West Bergholt Gardeners Association – March Newsletter
This month’s meeting was devoted to lawns when Geoff Hodge came along to discuss the problem of maintaining our patches of grass which have all suffered from the appalling wet winter weather. He stressed that people should decide upon what type of lawn that they wanted to maintain as different needs did not require the same treatment. The types to bear in mind were the bowling green, the utility lawn and the second class lawn full of weeds, moss and bare patches. The latter was likely to have been a weekend lawn being cut as low as possible to avoid having to get the mower out again in the `foreseeable` future – a definite candidate for a new start from scratch policy.
You should regard grass as you would any other plant in the garden, needing good soil, aeration feeding, regular watering and scarifying after moss killer had done its job. Note that scarifying before the moss is dead will only spread the moss and cause further problems. The height of cut is important and 1.5” or 2.0” is recommended and you might well keep on mowing throughout the year weather/ground permitting. In shady positions a cut height of 2.00”.– 3.00” is recommended.
Using these guidelines a greener thicker grass should develop during the year, but do not forget the autumn/winter feed Established lawns are best cared for by raking out dead and creeping grass and finishing with a broom. If required overseeding can be done preferably in spring.
The presentation was well received by the members and Geoff after demonstrating several items gave them to the club for the usual raffle.
Club News
Annual Plant Sale
The ANNUAL PLANT Sale is on Monday 19th May 7.30 pm at the Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt. Most interests are catered for with bedding plants, shrubs, trees and vegetable plants. There will also be a gardening Bric a Brac stall.
Waddesdon Manor
The major outing of the year is a coach trip to Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, this is planned for the 19th June leaving Orpen Hall at 8.30am. and leaving Waddesdon at approximately 4.30/5.00pm. This will give time to see the house, the gardens including the aviary and water gardens and the wine cellars. .
Over 300,000 visitors visit Waddesdon every year to see the house and gardens as well as visiting the shops, restaurant, café, wine cellars and the plant centre.
Tickets are available to Members and non members £25 (coach and admission). National Trust Members £12.50
Deposit £12.50
More details and booking form contact Terry on 01206 241256.
West Bergholt Open Gardens
This takes place on 22nd June Sunday 13.00 – 17.00 at present 13 local gardens and allotment (small, medium and large) will be open to viewing. Programme is £4.00 person (accompanied children free) available for purchase on the day at any of the gardens or allotment.
Next Months Speaker
The April meeting on 14th April sees Richard Ford making a return visit to the Club to talk about one of his favourite plants –Hostas. All are welcome to our meetings – small charge for non- members.