This
is an excerpt from a poem by a late Paxton member, B H Woodhouse-Carr. Although
written some years ago, our weather is not that different today.
The Changing Weather
Thank goodness the winter
has been and nearly gone,
But of snow there has been
virtually none.
Instead high winds have
come and taken their place,
Gales from the west we now
have to face.
Danger lurks for everyone
as they move around,
With trees and debris
falling to the ground
An early spring is now on
its way,
Rain and more rain being
the order of the day.
With water from the hills
filling reservoirs to the brink
Valley farms and homes in
flood waters appear to sink
Gardeners, there is much
earlier growth than in a bygone day,
Protection from a frost
will always repay.
Temperatures are rising
without more light,
Extra care must be taken
to get it right.
Talk:
Quetzals, Hoatzins and Incas by Peter and Barbara Murphy
Peter
and Barbara gave Friday Forum the first talk of year last year on Brazil and
this presentation on Peru at our first meeting of 2016 didn’t disappoint. Peter fascinated us with the history,
culture, architecture and wildlife of the area to the stunning photographs
taken by Barbara.
For
those of us who may not get the opportunity to visit these sites, this was the
next best thing. The colourful birds and
butterflies certainly made an impression.
Display
Table
 |
This
cyclamen brought by Dorothy is 25 years old.
It thrives on neglect, not watered in the summer and gets some fresh
compost when showing signs of growth
Mary
took these rose cuttings in September and although kept in the porch at night,
she wonders if it can stay outside in the day
|
 |
| Phyllis takes the New Year challenge to find 20 flowers in the
garden. Here is the evidence which
includes sweet rocket and pansy |
 |
| Gill
was amazed to see early flowering witch hazel along with tender salvia Amistad which
continues to flower |
 |
| Gill
also brought geranium nudosum, Bowles mauve, snowdrops and winter irises |
 |
| Eileen
brought jasmine nudiflorum forestii, euonymus and Azalea Danfordii. The latter has moved gardens a few times and
originally came from her great grandmother who worked on the barges in the
North East which brought in wood from Scandinavia and returned with coal |
 |
These
are the seed heads of the cotton plant which were raised from seed
Ann’s
basket contains Ipheon uniflorum; Froyle Mill,
Charlotte Bishop and Alberto Castillo
| |
 |
| A
gift from Ann’s granddaughter; very appropriate |
 |
| Judith
brought the attractive golden leaf salvia with a red flower which is still
flowering |
Notice
Board
If any member has any ideas
for garden visits, please let the committee know
Friday Forum annual membership
now due
Next
Meeting
February
5th: Good Garden Plants - a presentation
by Pat Inman
