Talking of whom, we have had a meeting to discuss Speaker and subject ideas for our next season from this September through to May 2024. I know it sounds a long way off as we’ve only just jumped into 2023 but Speakers are rapidly becoming booked up! We hope we shall do our best for you all and make choices that will enthuse and interest you in anything horticultural!
Valentine’s Day – Tuesday 14 February We love because He first loved us – 1 John 4:19
St Mary’s Good News Valentine’s Update
This Valentine’s Day edition of Good News, St Mary’s Parish Magazine, is reproduced below (together with additional material from various notices), use the links to the stories & news items.
The West Bergholt Gardeners Association had a relatively quiet May, although hosting one of it’s big annual events, and has much to look forward to for June & July.
The Club held its annual Plant Sale on the 19th May and many members of the public came along to sample the excellent display of shrubs and plants which were all on sale at attractive prices. Overall sales amounted to over £600 and this will augment Club funds as well as allowing contributions to be made to local charitable organisations.
Although this was the only public involvement in May, much was being done behind the scenes to organise future events.
Future events
Excursion to Waddesdon Manor
The excursion to Waddesdon Manor is all set for the 19th June and most seats on the coach have now been filled, although seven places remain. Interestingly Waddesdon Manor has been featured on two BBC programmes in recent weeks – Countryfile and Bargain Hunt .
West Bergholt Open Gardens
Final arrangements have now been made for the West Bergholt Open Gardens event on Sunday 22nd June between 1pm and 5pm when local gardens and an allotment will be open for viewing. Programmes are £4 per person (accompanied children – free) and are available for purchase on the day at the Methodist Chapel Hall and St. Marys Church Hall as well as from any of the open gardens. Refreshments are available to purchase at the halls. All proceeds are to go to the Teenage Cancer Trust. It is hoped that many will come along to support this worthwhile charity.
Summer Outing
On the 31st July the Club Members are having a summer outing to Rob & Denise Sherriff (Dahlia specialists) at The Tye Barn, Honey Tye, Lavenheath CO6 4NX at 2.00pm –Visitors welcome. There will be a guided tour of the site and cake and tea/coffee will be served. Anyone interested please phone 241256 Terry) or contact [email protected]. COST £4.00
Next Speaker
15th September will bring us Deborah Hart talking about Hanging Baskets and Winter Containers. All are welcome to our meetings although there is a small charge for non-members.
15th September – Deborah Hart – Hanging baskets and winter containers.
20th October – Darren Tansley – The mammals of Essex.
17th November – Rob Sherriff – Dahlias
8th December – Ric Staines – Gardeners Question Time,
16th February – Jonathan Jukes – Marks Hall History and Progress.
16th March – Jeff Harrison – Through the year in a nature photographers garden.
20th April – Bryan Thurlow – My Perennial Mr.Potter.
Annual plant sale
Our Annual Plant Sale is on 19 May at 7:30pm; some of the funds raised are donated to local charities. Held at the Orpen Hall, most most interests are catered for with bedding plants, Shrubs, trees and vegetable plants all on sale. Also a gardening Bric a Brac stall for more bargains.
Annual coach trip
The annual coach trip this year is to Waddesdon Manor, Allesbury, on the 19th June leaving the Orpen Hall at 8.30 am and leaving Waddesdon at 4.30/5.00 pm this wIll allow time to see the house and gardens including the Aviary, water gardens and the extensive wine cellars. Tickets are available to Members and Non Members £25.00 (Coach and Admission). N.T. Members £12.50. Subject to £12.50 deposit. Some tickets available, for more details and booking contact Terry 01206 241256.
Open Gardens
The West Bergholt Open Gardens is on Sunday the 22nd June 13.00-17.00 – 13 local gardens and allotment will be open for viewing. Programme is £4 per person (accompanied children free) available for purchase on the day. See posters around the village for points of sale.
April Speaker – Richard Ford on Hostas
Members came along to hear Richard Ford talk about his favourite plants—HOSTAS since with his wife Mary he set up Park Green Nurseries in 1983 Hostas being their main speciality. Their displays have won some 180 Gold Medals, including 7 at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The popularity of Hostas is worldwide, attractive throughout the season. They are useful garden plants with some newer species having attractive flowers and resistance to slug and snail attack. One must not forget landscaping and indoor displays where potted plants are extremely attractive features. It was in the 1800s that Hostas originated in Japan as part of the daily diet, being eaten presumably as vegetables. It was the 1950/60s when their popularity became evident in both the U.S.A. and the U.K. The growth in the U.K.resulting in hostas being in the top ten of our garden plants.
Hostas are best grown in semi-shade or dappled shaded areas – not in deep shade! The latter particularly if wet, leading to rot and slug and snail damage. The plants prefer a moist soil and plenty of humus and bonemeal to encourage growth. General slow release fertilizer is best for established plants rich in nitrogen and potash used twice a year.
Propagation is carried out by lifting the plant and cutting straight through from the centre with a sharp knife.There are 50 species and some 10,000 cultivated varieties, some having the advantage of thicker leaves and more upright growth tolerating open positions and given some sun will bear flowers. They will also be less attractive to slugs and snails. However steps should be taken to control vine weevil and hosta virus.
An interesting talk well received by the Members who were able to purchase specimens from a well stocked plant table.
Enjoy visiting gardens and parks …… then come and join us on our coach trip to English Heritage’s Wrest Park, near Luton, Bedfordshire on Thursday 19 July and enjoy miles of reinstated historic pathways, pavilion and statues. We now have a few seats available for this day out, departing Orpen Hall at 9.30am and leaving the venue at 4.30pm. Inclusive cost is £18 members; £20 visitors. Telephone 01206 855450 or 242124 to book.
Our next speaker meeting and AGM will be on 17 September at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall. Ben Potterton will talk on ‘Perennials for late Summer Colour’. Our programme continues as follows:
15 October
Garden Maintenance – Tom Cole
19 November
Small Trees for Small Gardens – Graeme Proctor (buffet supper)
10 December
Modern Day Conservatory Plants – Barry Gayton
18 February
The Magic of Plants – Ric Staines
15 March
Climbers, Creepers and Crawlers – Michael Warren
15 April
Sir Cedric Morris Iris Breeder – Sarah Cook
20 May
Annual Plant Sale
New members and visitors always welcome. Annual subscription is £10; visitor entry £3. If you require information on our organisation please contact Valerie Lofthouse on 01206 855450 or [email protected].
This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
