Hartest & District Gardening Club

The picture on the right is of Clematis viticella "Mary Rose", which Annie chose as her Plant of the Month for August.  A very old, beautiful plant, but with the dark flowers it really needs something light behind it to set it off.  It also propogates well.

Our speaker for the evening was Dr Gwenda Kyd, who gave a fascinating talk on "People & Plants: Molecules, Medicines and Mischief".  You may think that using plants for medicine is an ancient and old-fashioned thing, but about 50% of new drugs in the last 30 years have come either directly or indirectly from the natural world.  Many of us know about foxgloves, but there are many plants that the scientists derive components for their medicines from.  There is often, however, a very fine line between the beneficial and the dangerous amounts that can be used.

Next months talk, on Monday September 5th, will be on the speakers choice of the best plants for autumn.  Colin Ward, with his wife, owns and runs Swines Meadow Farm Nursery, specialising in plants from all around the world.  They have won many medals at prestigious flower shows.  He will talk about his particular favourite plants for this time of year, and there should be examples for sale!

We will start at 7.30pm.  The entry fee is £2 for members, £3 for visitors, which will include light refreshments.  We are a friendly group, please come along and see for yourself!

Later that week is our Annual Show, the highlight of our year!  The list of classes, along with some helpful hints on exhibiting, is available on our Show page, and can also be picked up at the meeting above.  There really is a class for everyone, even with the growing conditions this year!  If you haven't any vegetables, how about fruit?  Or a pot plant?  A pot of jam?  Even some flapjacks.  Entries can be brought along to the Institute between 6pm and 7pm on Friday September 9th, or between 9.30am and 11am on Saturday 10th.  Each entry will cost you 25p.

We then close, and get all the judging done, before opening up again at 2.30pm.  The silverware will be handed out at 3pm, and a raffle drawn at 3.30pm.  We would love to see lots of people come along - the school exhibits will be in their usual pride of place.

If you have any questions about the club, please contact Geraldine, either via email on gross7702@gmail.com, or by phone on 01787 280134. 

The two Peter's at the 2016 Show

During the visit to Richmond House in Clare in June, 2016.

Our display in the Church to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.