WELCOME

Welcome to our Gardening Club Rhydlewis and District Gardening Club has been around since the time of Adam and Eve. In fact, it is believed that one of our members planted and tended the very apple tree that gave rise to the pair being expelled from the garden!!

Whether this urban myth is true or not, the club is here to encourage, improve and extend the members' knowledge of all branches of horticulture. It is open to everyone and new members are all always welcome to come along.

Our activities during the year include a varied programme of talks and social events, summer garden visits, a plant sale, social gatherings/bbq and an annual open show in August.


Friday 2 August 2024

High Summer Sunshine for the Garden Visit


    
Our coach trip to Llwyngarred Gardens for 25 members and friends of the gardening club was huge fun. 


Everyone seemed to enjoy the gardens...not to mention the tea and cake which was on offer whenever we chose. Some wandered the garden first, others went for refreshments after quite a long trip down, thanks to a diversion from the A40 roundabout. Thank heavens for our coach driver, who was magnificent, safely depositing us at the entrance and getting us all
back to our home destinations.

The sun was high in the sky and shone with an intensity; people were glad of the shade that the lawn area allowed. Liz and Neil, who garden almost single-handedly, are a warm-hearted couple who welcomed us in and gave us a very interesting tour of the gardens. Llwyngarreg opens only for the National Garden Scheme, so all donations go to good causes. 

The garden features many unusual plants that love its mild climate, including agapanthus bamboos, blue Himalayan poppies, rhododendrons (sadly over) and magnolias. A spring-fed stream flows around the garden with a pretty 'Monet' bridge to cross. The summer borders were still still colourful at the end of July, with Hedychiums and Salvias.  I loved the spectacular living willow sculptures.

There were very impressive gravel terraces, formal raised pool and a pretty sunken garden where one could sit in tranquility. There were many tender and exotic gems and wonderful autumn colour was already promised with the beautiful, very tall Acers.  

The vegetable plot was impressive. I don't know many veggie gardeners who have had results like the ones in the picture this year! Well done Neil, who I think is the veg gardener. 


This gardens is a must-visit; a real hidden gem that offers inspiration for gardeners with smaller plots. Even the non-gardeners among us had a lovely time. 

Overall, a huge vote of thanks to Liz and Neil from our members, and a especial thank you from one of our members, who is blind––Neil has invited her and her companion back to have a guided tractor ride around the whole site. 

If you were unable like to visit and would like to make your own trip,  Liz and Neil say this about the gardens:

"We made a decision to change a 2-acre field into garden in 2000, and this has now reached maturity. Even in the winter months, there are flowers such as scented Mahonia and witch hazel, Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ and many Hellebores that only the keenest gardeners ever see!

There is bamboo tunnel with a Japanese entrance gate to the garden, into a shelter belt begun in 2007. Beyond can be seen a long, curved hedge in the centre of the main garden, near a bed of deciduous azaleas containing trees such as Liqidamber and Nyssa. Visitors cross a stream emanating from springs on either side of the house, which were converted into a series of cascades planted with candelabra Primulas, dwarf Rhododendrons, and tender perennials such as Astelia, Colocasia and Crinum lilies.

Down the east side of the field is a 40m border of mixed perennials and shrubs and below this is a woodland area with Acers, Rhododendrons, bamboos and an area containing mainly long-needled pines (P. patula grown from seed in 1999 is 40’ tall), with naturalised Fritillarias. At the bottom of the garden it is boggy, giving plenty of opportunity for colourful Primulas of many species, ferns, blue Himalayan poppies (on raised peat beds), Ligularias, Iris and wet-loving trees Metasequoia and Taxodium. Centrally placed are the Low Walk borders with shrubs and Rodgersia, many Rhododendrons, Pittosporums, Fuchsias and Cotinus. Foliage colour is varied here and autumn brings particular delights with many trees chosen for their flaming colours. At the top of the two borders is a monocot bed, dominated by jungly Miscanthus floridulus enlivened by masses of Dieramas.

Facing the house, the Magnolia garden is to your right, above the potager. Here also are large-leaved Rhododendrons, aquilegias and hellebores. A wall to the right beyond the house has been planted with alpines, above a gravel area where more Mediterranean plants thrive. A large polytunnel supplements fruit and vegetables from the potager. This is a spacious garden which repays the plantsman who cares to linger. Sounds are important, with water babbling, chimes here and there and the bamboo deer-scarer.
 
Children will enjoy the living willow structures, which include a “monkey cage”, a dome and 2 benches. Attention
has been paid to the need to label trees and shrubs, if only so that the owners can keep track of the many plantings. A ‘Tropical Bed’ was added in 2013 and well-drained gravel terraces surround the conservatory, including a collection of succulents. The sunken garden for more exotics is now mature and above this a bed is dedicated to species Salvias.

Benches are thoughtfully provided at intervals around the garden and children may enjoy swings, dens, underwater giant and mermaid and hiding in the jungly Miscanthus!
The newest project is above the polytunnel where the orchard is supplemented with a young arboretum underplanted with bulbs and framed by wavy beds of grass and wildflowers."






 

Sunday 7 July 2024

PARTIES AND GARDEN VISITS: A MISCELLANY OF EVENTS

 Hello gardeners!


Summer is proving to be rather damp and chilly, with moments of warm sun which personally, I'm grabbing with both hands...to sit and enjoy. It's actually easier to garden when it's cooler, although not easier when it's raining!

Last month we enjoyed our party, at Gary and Jane's house and garden, Llainfran Fach,. Gary gave us a wonderful tour of his small holding –  the wild areas, lily ponds, poly tunnel and  we all fell in love with the  goats, donkeys, duck, hens, sheep and alpacas.



Here are the pictures of the party;















At the end of this month we have our garden visit. We're offering you free  a place in our coach if you are a member, and welcome plus one visitors. Llwyngarreg is a 4 acre garden near Whitland, owned by Liz and Paul O’Neill and part of the National Garden Scheme. We will be guided round the gardens, with tea and cake afterward. Costs, £10 per person (if you can’t stay for cake, it’s £6). We are meeting in Rhydlewis Village Hall Car Park at 2.30 pm (not 3, as previously stated. 

For those of you who like  closer to Carmarthen, the Bronwydd Gardening Club has an active programme too. Their Annual Show this year will take place on Saturday August 17th and I have a list of the categories if anyone would like to enter. 
Then on September   17th  Abel Pearson (Glasbren) talks on Permaculture.

All meetings take place at Bronwydd Hall 7pm for a 730pm start.

Hoping to see you on Tuesday 30th July for the garden visit, 2.30 at the hall.



Tuesday 23 April 2024

GARDENING CLUB BRINGS A RIOT OF COLOUR TO THE SPRING SHOW



Rhydlewis and District Gardening club held their annual spring show on 26 March and the village hall was turned into a stunning display of Spring colours. Despite the difficult winter for gardeners the club members rallied round to fill the hall with flowers, artwork and homecraft to give international judge Rannveig Wallis a hard time to chose her award winning exhibits.


Winner of the most points in classes 1-17, Best exhibit in Classes 1-14 was Jane Soltys, well done Jane.

Artisan Award for most points in Classes 18-31 was a draw between Jane Soltys and Sophie Heath.


Winner of the' Club members only Prize' for narcissi,  The Pam Hufferdine Trophy,  went to. Jim Milton
















Here are the full results;

  1. Single daffodil Div. 1 1st. Nina Milton 2nd.Ann Todd 
  2. Single Daffodil Div.1 any colour 1st. Jane Soltys
  3. Cupped Narcissus Div. 2 & 3 1st. Jane Puddephatt 2nd. Jane Puddephatt
  4. Double Narcissus Div. 4 1st. Nina Milton 2nd Nina Milton
  5. Narcissus div.5-12 1st Jane Soltys 2nd. Michael Lloyd
  6. Pot of bulbs in bloom 1st. Marg Fogg 2nd Jane Soltys
  7. Vase of Spring flowers 1st. Dilys Davies 2nd Nina Milton
  8. Tulips 1st. Jim Milton 2nd Nina Milton
  9. Camellia 1st. Janette Sharman 2nd. Jane Soltys
  10. Flowering plant in a pot 1st. Jane Soltys 2nd. Ann Todd
  11. Cut spray of flowering tree or shrub 1st. Nina Milton 2nd. Jenny Archibald
  12. Dish of floating Hellebore heads 1st Jane Soltys 2nd. Janette Sharman & Gwen Thomas
  13. Posy of Primula 21st. Janette Sharman
  14. Vase of decorative Foliage 1st. Jane Soltys 2nd. Erica Knight 
  15. Club members only The Pam Hufferdine Trophy 1st. Jim Milton
  16. Table Centrepiece  No entries
  17. Floral Basket arrangement 1st. Gwen Thomas
  18. A fascinator 1st. Sophie Heath
  19. Snow scene Photo 1st. Vince Taylor
  20. Snow scene painting 1st. Jim Milton 2nd. Jim Milton
  21. Decorated egg 1st. Georgia Heathe 2nd. Jane Soltys
  22. Handmade farm animal 1st. …2nd. Jane Soltys
  23. Face mask made from paper plate 1st. Jane Soltys 2nd. Georgia Heath
  24. A wedding inviatation Card 1st. Jane Soltys
  25. 4 Jam Tarts 1st. Sophie Heath 2nd. Marg Fogg
  26. 4 hot cross buns 1st. Sophie Heath 2nd. Jane Soltys
  27. A filled Chocolate Sponge cake 1st. Marg Fogg 2nd. Nina Milton and Sophie Heath
  28. Bowl of homemade fudge 1st. Jane Soltys 2nd. Sophie Heath
  29. Most creative Jelly 1st. Sophie Heath 2nd. Jane Soltys
  30. Jar of Curd 1st. Marg Fogg 2nd. Nina Milton
  31. Jar of Marmalade 1st. Nina Milton


Well done to everybody who made this show a colourful event and congratulations to all the winners.

Hope to see you all at the Produce show on 27 August.

Jane xx

Thursday 7 March 2024

THE SPRING SHOW 2024; your full schedule and staging advice.

SPRING SHOW


TUESDAY 26th MARCH 2024


RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL


STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm


SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm


RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS


(Donations for raffle greatly appreciated)


AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS


OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS  (except class 15)


Entry Fees

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club & Children under 12 – Free

Non- Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – £1 flat fee regardless of how many entries


RULES

Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1 - 13 should consist of one variety only. 

Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1 - 14 should consist of fresh plant material and displayed in a container or vase supplied by the exhibitor.

Classes 1 - 15; all exhibits must have been grown by the exhibitor. 

Help will be given with staging and classification if needed.

Rhydlewis Gardening Club cannot be responsible for anything left in the hall after the Show. If necessary, label vases and containers.

ANY OBJECTION TO AN EXHIBIT MUST BE MADE TO THE SHOW SECRETARY ON THE NIGHT OF THE SHOW.

In the event of a dispute the committee reserves the right to inspect gardens and, if necessary to disqualify.

JUDGES

Rannveig & Bob Wallis

 –Flowers and Floral Art—Homecraft – Art and Craft


AWARDS

1. FLORAL WINNER – Most Points in classes 1-17

2. THE DERRICK AND BARBARA CALOW MEMORIAL AWARD

 – Best Exhibit in classes 1-14

3. ARTISAN AWARD – Most Points in classes 18 - 31

4. PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY – Best Exhibit in class 15

For further information please contact the Show Secretary

Jane Puddephatt 01239 851070 

or the secretary Nina Milton 01239 851096/07962781146

Please see website for schedule copies http://rhydlewisgardeningclub.blogspot.co.uk/

                                        

THE FULL SCHEDULE; 

FLOWERS

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow (Div 1)

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety (Div 1)

Large or small-cupped Narcissus - 3 blooms, one variety (Divs 2 and 3)

Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) - 3 stems, one variety (Div 4)

Narcissus - any other - 3 stems, 1 variety (Divs 5 to 12)

Bowl or pot of Bulbs in Bloom - any one variety

Vase of Spring Flowers - not more than 6 varieties

Tulips - 3 stems, one variety

Camellia - 1 bloom

Flowering Plant in a pot - under 24ins (60cms) high, including pot

Flowering Tree or Shrub - cut spray from one variety

Dish of Floating Hellebore Heads

 A posy of Primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc.)

A Vase/Container of Decorative Foliage – not more than 8 varieties


CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

 A pot of  Jetfire Narcissi, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn


FLORAL ART

A table centrepiece incorporating at least one candle - not to exceed 12ins (30cms) overall

A floral basket arrangement entitled, ‘Happy Birthday’ - size optional


(Categories 16 and 17 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables and purchased plant items)


ART, CRAFT & PHOTOGRAPHY

Fascinator any material natural or artificial

‘A Snow Scene’ - a photograph not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

‘A Snow Scene’   A Painting in any medium Not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

 Decorated egg (any size, any medium)

Handmade farm animal (any medium, any size)

 A Face mask made from a Paper Plate

 A wedding invitation card


HOMECRAFT

 4 Jam Tarts

4 Hot Cross Buns

A Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake

Bowl of homemade Fudge cut into pieces

Most Creative Jelly

A Jar of Curd

A Jar of Marmalade



ADVICE


Please ensure all exhibits conform to schedule requirements.

RHS NARCISSUS CLASS Divisions  For Flower Schedule Entries 1 to 5:

Division 1 - One flower per stem with the trumpet as long as, or longer than petals

Divisions 2 & 3 - One flower per stem with the trumpet shorter than petals

Division 4 - Includes ALL doubles – one or more flowers per stem


Divisions 5 to 12 – Includes; Triandrus, Cyclamineus, Jonquilla, Tazetta, Poeticus, Bulbocodium, Collar, Papillon and all other daffodil 


Display each entry to it's best within the guidelines Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

Flowers and other arrangement items can be purchased or home-grown. Follow the height and/or width rules carefully. Be sure to reflect the theme.  Judging will focus on the aesthetic of the arrangement and quality of the natural ‘ingredients’.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Display each entry to i's best within the guidelines

Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

Ensure the art and craft items are newly made, preferably especially for the show.

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

We encourage children's exhibits in all classes, but the child must have been actively involve in the growing or making of the exhibit in the 60 day period mention above (where appropriate). Children's entries will be judged alongside without favour, but there will be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

HOMECRAFTS

Jar of Marmalade/Curd  ––  any fruit in a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids. Labelling: only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. SEVILLE MARMALADE)

All cakes, sweets, etc: choose your own recipe to be judged alongside others. Display prettily on your own chinaware (although plates and dishes are available from the kitchen area) 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged during STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

There's a side table you can 'dump' your exhibits on while putting them in the correct places. 

See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

The hall will be cleared at 5 pm prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 7.30pm

Good Luck Everyone – look forward to seeing you on the day!



Friday 1 March 2024

Trees, Bees and St David's Daffodils!

 


Hello all gardeners in the Rhydlewis district 
and a happy St Davids day to you al!

Firstly, here's an update from our Chairperson's Garden.

Well February has been a little wet and I would imagine most of you have had a chance of doing much in the garden other than swimming.

The talk on the 27th February was well supported, and Paul Toft gave an interesting and insightful discussion on trees in our gardens.

The seed swap table went well and is something we are planning to do every meeting. We also plan to run these at community cafe so if anyone has seeds they can donate to encourage some others to get in to gardening that would be a great help.

I am also looking to do a plant sale for the gardening club on the April 13th at the community cafe so if anyone has any plant they can donate to help this would be great . please let me know.

I myself have been starting to sow some seeds chillies, peppers, aubergines, onions, spring onions beetroot dispite the colder weather they seem to be doing okay.

Jobs for march 

Tidy the veg plots up ready for the impending planting

sowing

cauliflowers

red cabbage

peas

tomatoes

celery

parsnips

shallots

potatoes and carrots at the end of the month

Keep well and if anyone has any question please let me know

Thanks Paul, that's quite a lot to keep us going, especially as our gardens might be lying under a blanket of unexpected snow this morning!

You can contact Paul via the Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1205516119526419

Having checked the greenhouse, I came into get warm and enjoyed a video on identifying bumblebees. In our garden, we have lots of bee residents and visitors, and almost always these are bumbles, not honeybees. This YouTube video isn't long, but you can get  more information, including wall charts, from the charity. Go to https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/identify-a-bumblebee/

The next meeting is the Spring Show, 31st March 2024. Check your bulbs  in  pots; the skill is to keep them budding until the flower just before the show! 

And now is the time to start on some handicraft or other, ready to submit for the Handicraft entries. There's plenty of arts and  crafts to choose from this year, so pick one or two of the ideas and enjoy working on them in front of a blazing fire. Better than telly!

Directly below is the show schedule, which you can work and plan from. The schedule is also downloadable if you click on the link at the top of the page. Below the schedule you will find the hints and tips that will allow you to present your very best plants, flowers, arts and homecrafts for staging on the day.

CLWB GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

SPRING SHOW TUESDAY 31st MARCH 2024

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

(Donations for raffle greatly appreciated)

AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS

Read on for further information, especially on how to 'show' your contributions; 

FLOWERS

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow (Div 1)

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety (Div 1)

Large or small-cupped Narcissus - 3 blooms, one variety (Divs 2 and 3)

Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) - 3 stems, one variety (Div 4)

Narcissus - any other - 3 stems, 1 variety (Divs 5 to 12)

Bowl or pot of Bulbs in Bloom - any one variety

Vase of Spring Flowers - not more than 6 varieties

Tulips - 3 stems, one variety

Camellia - 1 bloom

Flowering Plant in a pot - under 24ins (60cms) high, including pot

Flowering Tree or Shrub - cut spray from one variety

Dish of Floating Hellebore Heads

 A posy of Primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc.)

A Vase/Container of Decorative Foliage – not more than 8 varieties

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

 A pot of  Jetfire Narcissi, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn

FLORAL ART

A table centrepiece incorporating at least one candle - not to exceed 12ins (30cms) overall

A floral basket arrangement entitled, ‘Happy Birthday’ - size optional

(Categories 16 and 17 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables and purchased plant items)

ART, CRAFT & PHOTOGRAPHY

Fascinator any material natural or artificial

‘A Snow Scene’ - a photograph not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

‘A Snow Scene’   A Painting in any medium Not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

Decorated egg (any size, any medium)

Handmade farm animal (any medium, any size)

 A Face mask made from a Paper Plate

 A wedding invitation card

HOMECRAFT

 4 Jam Tarts

4 Hot Cross Buns

A Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake

Bowl of homemade Fudge cut into pieces

Most Creative Jelly

A Jar of Curd

A Jar of Marmalade

Entry Fees

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club & Children under 12 – Free

Non- Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – £1 flat fee regardless of how many entries

ADVICE

Display each entry to it's best within the guidelines Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

Flowers and other arrangement items can be purchased or home-grown. Follow the height and/or width rules carefully. Be sure to reflect the theme.  Judging will focus on the aesthetic of the arrangement and quality of the natural ‘ingredients’.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Display each entry to i's best within the guidelines

Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

Ensure the art and craft items are newly made, preferably especially for the show.

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

We encourage children's exhibits in all classes, but the child must have been actively involve in the growing or making of the exhibit in the 60 day period mention above (where appropriate). Children's entries will be judged alongside without favour, but there will be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

HOMECRAFTS

Jar of Marmalade/Curd  ––  any fruit in a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids. Labelling: only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. SEVILLE MARMALADE)

All cakes, sweets, etc: choose your own recipe to be judged alongside others. Display prettily on your own chinaware (although plates and dishes are available from the kitchen area) 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged during STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

There's a side table you can 'dump' your exhibits on while putting them in the correct places. 

See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

The hall will be cleared at 5 pm prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 7.30pm

Good Luck Everyone – look forward to seeing you on the day!





Tuesday 16 January 2024

A New Year in the Garden

Happy New Year; Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Hope you had a very good midwinter, with lots of nice gardening presents.

It's almost too cold to venture into the garden at the moment, but I think many of us are trying, because at least it's dry and the puddles and lakes from the continuous downpours are draining away...for a while at least. 

So while you're warming your toes by the fire and have your laptop handy, why not send in some pictures of your garden from last year for our Page 'Member's Gardens' – send to me at ninahare00@googlemail.com. Or upload them to our Facebook page and let me know I can also use them on this blog.

It's also time to order your seeds. Don't forget that our Suttons Seed Club is still up and running, which brings down the price of Sutton Seed packets by 40% Just email Nina or Jim. 

But also have a look at The Welsh Seed Hub. A very small co-operative of local growers and seed collectors who put very good quality products up on this community site. Heritage varieties abound and the seeds seem to always come good. They are currently selling over 40 varieties of Welsh grown seed on the Open

Food Hub produce

Food Network.  Here's the link; https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/hwb-hadau-cymru-wales-seed-hub/shop

I do hope you can all make it to the AGM.  The club always starts the new year with the Annual General Meeting which is being held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30th January 2024.If anyone would like to see the agenda ahead of time, just let me know. I can send a copy by email.

The AGM gives you the opportunity to rejoin the club, by paying your subscriptions, which remain at £10 per person for the year; an absolute bargain! 

The new 2024 Programme, which will last you through to November, will be available to take home and you can pick up a copy of the Spring Show Schedule. Check through it now, so that you'll have the opportunity to indulge in some of the art and craft  categories through the rest of the winter.

Both the Spring Show Schedule and the 2024 Programme are also available on this blog site, at their own pages; look to the top of the home page and click on the appropriate link. 

If you are growing narcissi for the PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY, now might be the time to check them, to see if the shoots are peeking though the soil. Don't forget you want them to be in perfect bloom at the end of March.


This year, at the AGM, as a trial run, we're going to be offering the refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits),  as soon as you arrive at 7.30, allowing you to gossip with friends old and new before the meeting begins. We are looking for feedback here, let us know afterwards if you liked having your cuppa first, or prefer the traditional method, which is to chat and sip after the event is over. 

As always, there will be a raffle, and this time we're selling one ticket for £1 rather than selling in strips. We're offering some great raffle prizes to start this brand new year. But we are indebted to you, the members for bringing us raffle prizes, which really help keep the club solvent. Now is the time of year to rifle through the gifts you had only weeks ago, but know you'll never use; other people may love them!

We will also be sending the financial reports for 2023 by email attachment; this saves paper (and so trees) and allows everyone to look at them at their leisure, rather than trying to read while the meeting proceeds. It will give you time to examine the accounts and get back to treasurer Jim Milton with any queries you may have.

At the AGM, we will be asking for new ideas for meetings and talks, so if anyone would like to suggest a subject, or have something they would like to offer, or know of a good speaker we can engage, do bring the details with you, or let me know ahead of time so that we can add it to the agenda.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 30th. 

  LOOKING AFTER THE TREES IN YOUR  GARDEN.

One month later, on the Tuesday 27th February we have our first speaker of the year.

Kicking off at  7.30pm we have respected local tree surgeon Paul Toft. He will give us hands-on talk abut the care you can give the trees in your garden, but they small or large, be they old or young, be they cherished or tolerated. Bring your tree related questions, particularly around pruning, disease and any worries about felling or maintaining the health of your trees. 

Wednesday 1 November 2023

 


Tuesday 31st October 7pm, at Rhydlewis Hall; A Discussion on Propagation techniques

We met in the hall, a nice crowd of us around a large table to share our knowledge and enjoy having a go at propagation


Propagating plants is a rewarding and fascinating process to obtain new plants. Select the appropriate method and timing then follow some basic principles to ensure success.


There are two main kinds: seed (sexual) and vegetative (asexual). 


PROPAGATING WITH SEEDS

Harvest your own seed is fun and just takes a little understanding and planning:

Seed propagation of plants involves fertilisation of pollen and egg leading to seed formation. 

Its an effective technique for ornamentals or flowering plants, vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants. It can lead to  genetic diversity and create new varieties and cultivars of plants. Seeds can be stored for a long period of time. Disadvantages are delay in getting a result, non seed producing plants do not produce seeds and identical plants can not be produced.


Seed comes in many different natural packagings, from pepper pots like poppies to hard casings and soft fruits.



What seeds do you collect?

Easy to collect; peas, beans, toms, courgette, squash. Some members had brought seeds to swab, so thank you especially Jeanette, for you runner bean seeds. 


Collecting seed

  • Collect ripe seed on a dry day, as soon as the seedheads (e.g. capsules or pods) ripen. This is often indicated by a colour change from green to brown, black or red, but must be before they open and shed their contents
  • Pick the seedheads, either singly or on stalks, and lay them out to dry on a greenhouse bench, warm windowsill or in an airing cupboard. This enables seed to be more easily extracted from pods, cones or capsules
  • If they don’t open when dry, gently crush pods and capsules to release the seed
  • Collect seed from fleshy fruits and berries by mashing them in a fine sieve and then rinsing away the pulp in cold water. Leave the seed to dry for a few days on paper towels
  • Place a bag over Exploding seedheads and shake until they explode into the bag. Alternatively, remove the seedheads on their stems as they turn brown and place in a labelled paper bag
  • Nuts should be collected around the time they would naturally fall either by hand-picking, or by placing a sheet at the base of the tree and shaking the branch
  • After extracting the seed, clean off any surrounding material (chaff) attached to them, as this material could rot and lead to the seed damping off. Chaff can harbour moulds, pests and diseases
  • Beans and peas ideally left to dry on the vine or hung in a dry garage. 
  • Flower seedheads can ripen quickly, and must be watched carefully in order to collect the seed before they are dispersed
  • As a rough guide, seed is set about two months after flowering
  • The plants from which you collect seed must be healthy and vigorous. This will help ensure good quality 
  • Most seed is best collected when well-developed.
  • seed harvested while immature will not germinate
      Some, such as Anemone nemorosa, calendula and Ranunculus are collected when the still look immature and green, but are actually developed
  • Collected seeds before they are taken by birds


One member had taken cuttings from a spindle tree growing on her late husband's grave. For personal reasons, she wanted plants for her children that were the progeny of the original bush. The members suggested that taking cuttings is very slow and unsuccessful in Spindle, and we all had a look at how the seeds form inside the pretty red berries. It was recommended that she tried planting the seeds next spring. 

Growing for seed collection

Professional seed collectors grow the plants they will collect from in a separate bed or polytunnel from the other plants.  They need to allow for losses, etc.


Smaller gardens can’t manage this, but try to isolate a strong, good quality specimen and save it for seed collection. 


What are seed potatoes?

David explained that seed potatoes are different from the potatoes that sprout in the kitchen from purchased spuds. 

Seed potatoes are disease–free potatoes that have been selected, tested, and kept in a cool dark place until needed for planting for the next years crop. It was also pointed out that you can keep early seed potatoes by refrigerating them, ready to plant December-ready new potatoes which are planted in July.

Propagating from Supermarkets

Kerry brought three plants that Paul Killick had propogated from supermarket-bought crops; Ginger, Pineapple and lemon grass. 

His pineapple plant already had baby pineapple fruit!

She suggested doing the following; 

Select the best sample in the store.

For ginger rhizomes, check for a full jacket of skin and avoid dry shriveled 

Choose organic if available.

Check for missing bits 

Then look online for further hints. 


Storing seeds

Some seeds, particularly some flower seeds, are best sown immediately as their viability reduces with storage. These include

Astrantia

Aquilegia (but you can save some for spring)

Orlaya (if you can protect them)

Trilliums (but you need to clean the seeds)



However, for many species, sowing is best delayed until a more suitable time of the year, such as autumn or spring, so the harvested seed will need to be safely stored until sowing. Storing is also required if surplus seed has been collected.


Place dry seed in labelled paper packets or envelopes in an airtight container with some desiccant to remove excess moisture. Suitable materials include calcium chloride (sold in DIY stores for use in dehumidifiers) or silica gel.

Certain seed must not be allowed to dry out as they cannot then take up water necessary for germination. Examples are walnuts, oaks and magnolias. These seed can be stored in a plastic bag of damp vermiculite, sand, or a mix of moist coir and sand for several months 


It is said that storing in a refrigerator at 5°C (41°F) until required is the best way to do things.  Most seed will remain viable in this way for many years. But who has room for this if we are collecting quite a lot of seeds?


Orthodox and Recalcitrant Seeds

Seeds have been classified into two general groups; Orthodox and Recalcitrant (non-orthodox).

The first group, orthodox seeds, probably got their name because these seeds behave very much like the seeds that have been collected and stored for thousands of years. After collecting they can be dried and stored for a long time. This group makes up 80% of all seeds.

The second group of seeds were researched more recently and became known as recalcitrant (having an obstinately uncooperative attitude). In the early days these seeds seemed impossible to germinate, but now we know that they die when they dry out or are stored too cold.

Seed banks are set up to store orthodox seeds. The seeds are dried so that the moisture content is below 10% and for some species as low as 5%. Once they are this dry they can be safely frozen for a very long time.


Gardeners have learned about these storage methods and think it is best to mimic them. They collect seed and then place it in the freezer. If it is good enough for a seed bank it should be good for gardeners, but they forget one important step – drying the seed.

Freezing seed with a moisture content higher than 10% can kill the seed as ice crystals form.

Homeowners don’t have an easy way to measure moisture content and therefore they should not be freezing seed.


Who stores at 5c in a fridge?

Seed maturation is complex. Many orthodox seeds continue their maturing process after the seed is black and released from the mother plant. In some cases germinability increases only after the drying process starts.

Seed from chillis, tomatoes, eggplant, watermelon, bell peppers and cucumber have a high rate of germination when seeds are left in picked fruit for 14 days. This mimics


what happens in the wild. Fruits/seeds mature, fall to earth and experience cold gradually from late fall to winter. For this reason, it is not a good idea to store your seed in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature and continue its maturation process. By late winter or spring it will be ready to germinate.


Freezing seed with a moisture content higher than 10% can kill the seed as ice crystals form.


Problems

Lack of collectable seed: Some plants are sterile and cannot set seed. Trying to collect seed from such plants will obviously be disappointing.


Others (e.g. holly) may carry male and female flowers on separate plants so male plants will never bear seed. Seed production can be exhausting for a plant so it is also not uncommon for seed production to be cyclical – some years will be good for harvesting, others bad 


it may simply be that weather conditions for that season were not favourable, perhaps due to a late frost or drought.


Poor viability (the length of time that seed stays alive and able to germinate): If seed is sown but fails to germinate, it suggests it was not viable. Seed viability depends on the condition of the seed when first stored, how long it is stored and what seed is being kept. A good propagation book should be consulted.


Cross Pollination

A hybrid plant is the offspring produced by cross-pollinating one specific cultivar with another different cultivar. This process of cross-pollination, rather than pollination between plants of the same cultivar, generally creates stronger, healthier, improved offspring, said to have ‘hybrid vigour’. Hybrids will be extremely variable. 

 
Flowers typically contain both male and female parts. Some plants produce two different kinds of flower – one with only female parts and another with only male parts. These single-sex flowers may be produced either both on the same plant, such as , such as hazel and courgette, or on entirely different plant, such as skimmia and holly.


Cross Pollination.     Self Pollination

Definition

the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of a flower of a different plant of the same species.

Self pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of the same flower

Seen in

Insects: Apples, grapes, plums, pears, raspberries, courgettes blackberries, strawberries, runner beans, pumpkins, daffodils, tulips, lavender 

Wind: grasses, catkins etc

Some legumes, cucumbers peppers,  Orchids, peas and sunflowers, wheat, barley, oats, rice, tomatoes, potatoes, apricots and peaches.

Transfer

Wind, insects, water, animals,

Shed pollen onto stigma.

Plant differences

Colourful petals, nector and scent, long stamens and pistils.

Smaller flowers.

Results

More variety in species. It allows for diversity in the species, as the genetic information of different plants are combined. However, it relies on the existence of pollinators that will travel from plant to plant.

More uniform progeny. Allows plant to be less resistant as a whole to disease. However, it does not need to expend energy on attracting pollinators and can spread beyond areas where suitable pollinators can be found.


VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION

Vegetative propagation uses leaves, stems, roots, or modified organs. It clones plants, producing plants identical to their parents. 


It includes division, layering, grafting, budding, and tissue culture techniques. 


Which technique you should choose depends on what type of plant you want to propagate, the purpose of your propagation, and how much time and effort you can put into the process. 

Cuttings

This is cutting the vegetative part of the plant (leaf, stem, and root) and then planting it again to regenerate the whole plant. Members had a go at planting the following; Stem cuttings, hardwood cuttings and softwood and green cuttings, using small pots of growing medium. 


This discussion only scratched the surface of vegetative propagation, and we will return to this subject at another discussion meeting in the future. 


Thank you all for coming!