Bookham, Fetcham and District Garden Society
Bookham, Fetcham and District Garden Society Concerns about wildlife are very topical so 'Gardening for Wildlife' was next in our programme and Society member Peter Almond talked about how to support the natural world. Farming methods have changed to the detriment of wildlife as in the 50’s and 60’s farmland was sectioned off with long lengths of hedges but these were eventually grubbed up. So what can we do. An easy option is to plant more Herbs, naturalize Bulbs, Cowslips and Primroses. Perennial plants and shrubs such as Buddleia are also very important. If one has the space then have a perennial wildflower meadow with Yellow Rattle being very useful for killing grass and then sowing wildflower seed. When the weather is dry do not forget to put out water for the birds.
We would like to get information to members more speedily so we would ask members to pass on their Email address to Derek Bean - if so please forward it via my Email address – da.jj.bean@btinternet.com just stating you are a GS Member together with your name. Details can be obtained from Joyce and Derek Bean (458711) or Ann Gutteridge (379039). Do keep a lookout for our posters for evening meetings and keep us in mind for any spare plants. |
Our members continue to enjoy our evening meetings through the winter with our varied programme of talks. Nicki Rowling from Chilworth enlightened us on 'The History of Willow'. There are up to 400 varieties with 60 of these suitable for basket making being a very strong and pliable material. We often hear about the lovely sound of cricket ball on willow, the bats having been made from willow since 1624. Nicki bought along samples of her work and ably demonstrated making a basket. A number of members took part in making a small basket under Nickis'guidance. Some members subsequently attended her workshops. www.willowandyoga.com
Appropriately our next speaker was Claire Brown from W Horsley with a passion for Herbs – www.plantpassion.co.uk. A very experienced horticulturalist who in her time spent five years managing the Wisley Plant Centre and is now managing her own nursery locally. Claire bought along many herb samples to illustrate her talk and plenty of pots of herbs for members to purchase. She also provided ideas for using herbs in various recipes. 
Did you miss any of these talks. You are welcome to come along on a Monday evening and have a think about joining us as we feel we have a lot to offer for a modest £3.00 (Individual) or £5.00 for a family. Our Show Schedule/Booklet costs £1.00 and contains a lot of information and entry to the Shows is free to members. In the period September to May in the Harrison Room we have eight evening meetings with a variety of speakers. Entrance to an evening meeting for Members is £1.00 and non Members £1.50. Library books are free for members to borrow for a month. Come and visit us - we would be pleased to see you.