Our autumn / winter season of talks got off to a great start in September when Colin Higgins shared his expertise about Gardening for Pollinators. Even the most experienced gardeners in the audience came away having learnt something new and I think we all subsequently spent time examining our gardens in great detail to see what was going on and what was making themselves at home in and around our plants! It’s still hard to love slugs and aphids but they are food for birds and pollinating insects without which our gardens would not be so wonderful!
Our second talk, in early November, was all about Orchids when Jonny Hartnell gave us a broad but very enlightening introduction to these fascinating plants. He is a very keen amateur but his hobby has certainly taken over his home and garden and it was lovely to see what a variety of species can be grown in this country if the conditions of their native homes can be recreated. And there are orchids for every situation so a lack of exotic conditions doesn’t mean you can’t have orchids in your home!
By the time you are reading this our AGM will have taken place. We will be having the usual run-down of our activities during the past year, and a summary of the financial position, as well as appointing the committee for the year ahead. Once the formal business is over and we have indulged in some refreshments, we are handing over to Sarah Eastwood who is giving a demonstration called “The History of the Christmas Pudding” – sounds delicious!!
We are busy planning our coach trip to take place in June 2024. Members of the Society will get all the details in their newsletter in January and once they’ve had a chance to book their seats, we will open the trip up to everyone.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our events and until then, we hope it stops raining so that you can spend some time tidying up your gardens for winter, or that the rain means lots of opportunities for creativity indoors!