Chalfont St Peter Garden Club Newsletter - November 2007

Chairman: Charles Flawn
Secretary: Susan Mills
Treasurer: Robert Bastin
Garden Hut Manager: Cliff Thayer
http://www.gardenclub.org.uk

Dear Member

NOVEMBER MEETING: 21st November 2007
Chalfont St Peter Church Hall 8 to 10pm
Refreshments available

The Speaker for this month will be Mr Hilary Newman who will be talking about “The Dry Garden”. The Talk can be attended by non-Garden Club Members. However, a voluntary donation of £1 would be appreciated towards the cost of the Speaker for non-Garden Club Members who attend.

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL EVENING
12th December, 2007 (Changed from the 19th)

Fish ‘n Chip Supper with a Mince Pie. Entertainment will be by S.G. Production presenting their show “Have yourself a Merry Christmas”. The charge for this Excellent Christmas Festivity will be £7.00 p.p. Tickets ESSENTIAL, buy from Linda on or at the Hut

Feedback on October Meeting

Dr Kathy Brown gave a truly inspirational talk this month. Whilst she centred her discussion on bulbs, introducing not only familiar ones but many less well-known varieties, she also showed us a variety of ways in which bulbs may be presented, often in containers, either with other bulbs or with quite different plants. Her talk was firmly based on a great deal of personal experience in the garden, often using examples from her Manor House at Stevington, Beds. Her colour slides were among the best we have ever been shown. A wonderful evening! Her garden is open to visitors several times each year.
See www.kathybrownsgarden.homestead.com.

Jane’s November Garden Tips

Many perennials can be divided up at this time of year, usually done every 2-3 years to rejuvenate plants that have become congested. Lift the plant out of the soil and cut it apart with a spade or, if possible, prize apart by hand Outer pieces of the plant are usually the healthiest and the smaller the divisions the more vigorously they will grow. Each new section should have a healthy basal buds and young roots. Add compost to the soil; replant watering in well: swop left over pieces with friends.

As the Autumn leaves fall, rake up from lawns and beds and store; compost them as they make a great soil improver. They can be piled into plastic sacks with pierced holes to rot down or, if you’ve got a large quantity, make a simple enclosure from wooden stakes and chicken wire. Make sure the leaves remain damp as dry leaves won’t break down. Speed up the process by watering on leaf composting activator.

Prune roses to prevent wind rock. Finish planting winter bedding and tulips. Raise containers on feet to prevent water logging. Disconnect hoses and garden irrigation equipment, insulate outdoor taps and isolate from the mains supply. Clean out gutters on sheds and greenhouses. Wash down inside, outside and staging of the greenhouse - this is best done on a warm sunny day. Fix bubble wrap to insulate the interior; keep heaters ready to use if weather turns cold; bring tender plants and bulbs into the greenhouse. Check fence panels and posts are secure and have not rotted. Lift and store root crops carrots beetroot and turnips, parsnips are best left for a frost to improve their taste, mark rows.

Pick Brussels sprouts from the bottom up removing any yellowing leaves, stake these and kale; tie in securely to prevent them being blown about in the wind or falling over.
Order seeds for next year, and don’t forget to feed the birds

Thompson & Morgan are offering a 50% discount off seeds plus free postage. Linda is prepared to send off a bulk order so study the catalogue (we will have some later), decide what you need and send your list on plain paper together with a cheque made payable to the Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club and a note of your name and address. To Mrs L. Hills-Harrop, 29 Criss Grove, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 9HQ.

KEITH’S COACH OUTINGS: -

Outings List for 2008 - I have made a change to May; this will make it three National Trust and three private venues.

1. APRIL – Wed. 23rd - Benley’s, East Sussex – House & Gardens/
motor museum/park/wildfowl/craftworkers/shop etc.
2. MAY – Wed. 21s – Penshurst Place – House & Gardens/toy museum/ 13 acre walled garden.
3. JUNE – Wed. 25th – Mottisfont Abbey (N/T), Romsey – Rex Whistler décor/old rose garden/river walk.
4. JULY – Wed. 23rd – Nyman’s Garden (N/T), Hayward’s Heath – garden/lakes/arboretum etc.
5. SEPT – Wed. 3rd – Losely House/Park, Guildford – lake/walled garden/gift shop, etc.
6. OCT – Wed. 1st – Dyrham Park (N/T), Nr Bath – William & Mary country house/life below stairs exhibition/lakes/gardens etc.

Thanks again for such solid support during 2007. Please let me know if you have any thoughts about these or other venues.

See you ALL next year Keith Gould.

Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club Membership Renewal 2008
Mem. Sec. Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club, 14 Foxdell Way, Chalfont St. Peter, SL9 0PN
Or hand in at the Hut or monthly meeting. Please Renew by end February. Membership Fee £6.00 per year.
Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS Date…………………….
Name(S) (please include title & initials) …………………………………………….
Address (House Number) …………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Post Code……………………………………………Telephone……………………………….
e-mail address………... …………… …………………………………………………………. . .
Subscriptions run until 31 December each year. add £2:50 if your Newsletter is posted or you live outside the area
Cheques/PO’s payable to Chalfont St. Peter Garden Club I enclose £ ……………

I agree that details of my membership may be held on computer for administrative purposes only.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD WILL BE WITH YOUR JANUARY OR FEBRUARY’S NEWSLETTERS

The Garden Hut opens every Sunday 10.00am to 12 noon.
It is very important that you remember to bring your membership card and show it when you make a purchase.

Members please note that the Hut will be open at the usual time of 10 - 12 noon three times during November – Sundays the 4th, 11th and 18th only. The Hut is still well stocked with all your needs for lawn care and can be used while the mild weather continues. We also have plenty of peat, bark, mushroom compost and composted horse manure. Also expecting a delivery of all grades of sand and coarse grit, these will be in small packs for use when taking cuttings and potting on. The Hut will be closed for the whole of December. January opening dates to be advised.
Many thanks for all your support.

Cliff Thayer - Hut Manager

FOR SALE
Garden Incinerator aka galvanised bin with ventilation holes in base, on legs with tin chimney lid. New, never used but not shiny. No Rust. 18” dia. 33” overall. Normal retail price £25. This one £10. Can deliver if in Chalfont St Peter. Ring. 01494


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.