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2018 News & Reviews
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December Meeting – Gardeners Question Time & Social
Our Christmas Social will be held on Monday 10th December. Back by popular demand will be our very own Gardeners Question Time. If you have any questions you would like to put to our panel, please ask Heather for a question slip. Remember to get your question in early to ensure you get an answer.
8th October 2018 Shandy Hall - Chris Pearson
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Last night’s speaker was Chris Pearson who became responsible for the gardens when her partner Patrick Wildgust became curator of Shandy Hall.
Her enjoyable talk and impressive slides walked us through the two acres of garden (over 100 roses, perennials, woodland and wildlife garden), through the seasons and explained how they are encouraging wild life.
In addition Chris pointed out the connections within the garden to the Hall’s most celebrated inhabitant Laurence Sterne, including planting colour schemes and hand rails which imitate his “plot lines”.
10th September 2018 ‘Unnatural Gardening’
Our first meeting of the year was a most informative, interesting and entertaining talk by Peter Williams. A retired plant scientist with specialist knowledge of plant ecology, physiology and plant microbiology. His talk explained the concept of natural gardening and questioned whether this current fashion is actually possible, sustainable or even desirable.
He certainly opened our eyes to the many myths which surround this subject, including showing us his own “Natural Garden!!” (above.)
Annual Flower & Produce Show
To read a full review of the Show Click Here
Visit to Birstwith Hall
Our second visit this year was to Birstwith Hall, nestling in a secluded Yorkshire dale. We started our visit with a brief history of the house by the present owner.
We were then taken round the garden by the former head gardener who introduced us to;
the extensive tiered lawns,
a large pond, picturesque stream,
Our tour ended with the formal garden.
The weather was exceptional and we all enjoyed tea and biscuits on the terrace afterwards.
Visit to the Himalayan Garden
Our first garden visit this year was to the Himalayan Garden near Grewelthorpe. What a treat, the rhododendron and azalea were at their best, I’ve never seen such large blooms and you never know what you may find lurking in amongst the shrubs!
The contrast of the colourful valley slopes, the peaceful lakeside paths and the newly planted arboretum,
provide interest for everyone, as is reflected in the happy faces of our members.
Blue meconopsis, new varieties and hidden gems all added to the colourful display.
The Sybil Spencer Memorial Lecture May 2018
Our early concerns regarding the "no show" guest speaker turned into surprise and delight as one of our members, Val Crompton, stepped into the breach and gave a fantastic talk about Adel churchyard.
Her humorous, informative and wonderfully illustrated presentation covered not only the history of the churchyard, but also its importance to the natural history and biodiversity of the area.
Her slides showed how past and present members have been involved in the various volunteer groups who have maintained and preserved this wonderful green corridor,
which remains a haven of peace and tranquillity,
for all,
as well as a resting place for a wide variety of birds and animals,
living and not so living!!
Rarely have I heard such laughter in the Friends Meeting House. A truly enjoyable evening.
Thank you so much Val.
April Meeting
This month’s talk was given by Liz Webster who is a leading expert on Perennials. She gave an interesting talk on the importance of our soil and its impact on our plants, together with some useful information on pests’ diseases and disorders which affect our gardens.Liz advised how to use organic methods to offset the dwindling supply of branded chemicals that we have been used to.
Also tonight our members brought their annual daffodil bulbs for judging and a worthy winner was Tarn Everett seen here being presented with the cup by our Chairman Jill Dilks.
March Meeting
This month’s meeting was given by a very enthusiastic Stella Exley, from Hare Spring Cottage Plants. Stella’s passion is Camassia and she entertained us with her humorous presentation about the highs and lows of her journey on the way to achieving an RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winning Camassia.
Lots of wonderful plants on sale at reasonable prices.
Paxton Horticultural Society Spring Show
2pm Saturday 31st March 2018
As Adel Horticultural Society is no longer staging a Spring Flower Show, the Paxton Spring Flower Show provides the ideal opportunity for those of us who wish to continue displaying.
STAGING - FRIDAY 30 March 6.30pm - 8.30pm
SATURDAY 31 March 8.30am - 11.15am.
For more information, Please visit their website:
https://sites.google.com/site/paxtonhorticulturalsocietycouk/
February Meeting
This month’s speaker was Nick Smith, Show Director from the North of England Horticultural Society, who gave us a very amusing talk on the planning and staging of the Harrogate Flower Shows.
We have all seen the colourful displays from over 100 nurseries, enjoyed the live entertainment and marvelled at the stunning displays of floral art, but it was very informative to hear how the show has developed over the years and to see how Nick and the team are continuing to strive to produce innovative shows each year despite the occasional setback.
January Meeting
This month’s speakers were Barbara & Peter Murphy who entertained us with a talk on ‘A Year in the Life of Rodley Nature Reserve’. It was interesting to see how the site has evolved and Barbara’s photographs are superb. Following on from their visit we have been advised that Rodley has been chosen as one of the five finalists in the 2018 BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Best Nature Reserve. “Not bad for a bunch of retired individuals” said Peter. If you would like to vote for them visit their website for details.
http://www.rodleynaturereserve.org/uncategorised/bbc-countryfile-magazine-awards/
New Annual Show
At the 2017 AGM in November the decision was made to combine the Spring and Autumn Flower Shows into an Annual Flower & Produce Show to be held in the Autumn.
The Show Committee is now working on the new show which promises to be even bigger and better than before.