Garden Group Meetings 2013
JANUARY 3RD - The first meeting of the year was enjoyed with a quiz talk and tea
FEBRUARY 7TH - Our meeting was well attended by 20 members and 3 guests. Yvonne welcomed the speaker, David Clarke, who entertained us with interesting photos from gardens. As an enthusiastic photographer he had captured some wonderful shots of many different gardens, both modern and those carefully laid out with formal structure. As he showed these he talked about his particular love of lupins, interesting plants not known to us and many familiar plants. He also added amusing incidents, such as the catmint path and covered some wonderful exhibits from Tatton Park.
The talk was followed by a break for the usual tea and biscuits (thanks to those who did kitchen duty), then a few announcements and a little work to update our provisional programme for this year.
MARCH 7TH - We had a great meeting and although there were several members not able to come along for various good reasons, we still had 19 attending, plus a few guests. Lesley welcomed David from Abercorn who talked with the help of various props, from seeds to bird foods. His wide knowledge, both amusing and informative, gave us an interesting and entertaining look at ‘What’s new and spring in general’
The talk was followed by the usual tea and biscuits, thanks ladies, and a raffle to which David had added some very nice prizes.
Pauline still has a few places left for the 4th July coach outing so if you haven't done so, just let her know if you would like to add your name.
We had a pat on the back from Pat (membership secretary) as all our group had renewed their membership.
Sue McClellan was introduced as one of our new committee members so that people could put a face to name. Sue has taken on the job of Group's Co-ordinator and will be delighted to liase on relevant matters!!!
APRIL 4TH - Many thanks to Jenny Meager for organising a successful meeting held at the bowls club which 18 members attended. John Parkinson, a prize winning expert on the many varieties of daffodils gave us a very interesting talk, with lots of questions being answered. Thanks also to members who helped with the raffle and refreshments.
Next month, May 2nd, is our first outing arranged by Jan Walker to Ulting Wick. Jan has already sent out details to everyone.
MAY 2nd - 20 members and 4 guests enjoyed a sunny afternoon at the Ulting Wick gardens of Philippa Burroughs. The gardens are well known for their wonderful display of tulips of different colours and variety. Apart from neat flower beds, there was a meadow area, small copse, stream with a couple of 'bridges' and a newly dug veg patch. The house was 16 century with several 17 and 18 century barns and a neat 15 century cottage. Many thanks to Jan for all her hard work.
JUNE 6th - Many thanks to Jan & Alan for inviting us to enjoy their garden and we were all enchanted by the wonderful design, flowers, shrubs and planting. With the clever layout and many nooks and crannies there was so much of interest that even as we were leaving we spotted things not previously noticed. They had the photos to show how the garden had evolved over the years and enjoyed chatting about the plants and the planting.
Afternoon tea and delicious cakes were followed by an entertaining light hearted Quiz which Jan W & Jennie won. Well done ladies and enjoy your orange drinks!!
Jan was also pleased to tell us that our collection today will be paid to Farleigh Hospice together with the monies they had from their Open Garden Day last Sunday. This was applauded.
JULY 4th - A coachload of 46 Flower and Camera Club Member as well as U3A Members had a grand day out on Thursday 4th July visiting Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield.
We were blessed with beautiful weather, wonderful flowers, especially roses and very congenial staff, gardeners and helpers.
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and members were seen carrying cuttings they had been given by Staff and flowers and plants from the shop on to the coach home. Our driver, Terry, from Phillips Coaches drove us steadily and got us back in Great Baddow in one hour, as the M25 and Al2 were hold-up free.
Pauline Bowen, Gardening Group Coach Organiser.
AUGUST 1st - The hottest day of the year - yes I think we all felt it.
22 members of the gardening club plus 12 visitors and U3a members of other groups. gathered at Writtle College for a very interesting tour of the gardens by Tom Cole's colleague, Steve Ashley.
We finished at the college restaurant for a very welcome cuppa and cake and collected £30 for the Writtle Garden Fund.
Many thanks to Marjorie for organising a very interesting afternoon.
Joyce Secretary
SEPTEMBER 5th - Our visit to Perrywood Garden Centre today was fascinating. Lesley had booked a tour for us and even though the temperature in the glass houses was in the 90’s we were able to see the seed sewing, pricking out machinery and the way plants are grown on site. There was so much interesting information, from 29000 cyclamen grown, to the way the Acers are bought in bare rooted from New Zealand and potted on. Even how their own compost is mixed which is used by them and also sold to customers.
After the tour we browsed through the Nursery and were tempted to make a few purchases including a RHUS TIGER EYES which Margot spotted. The Gift shop had some delightful bits and pieces and we ended up enjoying refreshments in the Coffee Shop.
The Perrywood Brochure states exceptional Quality and Value for Garden and Home which is the impression we had and the staff we met from the 90+ they employ were all helpful and happy. A very pleasant afternoon and thanks to Lesley for organising.
OCTOBER 3rd - 35 members and guests came to a very interesting and entertaining talk given by Brian Carlene. He covered all aspects of gardening in an amusing but informative manner. Many thanks to Yvonne for arranging a very popular speaker,
Also thanks to Phyllis and Jenny for organising the refreshments.
Joyce, Secretary
NOVEMBER 7th - A very successful afternoon. 27 members met for a talk by John Macefield of Lyons Seeds Maldon.
He gave a very interesting talk on the history of the Sweet Pea. The amazing colours and the enormous variety.
Many thanks to Lesley for organising the afternoon, Margot for the raffle, and Phyllis and Jenny for doing the refreshments.
Joyce, Secretary
DECEMBER 5th - A very successful afternoon was held yesterday when 19 members attended an entertaining meeting. Marjorie was in good form with her quizes and there was lots of chatter and mince pies, plus a raffle. Many thanks to Marjorie for all her hard work and to Phyllis for the teas.
The theme for our January meeting has come from Phyllis which is on:'our favourite or hated gardening tool'. This could be a new tool or one which belonged to say a favourite uncle. Plus a raffle.
Hope that you all have a good Christmas.
Joyce, Secretary