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April 2023 April 2023

GARDENING CLUB

The weather has been rather grey and gloomy
this month. There is talk of another drought this
year as in this area, over the course of the
winter, rainfall has not consistent enough. February was dryer here than average.
As I write this we are forecast more rain this weekend and another newspaper is
forecasting a Polar blast. On the bright side the lighter evenings are coming at
the end of March. I know my neighbours have been digging and applying
manure. Maybe with all the recent shortages in fresh food and salads and
continuing inflation it might be a good idea to think about growing your own this
year. I know all the allotments have been taken and there is a waiting list. Why
not think about your back garden or tomatoes on your terrace.
Our March meeting was another very cold gloomy night and I was really worried
that no one would think a talk about Bonsai was a good idea. Our members
continue to surprise me with over 30 turning up for a very entertaining talk by
David Ennals. Is it cruel to plants to restrict the space for their roots? David took
us through various processes, Planting up a tree, wiring, pruning and repotting a
Bonsai plant. Bonsai does need care lots of food and water and it will still grow
and thrive. Some members were thrilled to be able to purchase a Bonsai starter
kit and it will be fun to see how they get on.

Next month we have a talk on
making a Butterfly Garden and
I am sure it is more than just
growing cabbages. I can
always get cabbage white
caterpillars. They eat more
than I do. There will be other
flowering butterfly friendly
plants to purchase at the
meeting.
Our May meeting, for those
who are venturing out to grow
vegetables we have a talk on
growing organic vegetables.
There will be lots of tips about compost, manure netting and companion planting.
On Saturday 13 May we are holding a small coffee morning and plant sale at
th
Honeycombe Cottage Shitterton. Please start planting some seedlings or splitting
down plants now for the sale
In June we head out to Kingcombe to see the wildlife gardens and the wildflower
meadows and July a trip to a vineyard for wine tasting.

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