Reports from Member's Meetings

 A well attended meeting had a talk by Sheila Over on Looking Forward to Spring and Summer in the Cottage Garden. 

Sheila included some of her experiences from time spent during the lockdown spanning 2020-2021 too. She had previously been to Felley Priory in Nottinghamshire and concentrated on her experiences during the second lockdown when upon offering her services as a helper she spent time in what is essentially a cottage garden. The work was rewarding and a bonus was personal learning for instance about unusual plants and tips on care; cuttings of hyacinths, and the cutting right down of agapanthus plants. 

This is an established garden and looks after itself, the year beginning with snowdrops, hellebores then daffodils and after that, bluebells. The herbaceous border then comes into its own. Hellebores can grow anywhere, and can be propagated from seed, generally regarded as promiscuous as do tend to self seed. Can be prone to aphids, leaf spot and sometimes vine weevil; divide and then mulch in autumn is good preparation for the spring. 

There are 4 distinct flower types also doubles and spotted varieties, best displayed on high if possible because of their nodding habit. Purple seems to be favourite colour. There is a splendid rose garden, and an evergreen Magnolia. 

The grounds are open to the public Tues-Sat and 1st/3rd Sundays. 

The session finished with a lively QandA time and members showed their appreciation in their applause. At the end there were some plants for sale, followed by the raffle and reminders of forthcoming meetings.

Next two meetings are 18th November and the Christmas party on 16th December, MEMBERS ONLY WITH TICKET apply to Susan Susan Gray. 

Please note there will be no members meeting in January as Moorlands is to be closed for refurbishing.