Pruning shrub roses with Ian le Gros of RHS Hyde Hall

We thought this video will assist with your pruning activities this winter.
It is best to get shrub roses pruned before February.

AGM & CHRISTMAS PARTY

On Wednesday 5 December at 8pm we shall have our AGM, followed by the Christmas Party. The latter a chance to relax after the formalities which we hope will not take too long.
The AGM is a chance for Members to have their say about the future of the Society and we hope many will come along and contribute.
The Agenda is set out below. Click on it to enlarge.

WINTER COLOUR

Walking through Limpsfield last week I came across this stunning acer. The red really was something to see, and the photo does not do justice to the reality.
Passing again a few days later all the leaves had dropped.
So it seems that Autumn need not always be depressing if you happen to catch some of the wonderful examples of colour that are round and about.

John Waller - Willow Weaving

The preparation

On Wednesday 7 November we were treated to a willow weaving demonstration by an expert at the craft, John Waller.
Unusually, we were requested to make sure no one was seated nearer than 10 feet from the demonstration, and once John got cracking it was clear why this had to be.
Just look at the length of those willow branches, and you can see the need to keep clear.
Before the start of the demonstration the scene was set by what appeared to be  a wigwam made out of willow. A rather unusual setting for the start of one of our meetings.
However when John got to work, the evolution was almost magical. With manipulative dexterity the willow branches of varying widths were weaved into the frame work all accompanied by an explanatory commentary.

The final product can be seen in the image below.
John runs courses at the Greenwood Workshop at Bore Place between Edenbridge and Sevenoaks. His website is here.

The start

The finished product

The coppiced willow tree

Monthly Meeting 3 October 2018

 The speaker at our Monthly Meeting on Wednesday 3 October at 8pm in the Red Cross Hall, Oxted is Andrew Fisher Tomlin, and his topic is Putting on a Show. He is well known for creating gardens and landscapes around the world. He has won many awards for his work on both gardens and creative projects in a number of countries including Australia, the USA and New Zealand as well as in the UK. His design approach focuses on creative solutions combined with sound horticultural practice. This has been recognised not just by private residential clients but also on larger infrastructure projects such as advising on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and designing for the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Andrew is a Chartered Horticulturist and a Fellow and former Chair of the Society of Garden Designers, the UK’s professional body for garden design. Until recently he served as Chairman of selection for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and has been a visiting lecturer at The Victoria & Albert Museum, London and The Smithsonian in Washington DC amongst other places. He has also curated shows and festivals in Amsterdam, Istanbul and Sydney.

EVENING AUTUMN SHOW 2018

Our Autumn Evening Flower and Produce Show at the Red Cross Hall, Oxted looked wonderful. This was despite the problems the weather has given us throughout the Spring and Summer.
We were particularly delighted to receive entries from new exhibitors. Our thanks to them and our regulars for making the show possible.
Sylvia Pocock did the judging in her own inimitable fashion. What a treat it is to hear what she has to say.
Below are images of the show, along with some of the winners

WED 5 SEPT EVENING AUTUMN SHOW

Instead of the usual arrangements we have for our Monthly Meetings, this year we shall be presenting our Evening Autumn Show.
The schedule is set out below, and there is an entry form at the end. Full details are in our 2018 Members Handbook.
We do hope you may consider an entry. Despite the very hot weather there is still plenty of interest in the garden.
If you want any further information (or encouragement) please call 01883 715496.

BORDE HILL GARDEN

Borde Hill (near Haywards Heath) is a stunningly beautiful and botanically rich heritage Garden, set within over 200 acres of traditional parkland. It captivates and delights visitors with a series of intimate ‘living garden rooms’, fine woodland, parkland, lakes and outstanding views across the Sussex High Weald.

For over 100 years the Garden has evolved with seasonal colour and interest to complement the original plantings of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias. The Rose Garden and herbaceous borders add a blaze of colour in the summer, while the sub-tropical Dells offer an air of exotic mystery, and sheltered areas within the mature landscape reveal unexpected delights in every corner.

Of particular interest at the moment is the Emmenopterys Heny1 Tree from China which was grown from seed at Borde Hill. It is now (August 2018) in flower which is a very rare treat. It is understood that BBC Gardeners World have recently visited to film the tree in all its floral delight.

On our late morning visit the gardens were comfortably busy. There is lots to see, and pleasant eateries so you can be refreshed. Click here for the Borde Garden web site.

The House at Borde Hill

Emmenopterys Heny1

The flower of Emmenopterys Heny1

Blacksmith's Arms Cudham

What a delightful hostelry. Set in the country side more or less behind Biggin Hill Airport. This is where you will find the Blacksmith's Arms.
The gardens are part of the National Gardens Scheme,  but they are on view to all customers.
Here is what is says in the Yellow Book:
"Exceptionally pretty and colourful summer garden set in the grounds of a C17 inn. Unusual varieties of summer bedding plants and annuals, mostly grown and cared for by the landlady. Decking and seating areas surrounded by spectacular hanging baskets and patio displays. Open lawn area with deep colour coordinated beds. We also are proud of our small natural area to attract and sustain wildlife." 
As the photos below show, it is well worth a visit, despite the rigours of the heat wave.
We visited at lunch time and enjoyed a very tasty meal.

LODHS AT THE OXTED CARNIVAL 2018

Early on Saturday 7 July an intrepid band of LODHS members (including one of the oldest) set up the stand in Master Park for the Oxted Carnival.
It was a very hot day, and what with that and the afternoon World Cup match between England and Sweden, numbers visiting were not as large as usual.
However, our stand looked very attractive, thanks to the guidance and direction of Chairman Rick, not to mention all those who put it together, donated plants and attended it throughout the day.
LODHS really made its presence felt.
The first three photos show the stand being put together, and the others the final look.

ST PETERS, LIMPSFIELD - FLOWER FESTIVAL 2018

From Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 July, St Peters Church in Limpsfield was host to a magnificent flower festival featuring over twenty displays based on various themes.

Just take a look at the images below that give just a hint or two of how they looked when viewed in the church. (Each image may be enlarged by clicking on it.)

As is quite common this summer the period was very hot, and it must have presented a real challenge to keep the displays as fresh looking as they were.

Congratulations to all concerned.