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

Garden Visits July 2022

Friday Forum members were fortunate to be able to visit two gardens in North Leeds.   These were advertised to us as small gardens but they were large in performance.  Both gardens were attractively laid out, well maintained and full of interesting plants, garden ornaments and sculptures.  We all found ideas and tips and added to our plants-to-buy lists.  Thanks go to Bridget and Janet for a very enjoyable afternoon which finished with tea and delicious cakes.  Donations were made to the Alzheimer's Society.

Bridget's Garden

Lots of colourful hanging baskets

Afternoon tea was taken in the Summer House

Janet's Garden

Front garden

Colourful baskets and pots

Janet 

Janet's She Shed

Next meeting:  5^th August.  Hilary Hutson is giving a presentation on Flowers and Gardens of Barbados

Friday Summer Show 2022

Although we had only about a dozen members for the show, we managed to produce enough entries amongst us. Graham Wheatley judged the entries and gave some feedback at the end. He has kindly offered to redo the classes for us with extra pointers for exhibitors for next year. 

Class 1- one hybrid tea rose. 1st Kate 2nd Jean 3rd Jean (Winner below)

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Class 2 - one stem floribunda rose. 1st Dorothy 2nd Patricia 3rd Maggie. 

Class 3 - one stem any other rose 1st Caroline ( see rose in silver vase ) 2nd Patricia 3rd Kate.

Class 4 - one vase sweet peas 1st Dorothy 

Class 5 - one vase pinks 1st Dorothy 2nd Carol 3rd Liz  

Class 6 one vase cut flowers, judged for frontal effect. 1st Carol 

Class 7 - one pot plant. 1st Kate 2nd Carol 3rd Amanda

 Class 8 - exhibit of fruit or vegetable 1st Dorothy 2nd Dorothy.

Display Table

A selection of clematis brought in by Kate : Blue Angel, Etiole Violette, Helios, Mme Julia Corevon, Alba Luxurians and Hagley Hybrid.

Liz brought in a selection from her garden including: Clematis Mrs. Cholmondeley, Alstromeria ‘Indian Summer’, Astilbes in different shades, Penstemon and the last flower from her Geranium ‘Roseanne’ after the Roe deer had finished with it!

Next Meeting

15^th July – Garden visits.  Details have been emailed to members