Our meeting on the 25th April was enjoyed
by all those present. Mr Clive Sperrinks from Sperrinks Nursery
at Gazeley had come along to give us a talk about his nursery. He
brought along lots of plants suitable for hanging baskets. His nursery
prepares approximately 5,000 hanging baskets for the towns of Bury
St Edmunds, Newmarket, Sudbury and others. He explained that many
common basket plants are much improved as compared to the original
plants and that lots of viruses and diseases common at one time
are now bred out. He informed us that the colours of plants such
as surfinias, petunias, gernaiums etc are now numerous - there is
practically too much choice nowadays.
He had brought along a lady who demonstrated the art of planting
a large hanging basket, using 26 of the plants he had been talking
about. The basket looked splendid when it was finished, but the
audience was horrified when she chopped off the flowers and foliage
of most of the plants. Apparently this was to make them bush more
and to encourage flowering. Mr Sperrink explained that if they were
left as they were, then they would finish flowering before the end
of the summer. This way the flowers and foliage developed better
than ever.
Mr Sperrink then kindly donated the hanging basket and plants for
sale that evening for the proceeds to go to the Horticultural Society.
The basket was quickly auctioned and all the plants sold within
minutes. Mr Sperrink and his assistant were warmly thanked by Stan
Bates.
On Monday 16th May we had a bring and buy sale, which unfortunately,
was not very well attended. Even so, all those who attended had
the chance to buy some lovely plants which our members had brought
along and we quickly sold out. On Wednesday 15th June 45 members
and keen gardeners left Wickhambrook to go on a coach outing to
the Gardener's World Live Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham. It
poured down with rain practically all the way, but by the time the
coach was parked it had very nearly stopped. By early afternoon
the sun was shining and the weather beautiful. There was lots to
see at the exhibition - all you needed was plenty of money and plenty
of stamina. We managed to see Alan Titchmarsh, Charlie Dimmock,
Monty Don and Joe Swift as well as all the other exhibits!! Everyone
was weary by 5.30 when we left Birmingham, but I think everyone
had enjoyed the day out and we certainly bought plenty of plants
etc.
Don't forget to come to into the Hall on Carnival and Flower Show
Day on the 9th July. This is also a last minute plea (if you get
your copy of the Scene in time) to make your entries for the Flower
show. These have to be made on Wednesday evening, between 6.30pm
and 8.30pm. The entry form is in the Schedule and they are still
available form the Shop, free of charge.
Hope to see you at the Show
CLICK
HERE TO VIEW - Our 2005 programme has now been planned.
Jackie Fieldsend |
