March 2017 Meeting

As part of our March Meeting we enjoyed a 'pop-up' Competiton that requested members to bring along examples of Hellebores. What a delightful display we enjoyed, as the examples were all set in dishes of water. Below are some of the entries.

The winner was decided by those present, and we are pleased to congratulate Karen with her entry.

Karen's winning entry

We were also stimulated by Philip Johnson to have a crack at growing Sweet Peas, and with experience, how to bring on prize winning examples to display at shows.

Philip after the talk with his sweet pea seed collection

Philip Johnson - Monthly Meeting March 2017

Our Monthly Meeting for March features Philip Johnson who has been growing autumn sown Sweet Peas for over 35 years.

During that time he has become a prominent member of the National Sweet Pea Society. As well as a keen exhibitor he has gone on to judge at major shows. He was made an honorary member of the Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies in 2009 in recognition for 25 years service as a Sweet Pea judge. He is a former chairman of the NSPS / Royal Horticultural Society Sweet Pea trials held at RHS Wisley Garden, Surrey. Philip is currently serving as a member of RHS Herbaceous Committee.

But Philip is not just a Sweet Pea nut! He works as a professional gardener where he is well respected for his skills and experience. He has an eye for design and colour which is reflected in the current selection of colour blends. In addition to this he runs a small nursery offering a range of plants available at selected Plant Fairs in Kent and the South East.

We also have a "pop-up" competition which give you the opportunity to bring along your Hellebores. On the left is an idea of a way to display them.

This is in addition to the usual monthly
Competition.

A Kew Peacock

Thor and Julie visited Kew Gardens last week, and came across this rather unusual peacock. What a delight and a wonderful splash of colour.

MEET DAPHNE BHOLUA ‘LIMPSFIELD’ – OUR VERY OWN SHRUB!

Thanks to a spot of research by Sophie at the Limpsfield website we can introduce you to DAPHNE BHOLUA ‘LIMPSFIELD’ – our very own local shrub!
click here to read the whole item.
Anyone know about the origins of this plant, if so do let us know?

PHOTO: Emma Allen, Garden Manager at RHS Garden, Wisley

RHOD JONES - FEBRUARY MEETING

Rhod chats to Karen

We enjoyed an enthusiastic gathering of members and visitors to our first meeting of 2017.
All of us were delighted to welcome our guest speaker Rhod Jones, who is the Head Gardener of Titsey Estate.
Rhod spoke to us about his background, his experiences as well as his ideas for the development of the gardens at Titsey.
He has a great style of presentation using photographs, which can be examined in detail after his talk.
There is no doubt Rhod motivated many of us to revisit the gardens when they reopen in May.

The photographs on display

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.