Chalfont St Peter Garden Club Newsletter - December 2004
Chairman: Charles Flawn
Secretary: Linda Hills-Harrop
Garden Hut Manager: Cliff Thayer
Dear Member, The frosts have at last arrived to kill-off those
leftover fungal spores of tulip fire and other unpleasant insects
and fungi that we are now unable to control with sprays. So get out
there now and start planting your tulips and other bulbs.
Meetings: Our November meeting was a huge success, we
had Dr. Brandham, a professional speaker, with his own
really outstanding slides of Kew Gardens through the year.
This months meeting will be our Christmas Party at
8pm on Wednesday 15th December in the Church Hall. We have a
professional Cabaret group to entertain you after your
supper of Fish & Chips and mince pie all washed down with a
nice glass of wine. Please buy your £6 tickets from Linda
by the 12 December so we know how many to
cater for.
Seed Orders. This is make-up-your-mind time for
what seeds you need for next year; orders must be in to
Linda by 12th December at the very latest! The Garden
Hut will be closed for the whole of December. The next
opening will be on Sunday 16th January and for then on every
Sunday until November 27th 2005. Details of new items will
be included in the January Newsletter. A big Thank You to all
members for their help and support during 2004, and wishes
for a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and SUCCESSFUL 2005. Cliff.
Discount Next year the Club will be offering a 10% discount
on all purchases of £20 and over. This year the period will
run from 23rd January until Sunday 13th March 2005. We hope
members will take advantage of this offer to make room for
the delivery of Growbags.
Janes Garden Tips
Have a look at all of the deciduous trees and shrubs in your
garden to see if any need attention to improve the health or
shape of the plant. With no leaves at this time of year its
easier to see what you are doing. First remove any dead or
diseased wood and crossing branches, cutting back where
possible to a joint. If the plant is taking up too much room
trim it back, but remember that the new resulting growth
will be stronger. Try to open up the centre of the plant to
allow air to circulate. Take time when pruning and stand
back to consider the effect of removing a branch. Feed after
pruning with organic fertilizer and mulch. Most plants tend
to produce a mass of shoots where they were pruned, keep an
eye on this re-growth in spring and summer and remove shoots
while they are still young. Continue digging removing
perennial weeds and incorporate manure or compost, leaving
the frost to break down the soil. Keep some fleece handy to
throw over any tender plants if frost is forecast. During
these short day-light days house plants need all the light
they can get, place them in a bright position, but not too
near a radiator, turn every few days to avoid them becoming
drawn towards the light. Pot up some herbs such as mint and
chives or sow some basil or coriander for growing on the
windowsill providing some useful leaves for cutting during
the winter. Order seeds and potato tubers now. Clear and
tidy sheds, clean paths and repair and paint fences with
preservative. Continue harvesting spinach, kale, turnips and
brussel sprouts (picking from bottom up). Give your garden
birds plenty to eat at this time of year, nuts and seeds,
make sure there is a fresh water supply, checking in the
cold weather for it freezing over. Subscriptions are
due for renewal on 1st January.
Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club Membership Renewal
Application Form 2005
To: The Membership Secretary, Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club.
Telephone:
Or hand in at the Hut or monthly meeting. Please Renew by
end February, to ensure continuous membership.
*Membership £ 4 per year. Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Date
..
I wish to: - (Please Tick v) Address(House
Number)
.
( ) Renew my Membership.
..
( ) Become a Member
..
Joining fee £2 per person. Phone No
...
Post
Code
Please add £2:50 if your Newsletter is posted or you live
outside the area.
*Subscriptions run until 31st December each year. Title
Initials Name Membership & Joining Fee.
..
..
Cheques/POs should be made payable to Chalfont St. Peter
Garden Club Total of Money £
.
I agree that details of my membership may be held on
computer for administrative purposes only.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD WILL BE WITH YOU SHORTLY
The British Library is celebrating the RHS
bicentenary by the new Writer in the Garden exhibition;
apparently it is a real visual delight for all garden
lovers. There are writings and illustrations from the
medieval period onwards, including Chaucer, Wordsworth, Jane
Austen and many, many more, this richly enthralling free
exhibition is on for the next four months in The British
Library, Euston Road, London. Tel. ??????? It is very easy
to reach from here, go to Little Chalfont Tube Station and
take the Metropolitan line to either Euston Square or Kings
Cross stations and then walk the 100 yards or so to the
British Library. Discount cards at Wyevale Nurseries
and Van Hage at Chenies.
Are you aware that these two garden centre organizations
issue discount cards that entitle you to at least 10% off
live plants and, in the case of Wyevale it is 10% off
everything you buy on a Tuesday.
Van Hage gives discounts every weekday morning and has
special days for card holders. Visit them and ask for the
application forms. Van Hage tries to make you pay, but you
dont need to, I have never paid for mine!!! Buyer
Beware. Through the medium of this Newsletter the club
is bringing to your attention, opportunities that may
interest you, however, you must satisfy yourself that they
meet your requirements as Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club
will accept no legal, moral or financial responsibility.
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