FEBRUARY MEETING: Rhod Jones from Titsey Estate

Welcome to 2017 and on Wednesday 1 February at 8pm, our round of Monthly Meetings for the year starts.
Our speaker will be very welcome indeed, who is RHOD JONES the Head gardener of the Titsey Estate.

"The latest in a succession of head gardeners to continue the legacy at Titsey Place is Rhod Jones who took up the position in February 2014 after working for 20 years at Ashburnham Place in East Sussex restoring a Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, which included a walled kitchen garden. “I was ready to take up a new challenge,” he says. “Now we’re building on the work started by my predecessors in re-establishing and developing the Victorian kitchen garden here at Titsey Place.”
A team of just five gardeners manage the garden, a fraction of the number there would have been in Victorian times, employing methods from the past along with modern labour and time-saving advances.
“We endeavour to showcase many Victorian horticultural techniques but in the spirit of Victorian development also embrace new horticultural innovations such as computer controlled heating and ventilation systems,” says Rhod. “We are not strictly organic, as we use pesticides on the pathways, but we minimise our use of herbicides where possible and use a variety of biological controls for whitefly, aphids and mealy bug on the glasshouse crops.”  quote from Surrey Life

SEASONS GREETING FROM LODHS

Christmas at Kew

We enjoyed a good AGM on Wednesday 7 December guided by Chairman Rick in his usual diplomatic manner. Following the formalities, we enjoyed mulled wine and a range of tasty refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 1 February when we have a special treat with Rhod Jones, Head Gardener of Titsey Estate. Do make a note of the date to be sure not to miss it.

Until then, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and look forward to your support in 2017.

Look what we enjoyed following the AGM

The Membership Secretary is kept busy

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY TO ROY

It is with great pleasure that we offer Roy Eaton, our President Emeritus, heartiest congratulations on his 90th Birthday.

Roy is a great garden enthusiast, and must rank as one of the best gardeners in the district. Failing health over the last couple of years means he is not as active as he was, but his garden was always immaculate and a treat to view.
Many gardeners have benefited  from his wisdom and freely given advice.

Over the years Roy has held all the senior positions of office in the Society, and always set about the business of the day with his usual vigour.  
He remains a regular entrant is our monthly competition, and is often a winner. Long may it continue.

 

November Monthly Meeting with Simon Ginnaw

We were delighted to welcome Simon on Wednesday 2 November, who delivered a marvellous illustrated talk (with sound effects) that described the Woodland Year.
The photos of woodland, plants, and wild life were beautiful, and were selected from many thousands taken by Simon himself.

Simon after the presentation

Altogether, a wonderful presentation (with the sound of birdsong in the background) that was almost mesmeric and held the attention of everyone throughout.
Do not miss the chance of seeing The Woodland Year if you get the opportunity. We are sure you will not be disappointed.

 

Simon brought some rare examples of modern taxidermy with him

The November Meeting marked the final entries for the 2016 Monthly Competition. The winners for the year will be announced at the AGM in December, but Sandra's winning entry for this month is well worth a look.

Sandra's winning November entry

SIMON GINNAW

Simon is coming to talk to us on Wednesday 2 November at 8pm, in the Red Cross Hall, Oxted. Visitors, as well as members are very welcome to join us.
His topic is "Part of the Woodland Year", and this is what he has to say about it.

 
Woodlands and forests are a place of myths, legends and fairytales!!  Our woodlands are also packed from floor to the highest canopy with wildlife – but they’re not always easy to see.  Using birdsong and music Simon leads the audience on a walk in the woods following the seasons, to discover beautiful butterflies, plentiful birds, and the mysterious creatures of the night.  Discover the secrets of the central character in all this drama – the one on which all the creatures of the forest depend – the trees.

TESSA ALLEN: Wednesday 5 October at 8pm

Tessa (right) with Karen in 2013

For our talk on Wednesday 5 October at the Red Cross Hall, Oxted we are delighted to welcome back Tessa Allen and her topic will be "Winter Colour and Scent".

Tessa teaches horticulture, including RHS ‘Certificate in Horticulture’ and short courses on specific topics. As a gardener of over 30 years experience Tessa likes to put the emphasis on the practical skills of her trade, while explaining ‘why’  the various techniques are successful.
She’s always happy to answer questions on any aspect of gardening, and loves nothing better than working with plants or being in the company of gardeners.

We look forward to seeing you, for what should be an entertaining and enlightening evening.

BODNANT GARDENS: North Wales

Karen went to see this garden, and thought it worth telling us about it, and showing some photos. Here is what shes says:

"Bodnant Gardens nestles in the Snowdonia foothills of North Wales one of the worlds most magical gardens.  Dramatic scenery, historic plant collections, Champion trees and myriad horticultural styles!   An 80 acre paradise established in 1874 by a Victorian entrepreneur and filled with plants collected by famous global explorers including towering american redwoods to beautiful Himalayan primulas poppies and lollies. 

Stunning garden and worth a visit, great cafes too.  Highly recommended.  One of the all time greats!  I think en par with Wisley!!   That's saying something!!"

ALL CHANGE AND A "POP-UP" ON 7 SEPTEMBER

We are sorry to announce that Russell Bowes is unable to be with us on Wednesday 7 September.

However, we are delighted to say the HILARY NEWMAN has kindly agreed to come along instead.

His talk will be: "Plant Problems and Solutions". We all have plenty of those so it will be  very worth while coming along to Red Cross Hall Oxted at 8pm.

In addition to the usual Monthly Competition we have one of our popular "Pop-Ups". This month it is Dahlias. So, do bring yours along for us to see.