OGC News January 2009
Happy New Year
Click here for printable version
Thanks To
- Kate Snape, Audrey Brooks and Rose Jones for not only volunteering to set up the hall this evening, but also for preparing the refreshments.
- Di Belton-Elliott for noticing the extra free seeds in the T&M catalogue this year. Not all the catalogues we were supplied with advertised this little bonus!
- All of our members who saved their Morrisons ‘Let’s Grow’ vouchers for the School. We have received a letter saying how much our efforts were appreciated.
- Whoever it was who dropped various bits and pieces, such as trays and trowels, off at the school. They wanted to thank you, but no name was given.
Don’t Forget
- Tonight’s speaker is Richard Fishbourne. He is Development Manager at Wiggly Wigglers and the subject of his talk is “Gardening for Wildlife”
- Your Membership Subscription is due this month. It has been raised to £7.50 per person per annum.
- Collect your Menu for the Club Dinner. (It is of course available on the web - click here)
Surrogate Seed Growers
Because of the free T&M seeds mentioned above, Monica Todd would like volunteers who have the space to grow extra plants, vegetable and floral, to grow as many seeds as possible, with the view of supplying the plant stall at the Village Fete and also to have plants for the stall on our club evenings. The Club has a supply of seeds.
Volunteers Needed
Sara Burnham, who runs the after School Gardening Club at Orleton Village School, has asked if any of our members would volunteer to help with this activity. It takes place on a Thursday afternoon from 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm. If a few volunteers could be found, it is feasible a rota could be arranged. Last year there were about 12, very keen and enthusiastic, young gardeners. Sara would organise the programme and would be there to get the activities started, but she is unable to stay for the whole period. A letter from Sara is on the web.
Plant Supports
There are a couple of brochures by the notice board (please do not remove) from Plant Supports (UK) Ltd who are based near Tenbury Wells. They have offered a 10% discount to the club for any order over £50, but only up to the end of March. If you would be interested in ordering any of these items please let Sue Brown know. The Committee are going to ask for a few Samples to display at the February meeting.
Things to Do, Places To Visit
On Tuesday 10th February, there is a talk by Sue Gibson (gardening lecturer) on Pruning Shrubs at Radway Bridge Nurseries. This is from 10.00 am – 12 noon at a cost of £5.00, including coffee and biscuits.
Radway Bridge Garden Centre and Nurseries, Whitestone, Hereford. HR1 3RX. 01432 850009
Seed and Plant Swap in Hereford on Saturday 21st February from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm. There will be stalls and talks. The Art of Living, St Owen St. Hereford. Info: Suzanne Noble 01531 671004 or email: suzanne.noble@a4u.com
Something a bit different – ‘Bird Box Making’ at Croft Castle on February 18th from 12 – 3.00 pm.
Look out for the Snowdrop events at various gardens. Berrington Hall holds snowdrop weekends throughout February and a bit further afield, other National Trust properties such as Attingham Park and The Weir.
Seasonal Tips
- This is the last opportunity to prune apples and pears, and autumn raspberries – cut all canes down to the ground.
- If possible complete digging and prepare seedbeds, covering with clear polythene to warm the soil before sowing
- In late February cut back ornamental grasses and other perennials left for winter interest.
- Pot up cuttings of tender perennials taken last summer, and prick out seedlings before they get crowded
- Prune wisteria and campsis by cutting back the sideshoots to two or three buds.
- Spread plenty of compost to feed your beds
Next Meeting
February 24th, the speaker is Christine Buxton – “A Year in my Garden”