The final outing of 2021 to Killerton House was blessed by a beautiful sunny autumn day. Twenty five of us enjoyed the house, park and garden originally laid out by John Veitch, plantsman and landscape designer for it’s owners the Acland family. Veitch was in the forefront of the great drive to find and import exotic trees and shrubs from around the globe, which is why Killerton is host to plants from six continents. We saw the original mother-tree of[…]
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Do Stick-insects live in the UK? I was pruning a rose last weekend (when it was still summer), and saw a sudden movement out of the corner of my eye. Was it a grasshopper? No, too big and not actually moving any more. I was reminded of stick-insects, kept by children as their first “pet”. An internet search came up with the answer and a request to send a photo and location by Malcolm Lee who collates records of all[…]
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Bridport & District Gardening Club works together with the local community on a number of projects. The President of the Club, Monique Pasche, is leading by example. The photographs below show Monique tending the floral planters that provide a cheerful, floral display on the streets of Bridport. Why not support the club with their initiatives? Email bridportgardeningclub@gmail.com. Photographs by her companion Ann Knox.
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In September 2021 the Club visited Oudolf Field designed by Piet Oudolf who has designed some of the most widely acclaimed gardens of this century and is still designing in his 70s (so hope for us all). Opened in 2014 Piet Oudolf Field, is a wonderful example of his work showcasing his masterly use of perennials and grasses. An inspiration to all gardeners and much appreciated by the members who visited it.
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Bridport Gardening Club has donated £100 towards supporting the allotment area recently acquired by The Living Tree. The money will go towards buying some small gardening tools and to create a new seating area. The Living Tree is a self-help support group for people who have experienced cancer as well as for their families and carers. The allotment provides a relaxing place for anyone affected by cancer to meet others and enjoy the benefits of a communal garden area; whether[…]
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William, the owner of Iford Manor welcomed us with an overview of its history and Harold Peto’s transformation of this secluded Wiltshire valley to his vision of an Italian garden – with a Japanese portion. Troy, recently appointed as head gardener, led us through the Walled Garden, not generally open to the public, giving his insights on the history and planting with knowledge and enthusiasm. The terraces of the main garden are where Peto’s love of Italy is particularly evident,[…]
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Melplash Agricultural Society Garden & Allotment Competition 2021 Mr & Mrs Tim & Sibyl Gale A big round of applause to Tim & Sibyl Gale for their success in winning both Best Large Garden and Best Overall Garden in the Melplash Garden Competition 2021. It is a beautiful garden and a tribute to their attentions both in design and maintenance which I was privileged to see just before judging took place. Well done to them! Margaret Genender – Chair The[…]
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