We were treated to a beautifully illustrated talk by Briget Strawbridge Howard in July. It was surprising to learn how many species we have in Britain, the varied forms they take and fascinating to hear the complex life cycle of some. The decline in the insect population is due to a number of factors; gardeners can provide vital nectar and pollen by planting blooms of differing shapes and depths, flowering all through the year, from early bulbs to winter ivies.
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An outing in July 2019, literally, took us to pastures new – Tapeley Park, near Instow, North Devon. The Christie family has owned the Tapeley Park for almost 300 years. It overlooks the Torridge estuary with wonderful views across to Lundy Island and Saunton Sands. It looks out on to terraced gardens in a wide variety of styles and plantings as well as an ice house, a shell house and a permaculture garden developed by Hector Christie demonstrating principles of[…]
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An entertaining evening was much enjoyed when our Patron,Clive Groves, came to speak on “Trekking in the Himalayas through the Eyes of a Nurseryman”. Following retirement in 2010, Clive, together with Diana, journeyed to Costa Rica, for an enjoyable trek despite adverse conditions. In the Himalayas they both achieved the climb up to Everest Base Camp. Altitude sickness, perilously narrow paths, cold, snow, ice and “yak attack” were all overcome. The reward was breathtaking beauty and finding plants growing in[…]
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The grey rainy day could not dampen spirits as members arrived at Mottisfont in Hampshire for our June outing . Ancient yews and cedars graced the grounds on the walk to the walled gardens, glorious with Old Roses in full bloom. Heavenly scents emanated from flowers in red,pink,creams and white. Above were clematis clinging to the walls and while peonies, foxgloves, viola, alliums and geraniums added to the palette.
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The May 2019 outing took us to the Taunton area. Firstly,we visited Elworthy Cottage Nurseries which proved a delight of naturalistic planting with flower filled borders amid lovely mature trees. Later,at Hestercombe, members wandered the restored Edwardian gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens where irises were particularly lovely. A relaxing stroll beside the lakes was a must to see the waterfall cascading over mosses,beneath ferns and lovely old trees.
Read moreOf particular interest to those of us gardening on the coast was Caradoc Doy’s talk on Seaside Gardening at our May 2019 meeting. He advised looking at the native plants, growing beside the sea and in estuaries, which have evolved to withstand strong salt-laden winds. Choosing cultivated plants from these families will give greater success; blue and fleshy leaves are a clue to plants that have adapted well. Caradoc showed illustrations of many trees, shrubs and perennials which will bring[…]
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What a Spring Show – record figures – with 60 exhibitors and over 500 entries. The daffodil and other flowers were looking and smelling wonderful and the Hall was a riot of colour and industry. Visitors looked as if they were enjoying themselves and we certainly did. The Hall was busy and the refreshment team took over £165, well done. The Daffodil Society Medal, donated each year by David Downton, was won by Bridport exhibitor Dave Townsend and the Tamblyn[…]
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Our timing was spot on for the club visit to Exbury Gardens where we found the rhododendrons and azaleas at their utmost best. As we wandered around the extensive grounds every twist and turn revealed yet another breath-taking vista. The glorious palette of mauves, purples, rich reds to softest pinks, and warmest apricot to clear bright yellows and sparkling white.
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