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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by Marcus Dancer Marcus Dancer is passionate about growing his own plants and enjoys propagating and producing his own stock where possible. He has been growing and producing clematis plants for 30 years. His talk in April described the distinctive types of clematis, their flowering period, preferred soil and conditions, planting depths, feeding and pruning. Large photographs of individual flowers demonstrated the huge range of form and colour available throughout the seasons, a number of which are heavily scented.
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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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by Rosemary Legrand At the Club’s February meeting the Chairman announced that monies from the Plant stall at the Show on March 30th will be donated to Age Concern UK – Bridport branch. Rosemary Legrand captivated members as she shared the wonderful sights and sounds of South Africa with music and vibrant photographs. On a self drive tour, which began in Cape Town,and continued up the West coast, then south east through vast vineyards,to the Indian Ocean, concluding the holiday[…]
Read moreby Roger Hirons After a glorious sunset we met for our first meeting of 2019. Roger Hirons got us off to a wonderful start to the year speaking on “The Winter Garden”. Years of experience and study at such prestigious establishments as Pershore and Hilliers, came across in a tide of knowledge and enthusiasm for plants. Beginning with guide-lines on garden planning Roger used examples from his array of lovely plants to illustrate his points, showing large colourful photographs portraying[…]
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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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in April 2018 Sunshine broke through rainy skies for our first outing of the year. The immaculate grounds at the Yeo Valley Organic Gardens incorporated woodland, meadows, fruit and flowers. Unique wrought iron arches and sculptures added interest. Tulips of every type made welcome splashes of vibrant colour among the spring greens.
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