People, Plants, Pleasure and Passion

Don Witton’s presentation,People, Plants, Pleasure and Passion, was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining talk with humourous anecdotes and colourful slides.  Don, who re-invented himself after a long career as a teacher, is a specialist on euphorbias and we heard his amusing tales about the TV crew filming him for a Gardeners World programme.  More information can be found on his website. http://euphorbias.co.uk/

Display Table

Sue G’s assorted Salvias for late Summer colour, although tender, include Amistad, Joan, Black and Blue, Super Trouper,Mexicana, Patens

Carol brought her biennial Tragopogon (Salsify) which she grew from seed and the attractive Gladiolus murielae

Ann’s container of  orange and red included Persicaria Fats Domino, Golden Arrow, Dahlia Charlie Dimmock, Tithonia, Hersperantha, Erysimum Apricot Delight, Antirrhinum and Rudbeckia.

Kate brought some Anemone Blanda, wondering which way up to plant them

 Caroline brought our attention to this publication

 

 Kate’s vase contained Persicaria campanulata Orange Field, September Spires and Firetail.  Salvias Amistad, Verbena bonariensis and rigida, Begonia Claret Jug, Astrantia Buckland and Shaggy, Rudbeckia Goldsturm, Aster frikartii Monch, Phlox Graf Zeppelin and Calicarpa

 Judith’s Fuchsia Genii

Notice Board

A few Friday Forum members have successfully applied Thelma’s tip for propagating from basil plants bought at the supermarket.  A delicious, fresh and free addition to Italian cuisine.

Save landfill sites by recycling household waste at the Kirkstall waste recycling site which  has now re-opened and accepts a wide range of unwanted goods for its shop selling recycled goods.

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Kirkstall%20Recycling%20Site.aspx

The new council nursery has opened http://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/Pages/Parks-and-Countryside-Nursery.aspx

 

Next Meeting

20^th October:  Harvest Forum.  Please bring prepared food for Members to taste which will be one of the various activities scheduled for this meeting.  An indication of allergens and vegetarian/vegan would be helpful.

Winter approaches

Talk:  Winter Survival Kit by Don Witton

An exhilarating illustrated talk by Don was delivered with wit and humour which made us all feel more positive as we enter the winter season.  Not only did he suggest plants to brighten up the dark days but also proposed where to visit and tasks that can be done to extend the gardening year.  There were plenty of ideas to take away with us.

Display Table

This meeting’s exhibits included a remarkable assortment of plants which are still giving interest at the end of November.

 Bryan brought his Boulou chrysanthemums and Judith brought a heuchera to brighten the table

Graham brought his green chrysanthemums and a paler one called White Feeling.  The carnation gained a lot of attention too

 James’ Arundo Lomax is a native of South America and grows even taller than the 6ft specimen brought in.  Among its uses are biomass fuel and reeds for musical instruments.  The ancient Egyptians wrapped their dead in the leaves of this plant.

June’s pot contained a pink bonica tall rose, fuchsia Genii and Hawkshead

Ann’s pot contained Alstroemeria Selina and brasiliensis, the attractive Bomarea Caldasii, Salvia ember’s wish, Hesperantha Mrs Hegarty, Fuchsia autumnale, Amicia zygomeris, the stunning Stokesia laevis and clematis Lansdowne Gem.

Gill’s pot contained a hellebore, blue Salvia, Ivy, Viburnum Dawn, the hardy fuchsia Mrs. Popple and a wallflower

Judith’s foliage of Spotty Dotty, Geranium palmatum, Bergenia and Fatsia

 Peter has made a bookart hedgehog which can house your Christmas cards.  A novel way to use your Fifty Shades of Grey!  Peter is selling these with proceeds going to Paxton

Notice Board

Paxton late autumn open show will be held on Saturday 28^th November 2 – 4.30pm.  Margaret D has requested help in the kitchen.

Annual subscriptions are now due.

Next Meeting

December 4^th: Presentation by Susie Hart on Craft Aid International