variety of materials such as moss, straw, twigs and pine cones.

Some of the bug hotels were made by Chris VH

Katherine used this wooden utensil holder

The finished products

Suzanne's deluxe model

Bug hotels should preferably be placed out of the wind, away from the rain and have a waterproof roof.

These were no ordinary hotels, these were five star, luxury residencies for insects and bees.

Display Table

 Norma brought Erysimum with varieted leaves which were grown from cuttings of  Judith’s plant in sand, compost and rooting powder

Maggie brought a fragrant bouquet of Rosa “Pink Perpetué”, Rosa “Iceberg”, Clematis “Pangbourne Pink”, Rosa “blush Noissette” and Rosa Glauca

 Ann brought Crinodendron Hookerianum, Clematis Lampton Park, Rosa Penelope, Rosa Golden Showers, Salix babylonica crispa and a flower received in a gifted bouquet which was identified as Ornithogalum (Arabian Starflower, Star of Bethlehem, or Sun Star)

 Judith brought Prunella grandiflora

 Kate brought some stunning Hosta leaves: Abiqua Drinking Gourd, Empress Wu, Orange Marmalade, Snake Eyes, Paradise Island, Paul’s Glory, Blue Ivory, Blue Mouse Ears, Liberty and one which is thought to be June

Gardening Matters

Paxton show is on 21^st June  at the OPAL Centre, 55 Bedford Drive, Cookridge LS16 6DJ which also includes a craft category. Exhibitors should arrive 8.30 – 12.30.Any donations of cakes, money, plants to sell or help in the kitchen will be appreciated

Cookridge Show is on September 13^th

Addingham Open Gardens charity event returns on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025, entrance £6

Next Meetings:

Friday 20th June at 1.30pm.  Visit to Delph Cottage Garden, 51 Newmarket Lane, Methley LS26 9DN.

Friday 4^th July – Friday Forum Mini Show

Full details can be found on member's emails