21st October Kevin Pratt on "Don't go to sleep in winter"
Our first talk in the hall for some 18 months, While not packed we had a reasonable turnout with approximately 30, well wrapped up members. Kevin, gave an inspiring and amusing talk that introduced us to numerous plants that could brighten up our winter. Followed by an enlightening question time afterwards. He also brought with him some plants for sale, many that we would not normally find in our gardens.
Baslow Garden Society: Visit to RHS Bridgewater 16th September 2021
Our trip to RHS Bridgewater took place on 16th September 2021, members and guests travelled either on the coach provided by Slacks of Matlock or by car, all meeting up at RHS Bridgewater. A longer journey for all as roadworks on the way caused significant delays. However we arrived and the sun came out. Overall a much brighter day than expected. The walled gardens were a joy to wonder around, and, as long as you did not mind the queues, the coffee and cake tasty. Many places around the walled garden to sit and take in the views. As was to be expected large areas of the garden are still a work in progress, but you can see what they are planning, and a visit in a year or two will see a massive change.
The return home was much smoother, after a minor detour, those on the coach were given a run down of this years final talks (Face to face, In the village Hall, the first in nearly 18 months) and next years programme.
3rd December
Our first ZOOM Meeting
Caroline Stone gave a great talk on the peonies, from informative and attended by at least 32 of our members
18th July : Burton Agnes
A full coach and a lovely day had by all
19th NOV 19, AGM
It's the end of the gardening year, and also the end of an era, as Tony Hubbock stands down as our Chairperson after 2 years valiant work. We all wish to thank him for his support, gardening knowledge, and great sense of humour. I have now been elected as the new Chairperson, and hope to follow in the footsteps of Tony and Doreen Grindley by maintaining the interesting, happy group that we are known to be. I will certainly do my best.
After the AGM we had a talk from Carl Leaman from Millthorpe Nurseries about 'Putting your Garden to Bed for the Winter'. Of course things have changed since Percy Thrower's time when everything in the garden was cut back to ground level, leaving a neat, but uninteresting space. Nowadays we try to look after our wildlife by leaving seed heads, perennials, and grasses, as well as untidy bits for insects and birdlife. Carl had some great slides of what can be done to give all gardens some winter interest. He used to work for Loseley Park near Guilford, so had some photos of their autumn and winter work which was planning and planting for the spring. Now is the time to split, replant and get those bulbs in! Photos of Trentham Gardens where the grasses and other plants were covered in hoar frost looked splendid, as did photos of Hillier Gardens near Southampton. Carl was ably assisted by his wife Deirdre on the computer. A visit to Millthorpe Nurseries near Holmesfield is a must. It opens again on February 2nd.
Our next meeting is on 16th January when we will be having festive nibbles and wine along with a raffle and talk on Garden Design by Phil Hirst. We will also be taking your subs of £10. See our 2020 programme on our website and PLEASE come along to join.
19th September 2019
Our autumn programme started with an excellent talk by Sue France CEO of Pictorial Meadows, a social enterprise organisation.
Sue trained as a horticulturist from age 17years. Arriving from Cornwall 20 years ago and seeing the Manor Estate in Sheffield, her first project, came as something of a shock. The inspiration for the development of pictorial meadows came from viewing the wonderful wild meadows across the world and followed on from the work done by Professor Dunit of Sheffield University.
Initially a lot of hard work was needed to change hearts and minds. However, with the support from the Council the change in the Manor estate over time was remarkable as shown by Sue’s slides.
Development of viable pictorial meadows has taken work to ensure the vibrant displays are long lasting. Using only British native meadow plants would mean that the meadows would only look their best in early summer. Pictorial meadows are carefully designed to create interest over a longer season. Working in close partnership with the University of Sheffield and the City council has facilitated the expansion of designed meadows throughout the City.
Pictorial Meadows now employ 50 people and work all over the UK and abroad. There is more research and development continuing with trial beds in China, including experimenting with tall plants that only
need cutting ever 5 years, this work is transforming how we think about landscapes. Pictorial meadows work is supported by the sale of seeds both wholesale and to private individuals.
Sue showed some superb slides illustrating some of the local meadows. The Chatsworth roundabout wildflower display, which has been delightful, was created using one of Pictorial Meadows seed mixes.
Barbara Warden
Secretary, Baslow Garden Society.
15 November 2018
AGM was short and sweet with the traditional appeal for people to join the committee, it not onerous and you do not need great horticultural knowledge, just a desire to keep the show on the road. Interested please contact Tony Hubbuck
Talk by Doug Stewart ‘The Drunken Gardener’
Doug Stewart initially gave the Society a plotted history of his background. He had trained as a professional horticulturist and started working for Hilliers Nurseries in the propagation department before moving on to lecturing in cucumber and tomato production. He had worked for over 20 years in horticultural education and he now works as a Professional Associate with the RHS, as a business consultant, and as a trainer.
He introduced his talk ‘The Drunken Gardener’ by suggesting that the garden was a wonderful place for an afternoon tea …….. ha ha….. instead he suggested we put gin in a teapot rather than tea. Why should he talk about alcohol……..
1. His parents had a vineyard and made their own wine. It was in his genes.
2. He had also read in a cutting from a newpaper dated, 2 November 1976,that alcohol helped you to stay fit and suggested certain alcoholic drinks helped certain ailments eg: Merlot will reduce your knee troubles.
3. He felt that the garden borders could be considered to be the cellars and the plants within them the cocktails.
4. Hendrick’s Gin was advertised with images of cucumbers and roses.(Note: The reason Hendrick's is served with cucumber is that Hendrick's botanical list includes both cucumber and Bulgarian rose petals, so to use a cucumber as a garnish simply highlights the flavour profile.)
Doug then talked about making a cocktail, Gin and Tonic: and suggested we could make our own homemade tonic from Chinchona Bark by growing this tree in a conservatory. Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, the brand name chosen due to fever tree being the colloquial name for the cinchona tree in which quinine, a key ingredient for tonic, is found.Junipers, Coriander, Bay, Citus ……. Are just a few other botanicals used to flavour Gin. He also talked a little about the following with a overheads:Nettle Beer, Agave Tequila, Apple Cider, Perry Babycham, Poire Williams, a fruit brandy, where producers include an entire pear inside each bottle. This is achieved by attaching the bottle to a budding pear tree so that the pear will grow inside it!.
Aguardente de Medronhos a strong spirit and traditional fruit brandy from Portugal, obtained from the fruit of the Medronho tree, Arbutus unedo, strawberry tree. and finally Mudai, a fermented drink made by the Pehuenche people of the Andes from the tree seed flour of the Monkey Puzzle Tree.
Doug Stewart was a gardening ‘cutting-edge’ comedian who spoke clearly – his talk was structured with overheads and interesting facts. He talked about a wide variety of plants and how they were used in alcoholic drinks. He certainly had the skill to make his audience laugh……..it felt more like we were ‘Live at the Apollo’……….rather than sitting in Baslow Village Institute. Members finished the evening with tea, coffee and biscuits, no alcohol tasting was to be seen.
Anne K. Fletcher
Baslow Garden Society Committee Member
September 20th 2018 : Japanese gardens
Considering the weather we had a good attendance for our first indoor meeting of the autumn. Ioan Davies gave a very informative talk on Japanese Gardens. We learnt about the history and different types of Japanese gardens such as pond and island gardens, dry landscape gardens, tea gardens, stroll gardens and courtyard gardens. Gardens were originally considered sacred places of peace and have strong spiritual significance.Borrowing the local landscape places the emphasis on an idealised environment where curves are rarely straight and stone lanterns and plants are endowed with particular meaning. Pruning is important for shrubs and trees where the emphasis is on structure, Pathways are important and often have smooth stone on one side and rough stone on the other. Flowers are rarely seen other than lotus and irises, however in small domestic gardens people grow roses and other colourful flowers in window boxes, or they may chose one shrub or tree to feature in a small garden. It was still raining when we finished but the Baslow D Class inshore lifeboat was on standby to get us home!!!
Tony Hubbuck.
16th August 2018: Understanding "Cabability Browns" Chatsworth Landscape, a Guided Walk
On a cooler, damp August morning 31 people met up at the Game Larder not really knowing what
to expect. Laura, our guide, took us on a journey well away from the house and gardens, along the
south of the river Derwent, to show us where it had been widened and redirected. The village of
Edensor had once been here along with farmland but was all swept away to create a park, artificially
manipulated, so that each vista would show off Chatsworth to its optimum glory, especially to
impress visiting nobility.
From the old mill by the river we climbed to Calton Lees, then up,up,up to the very heights. Along
the way we passed some beautiful old properties and one of several 'bird cages' where the
6th Duke kept a mistress. We saw the little white russian house, built at a time when the nobilities in both
countries were friends, then passed through a band of trees planted to appear from Chatsworth
House as a forest on the horizon. The view from here was breathtaking ! As the sun came out
Chatsworth glittered below us. It was downhill from then on through Edensor where many of us just
had to stop at the tearooms.
Capability Brown's influence was immense, not just around the closer environs of the house and
gardens, but as far as the eye could see in every direction. A great hill was man made so as to hide
the newly placed village; no signs of human habitation or farming anywhere except for the deer and
sheep in the artificially landscaped parkland. Apparently he was a brilliant horseman, riding hither
and thither with his instructions, then rushing off to other stately homes. Over his life time he had
over 300 projects, dying a very wealthy man!
It was a most informative, enjoyable morning; four miles of undulating, at times steep terrain, but
well worth it for the vistas from several vantage points along the way. Thank you to everyone who
turned up and Thank you to Laura for her expertise.
Elaine Blair
Our first talk in the hall for some 18 months, While not packed we had a reasonable turnout with approximately 30, well wrapped up members. Kevin, gave an inspiring and amusing talk that introduced us to numerous plants that could brighten up our winter. Followed by an enlightening question time afterwards. He also brought with him some plants for sale, many that we would not normally find in our gardens.
Baslow Garden Society: Visit to RHS Bridgewater 16th September 2021
Our trip to RHS Bridgewater took place on 16th September 2021, members and guests travelled either on the coach provided by Slacks of Matlock or by car, all meeting up at RHS Bridgewater. A longer journey for all as roadworks on the way caused significant delays. However we arrived and the sun came out. Overall a much brighter day than expected. The walled gardens were a joy to wonder around, and, as long as you did not mind the queues, the coffee and cake tasty. Many places around the walled garden to sit and take in the views. As was to be expected large areas of the garden are still a work in progress, but you can see what they are planning, and a visit in a year or two will see a massive change.
The return home was much smoother, after a minor detour, those on the coach were given a run down of this years final talks (Face to face, In the village Hall, the first in nearly 18 months) and next years programme.
3rd December
Our first ZOOM Meeting
Caroline Stone gave a great talk on the peonies, from informative and attended by at least 32 of our members
18th July : Burton Agnes
A full coach and a lovely day had by all
19th NOV 19, AGM
It's the end of the gardening year, and also the end of an era, as Tony Hubbock stands down as our Chairperson after 2 years valiant work. We all wish to thank him for his support, gardening knowledge, and great sense of humour. I have now been elected as the new Chairperson, and hope to follow in the footsteps of Tony and Doreen Grindley by maintaining the interesting, happy group that we are known to be. I will certainly do my best.
After the AGM we had a talk from Carl Leaman from Millthorpe Nurseries about 'Putting your Garden to Bed for the Winter'. Of course things have changed since Percy Thrower's time when everything in the garden was cut back to ground level, leaving a neat, but uninteresting space. Nowadays we try to look after our wildlife by leaving seed heads, perennials, and grasses, as well as untidy bits for insects and birdlife. Carl had some great slides of what can be done to give all gardens some winter interest. He used to work for Loseley Park near Guilford, so had some photos of their autumn and winter work which was planning and planting for the spring. Now is the time to split, replant and get those bulbs in! Photos of Trentham Gardens where the grasses and other plants were covered in hoar frost looked splendid, as did photos of Hillier Gardens near Southampton. Carl was ably assisted by his wife Deirdre on the computer. A visit to Millthorpe Nurseries near Holmesfield is a must. It opens again on February 2nd.
Our next meeting is on 16th January when we will be having festive nibbles and wine along with a raffle and talk on Garden Design by Phil Hirst. We will also be taking your subs of £10. See our 2020 programme on our website and PLEASE come along to join.
19th September 2019
Our autumn programme started with an excellent talk by Sue France CEO of Pictorial Meadows, a social enterprise organisation.
Sue trained as a horticulturist from age 17years. Arriving from Cornwall 20 years ago and seeing the Manor Estate in Sheffield, her first project, came as something of a shock. The inspiration for the development of pictorial meadows came from viewing the wonderful wild meadows across the world and followed on from the work done by Professor Dunit of Sheffield University.
Initially a lot of hard work was needed to change hearts and minds. However, with the support from the Council the change in the Manor estate over time was remarkable as shown by Sue’s slides.
Development of viable pictorial meadows has taken work to ensure the vibrant displays are long lasting. Using only British native meadow plants would mean that the meadows would only look their best in early summer. Pictorial meadows are carefully designed to create interest over a longer season. Working in close partnership with the University of Sheffield and the City council has facilitated the expansion of designed meadows throughout the City.
Pictorial Meadows now employ 50 people and work all over the UK and abroad. There is more research and development continuing with trial beds in China, including experimenting with tall plants that only
need cutting ever 5 years, this work is transforming how we think about landscapes. Pictorial meadows work is supported by the sale of seeds both wholesale and to private individuals.
Sue showed some superb slides illustrating some of the local meadows. The Chatsworth roundabout wildflower display, which has been delightful, was created using one of Pictorial Meadows seed mixes.
Barbara Warden
Secretary, Baslow Garden Society.
15 November 2018
AGM was short and sweet with the traditional appeal for people to join the committee, it not onerous and you do not need great horticultural knowledge, just a desire to keep the show on the road. Interested please contact Tony Hubbuck
Talk by Doug Stewart ‘The Drunken Gardener’
Doug Stewart initially gave the Society a plotted history of his background. He had trained as a professional horticulturist and started working for Hilliers Nurseries in the propagation department before moving on to lecturing in cucumber and tomato production. He had worked for over 20 years in horticultural education and he now works as a Professional Associate with the RHS, as a business consultant, and as a trainer.
He introduced his talk ‘The Drunken Gardener’ by suggesting that the garden was a wonderful place for an afternoon tea …….. ha ha….. instead he suggested we put gin in a teapot rather than tea. Why should he talk about alcohol……..
1. His parents had a vineyard and made their own wine. It was in his genes.
2. He had also read in a cutting from a newpaper dated, 2 November 1976,that alcohol helped you to stay fit and suggested certain alcoholic drinks helped certain ailments eg: Merlot will reduce your knee troubles.
3. He felt that the garden borders could be considered to be the cellars and the plants within them the cocktails.
4. Hendrick’s Gin was advertised with images of cucumbers and roses.(Note: The reason Hendrick's is served with cucumber is that Hendrick's botanical list includes both cucumber and Bulgarian rose petals, so to use a cucumber as a garnish simply highlights the flavour profile.)
Doug then talked about making a cocktail, Gin and Tonic: and suggested we could make our own homemade tonic from Chinchona Bark by growing this tree in a conservatory. Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water, the brand name chosen due to fever tree being the colloquial name for the cinchona tree in which quinine, a key ingredient for tonic, is found.Junipers, Coriander, Bay, Citus ……. Are just a few other botanicals used to flavour Gin. He also talked a little about the following with a overheads:Nettle Beer, Agave Tequila, Apple Cider, Perry Babycham, Poire Williams, a fruit brandy, where producers include an entire pear inside each bottle. This is achieved by attaching the bottle to a budding pear tree so that the pear will grow inside it!.
Aguardente de Medronhos a strong spirit and traditional fruit brandy from Portugal, obtained from the fruit of the Medronho tree, Arbutus unedo, strawberry tree. and finally Mudai, a fermented drink made by the Pehuenche people of the Andes from the tree seed flour of the Monkey Puzzle Tree.
Doug Stewart was a gardening ‘cutting-edge’ comedian who spoke clearly – his talk was structured with overheads and interesting facts. He talked about a wide variety of plants and how they were used in alcoholic drinks. He certainly had the skill to make his audience laugh……..it felt more like we were ‘Live at the Apollo’……….rather than sitting in Baslow Village Institute. Members finished the evening with tea, coffee and biscuits, no alcohol tasting was to be seen.
Anne K. Fletcher
Baslow Garden Society Committee Member
September 20th 2018 : Japanese gardens
Considering the weather we had a good attendance for our first indoor meeting of the autumn. Ioan Davies gave a very informative talk on Japanese Gardens. We learnt about the history and different types of Japanese gardens such as pond and island gardens, dry landscape gardens, tea gardens, stroll gardens and courtyard gardens. Gardens were originally considered sacred places of peace and have strong spiritual significance.Borrowing the local landscape places the emphasis on an idealised environment where curves are rarely straight and stone lanterns and plants are endowed with particular meaning. Pruning is important for shrubs and trees where the emphasis is on structure, Pathways are important and often have smooth stone on one side and rough stone on the other. Flowers are rarely seen other than lotus and irises, however in small domestic gardens people grow roses and other colourful flowers in window boxes, or they may chose one shrub or tree to feature in a small garden. It was still raining when we finished but the Baslow D Class inshore lifeboat was on standby to get us home!!!
Tony Hubbuck.
16th August 2018: Understanding "Cabability Browns" Chatsworth Landscape, a Guided Walk
On a cooler, damp August morning 31 people met up at the Game Larder not really knowing what
to expect. Laura, our guide, took us on a journey well away from the house and gardens, along the
south of the river Derwent, to show us where it had been widened and redirected. The village of
Edensor had once been here along with farmland but was all swept away to create a park, artificially
manipulated, so that each vista would show off Chatsworth to its optimum glory, especially to
impress visiting nobility.
From the old mill by the river we climbed to Calton Lees, then up,up,up to the very heights. Along
the way we passed some beautiful old properties and one of several 'bird cages' where the
6th Duke kept a mistress. We saw the little white russian house, built at a time when the nobilities in both
countries were friends, then passed through a band of trees planted to appear from Chatsworth
House as a forest on the horizon. The view from here was breathtaking ! As the sun came out
Chatsworth glittered below us. It was downhill from then on through Edensor where many of us just
had to stop at the tearooms.
Capability Brown's influence was immense, not just around the closer environs of the house and
gardens, but as far as the eye could see in every direction. A great hill was man made so as to hide
the newly placed village; no signs of human habitation or farming anywhere except for the deer and
sheep in the artificially landscaped parkland. Apparently he was a brilliant horseman, riding hither
and thither with his instructions, then rushing off to other stately homes. Over his life time he had
over 300 projects, dying a very wealthy man!
It was a most informative, enjoyable morning; four miles of undulating, at times steep terrain, but
well worth it for the vistas from several vantage points along the way. Thank you to everyone who
turned up and Thank you to Laura for her expertise.
Elaine Blair
Summer Visit to Breezy Knees 5 Jul 2018
We were all surprised to see Andrews Coaches arrive to pick us up, apparently Hulleys had broken down!!!
After a pleasant 2 hour journey with air conditioning we arrived at our destination.
Once we had received our pink stickers we could go our seperate ways, meandering around the circuitous route, seeming to go on forever leading from room to room.
The perennial and rose gardens in the hot sunshine with a fountain playing every 4 minutes, and shaded areas with beautiful conifers and ponds to relax by, and enjoy our picnic.
Everyone returned exhausted to a welcome cuppa and rest before boarding the coach for home with our extensive purchases from the nursery.
We all had a wonderful day and would urge anyone who finds themselves in the York area to pay a visit to Breezy Knees, you will not be dissapointed.
Tony Hubbuck
Chairman.
Baslow Garden Society visit to FernLeigh. Meadowhead. Sheffield. 21st June 2018
Who would have thought as we drew up outside a bungalow on the outskirts of Sheffield what treasures we would find. A garden lovingly designed and maintained by Christine Littlewood, with a little help from her husband Keith, who have been opening their garden for charity since 2000, and have raised nearly £40,000.
The whole garden was a feast for our eyes with many unusual plants, ornaments, secret corners and also the tidiest 'Shed' I have ever seen. Christine told us that this is an all year round garden, so there is always something in bloom. Nevertheless a glorious June day must be a highlight.
We were treated to tea and delicious cakes, with many of us stocking up on plants at very reasonable prices. Altogether a lovely, sunny afternoon.
See Members Photo's for Pictures
Barbara Tyson.
May 2018 visited the Rhubarb farm, Langwith
Now you might think why visit a Rhubarb farm, however it is an inspirational place to visit, run by a dedicated team they support a large number of folks less fortunate than ourselves, drug addicts, thief's, alcoholics and those just struggling to get by. They get them gardening and not just Rhubarb, in actual fact if you have ever bought vegatables from Welbeck estate farm shop, your quite probably eating their crops.
A very enjoyable visit, on Sep 1st, they host the Langwith Show (12.00 till 4PM) , so why not pay them a visit
Gardening through the year
Peter Farrow – 18 January 2018
Our first meeting of year got off to a very enjoyable start with our new chairman, Tony Hubbuck, welcoming members for turning out in such inhospitable weather and inviting everyone to stay on after the meeting for wine, mince pies and general garden chat.
Peter Farrow lives locally and spoke of his experience of gardening throughout the year. Having, completed a degree in botany before going into teaching, in retirement Peter decided to take up botanical illustration and undertake a garden makeover at home, all alongside maintaining his allotment, which is devoted to the
growing and exhibiting of gladioli.
In 2012, renovation of his garden, which is set high up and really did not have much to recommend it, was started. It was down with the silver birch and up with the lawn to make way for a user friendly paved / sitting area and large borders to accommodate as many plants as possible. By 2014 it looked like a mature garden with David Austin roses, clematis and shrubs. For winter, Peter chose plants with winter flowers / berries plus winter bulbs, such as hellebores, snowdrops, iris and crocus. Peter recommends visiting Felley Priory garden in the winter as it has a good display of winter bulbs. However, developing a passion for snowdrops could become expensive, some rare bulbs are known to cost up to £150.
Peter, recommended regular visits to the Botanical garden in Sheffield to see what does well locally at different times of year and also noting which plants are good value throughout the year. Spring is a busy time with visits to garden centres and much plant buying, sometimes without knowing where the plants will go in the garden. Summer bedding, particularly in tubs, cheers everyone up and can be easily moved around. It is noticeable that plants come in and out of fashion, for example hydrangeas are now making a come back having been out of favour for many years.
Visiting RHS shows provides new ideas; Peter’s recommended shows are Tatton Park and Hampton Court with Kew Gardens a must in all seasons for its wonderful trees.
Autumn sees Peter back at the botanical garden to see the autumn bulbs. As the days shorten the fun is getting ready for the next year, reading catalogues and enjoying thinking of new plants to try next year. Peter’s top plants for every garden are hydrangeas, iris, clematis, aquilegias, hardy geraniums, daffodils and narcissus, hardy cyclamen, snowdrops and hellebores. Barbara Warden Secretary Baslow Garden Society
14th Oct 2017 - Baslow Apple day
Many thanks to all those who supplied plants and helped out on the day. we sold an incredible amount of plants and those remaining will be in the hall on Thursday 19th oct. The day was quite windy but otherwise fine, overall the entertainment from the band, to make a rocket was all good fun. Apples (due to a late frost) were hard hit, so i don't think the juicers were as busy as they have been, but i had some lovely juice.
A Kiwi Adventure by Mike Davey, September 2017
Making a return visit to the Society, Mike Davey presented a slideshow and talk of his recent visit to New Zealand. After flying for 32 hours, via Dubai, for a family wedding, he and his wife then hired a camper van and set off to explore.
The weather on the islands can be variable with particularly cold nights but life was comfortable in a well-appointed camper van. Eating out was expensive so self -catering was the order of the day. Their journey began on North Island on the banks of Lake Wanaka, a particularly beautiful lake and town with some very expensive lakeside houses. It was noticeable that most houses were roofed with corrugated tin sheets, often made in Yorkshire, which are safer in an earthquake zone than roof tiles. Wanaka Lake is beautiful and large, well over 20 miles long, and surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Many lakes are linked and channelled to conserve water and to provide hydroelectric power. Wind power also widely used, as the Government is keen to promote renewable energy.
Geothermal springs are another natural feature, as are deserted beaches (Farewell Spit is the longest sandbank in the world) and large boulder fields, left by retreating glaciers. There are marine mammals to be seen along the shoreline and a large colony of albatross down on South Island,
Many plants on both islands are alien invaders that have proved very adaptable to the climate. Gorse and broom, aeoniums and lupins have all proved very effective colonisers. The New Zealand Customs are now very strict and try to ensure that visitors do not bring unwanted species into the country. Walkers in particular are advised to ensure that their walking boots and other kit are spotlessly clean.
Driving is a pleasure as the roads are wide, but it is important not to run out of fuel as towns are few and far between. Also, be aware that the weather can change very quickly! Sheep on the road are a hazard too, as they are not inclined to move out of the way for motorists. Various old villages showing New Zealand’s past history of gold mining can be found, along with much more recent developments such as extensive vineyards and ‘state of the art’ winemaking facilities.
New Zealanders are helpful, the towns are very clean and travelling is easy. Wonderful scenery abounds as does the rain. There are exciting opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities, from ice climbing to sailing to bungee jumping. New Zealand certainly has a lot to offer!
Barbara Warden
The Froggatt Show, August 2017
The afternoon of 26th August was hot and sunny – so unusual for a Bank Holiday weekend! But so fortunate for the organisers of the Froggatt Show who probably saw record breaking numbers attend an event that has run for 72 years!
The attractions were familiar and classic – the Brass Band, pony classes, Punch and Judy, stalls with home produce and crafts, a bouncy castle, and many others. But of course the focus was on the flower, fruit and vegetable classes, where competition is the name of the game. There were literally hundreds of categories for all sorts of produce, and the standard was as high as ever. The Garden Society sponsored 3 classes - 3 vegetables with flowers, 3 dahlias in a vase and a display of cut flowers.
It was wonderful to see so many people, especially young families, enjoying the traditional spectacle of a country fair, and having fun in the open air. Long may it continue!
Winners of classes sponsored by Baslow Garden Society
Class 44 A dish of 3 vegetables with one vase of flowers
1st - Clare Hicken, 2nd - David Thorp, 3rd - Tim Reynolds
Class 58 3 decorative dahlias
1st - Tim Reynolds, 2nd - David Thorp, 3rd -Gene Thorp
Class 85 A display of cut flowers with their own foliage
1st - Shirley Stubbs, 2nd - David Allerton, 3rd - David Thorp
Doreen Gridley
Baslow Garden Society visit to Park Hall, Walton, Chesterfield June 2017
Our second outing of the summer took us to a well-known address – Park Hall, Walton. Here, Kim and Margaret Staniforth have been gardening for 20 years, in the grounds of a manor house dating from 17th century. For many of those years, they have opened their garden for the National Garden Scheme, raising a significant amount of money for charity.
About 35 members of the Garden Society met in the early evening for an introduction by Kim and a welcome from Margaret. Then we dispersed in groups to see the many varied ‘rooms’. Most impressive was the terraced garden, a square lawn surrounded by low stone walls and rockeries which led the eye to the raised feature facing the house. Then we moved onto the croquet lawn, and from there to the sunken garden with arbours all round, and a pergola on one side balanced by a pleached hornbeam hedge on the other. There were several water features, statues, willow forms and delightful surprises at every turn.
But most exciting of all was the planting! Every plant seemed to have been specially placed for maximum effect, and carefully brought into bloom at just the right time. The roses were glorious, the clematis most unusual (some were more bush-like), the buddleia tree with long pale fronds, the lilies and aliums, all at their best. There was a really stunning display everywhere one looked, and we came away inspired and uplifted!
Just before we left, we were treated to wine or soft drinks and delicious home- made cakes. It was an evening to remember.
Doreen Gridley
Baslow Garden Society meeting, The creation of Kerracher by Peter & Trish Kohn, April 20th 2017
Peter and Trish Kohn, our guest speakers, gave us a fascinating talk on their ambitious creation of a garden called 'Kerracher' on the North West coast of Scotland, 100 miles south of Cape Wrath.
A packed hall heard how, in 1994, they bought a crofters house and land in an isolated, wet and windy part of Sutherland, on the edge of a loch, but sheltered from northerly weather. They set about excavating, draining and building shelter belts to develop the most amazing gardens around their white painted home. There were audible gasps from the audience when we saw, for the first time the results of all their efforts. We saw plants from Cornwall, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Mediterranean all flourishing because of the microclimates they had created. It was all illustrated with excellent slides. Their blue meconopsis, that grow there like cabbages, made us all green with envy!
We were all captivated too by their life style; having no road, going everywhere by boat (Tesco was 100 miles away). Nevertheless over the 10 years that the gardens were open to the public, who came 3 times a week on a steamer, Peter and Trish had 10,000 visitors!
It was a most enjoyable, informative evening
Elaine Blair.
Baslow Garden Society Meeting : Glorious Gladioli by Peter Forrow, 17th March 2017
The guest speaker was Peter Forrow, with his talk on Glorious Gladioli. He illustrated his talk with slides showing the preparation and cultivation of the corms, which is the secret of his success.
Firstly, remove the loose outer skin entirely, so that a small shoot and a ring of tiny roots are visible. Then, set the corms in trays, indoors, until the shoots begin to grow. When the weather is suitable, plant the corms out in 4 inches depth of soil, on a plinth of gravel for drainage. They hate to be waterlogged.
Peter grows 2,000 plants every year, and exhibits at shows far and wide, from the middle of July through to the end of September. One wonders when he manages to sleep! He is also a qualified gladiolus judge, which required him to pass a pretty stiff exam.
It was very interesting to learn that there are seven different categories of gladioli, ranging from the very small ‘primms’ to giant sized blooms. Peter’s photos showed the amazing variety of colours that can be found, from soft pastel shades to ‘in your face’ vivid.
There were 40 or so members present for the talk, after which we enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits whilst bombarding Peter with questions. Just as the talk ended, Peter got a text message saying “Well done, Possum! Love, Dame Edna!!!”
Tony Hubbuck
February 2017 "Once Seen Never Forgotten" Don Witton
Paying a very welcome return visit to the Society, Don described his talk and slide show as an eclectic mixture of his memories.
Borrowing views from all over the world Don started with his regular visits to the Lake District before moving onto Table Mountain, the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley followed by the amazing cities of Las Vegas and Sydney.
Garden memories started with Don’s own allotment where he hosts a national collection of euphorbias; his recommendation was Euphorbia Donii, as “it knows its place”. Next came the range of National Trust gardens, including the best laburnum archway in the country at Bodnant, and the striking white birch tree trunks at Anglesey Abbey in winter. Bressingham gardens in both winter and summer with their immaculate island beds are a must and the four RHS gardens provide memorable planting schemes, especially in the height of summer. Particularly highly recommended came Breezy Knees in North Yorkshire (a new one on me) as being very well worth a visit at any time of year.
There were slides of fabulous flowers, far too many to mention, with particular recommendations of varieties to try locally. Don has managed to grow many of these plants on his allotment in South Yorkshire despite not having the ideal conditions recommended and advises giving them a try.
Wild walking in the mountains of Europe has been a big part of Don and his wife’s life and has provided the opportunity to see a variety of plants in their natural settings. However, this was not always without incident as after slipping an breaking her leg in Switzerland, Don’s wife had to be rescued and was flown dangling underneath a helicopter for medical treatment whilst Don was left to walk!
Don had bought a variety of plants to sell and these were soon snapped up at the end of the meeting.
A vote of thanks was given by David Dalrymple Smith.
Barbara Warden
Baslow Garden Society meeting, Sex among flowers by Dr. Steve Furness, January 2017
The January meeting of the Garden Society was very well attended, with 52 members and guests. They had come to hear a talk by Dr. Steve Furness, on the subject of ‘Sex among the Flowers’ (not, as he pointed out ‘Sex Amongst the Flowers with Steve Furness’ !!)
It was very interesting to learn about the various ways of pollination, (wind, water, and animals) bringing all the forces of nature into play to make pollination successful. The insects, birds and the few animals that pollinate specific plants, are often adapted to serve only one or two species, while the plants themselves, evolving over time, seem to use all their craft and guile to attract the pollinators.
The message put across in the talk sees to say that although we humans think everything started with Adam and Eve, plants have been having sex for millennia!
After the talk, everyone enjoyed mince pies, cakes and a glass of wine, which went to making a pleasant end to an enjoyable evening for all.
Tony Hubbuck
2015
A highlight of our 2015 programme was a recording of BBC Gardner's Question Time.
Interesting questions, home made cakes and a very convivial atmosphere made for a very pleasant evening.
We were all surprised to see Andrews Coaches arrive to pick us up, apparently Hulleys had broken down!!!
After a pleasant 2 hour journey with air conditioning we arrived at our destination.
Once we had received our pink stickers we could go our seperate ways, meandering around the circuitous route, seeming to go on forever leading from room to room.
The perennial and rose gardens in the hot sunshine with a fountain playing every 4 minutes, and shaded areas with beautiful conifers and ponds to relax by, and enjoy our picnic.
Everyone returned exhausted to a welcome cuppa and rest before boarding the coach for home with our extensive purchases from the nursery.
We all had a wonderful day and would urge anyone who finds themselves in the York area to pay a visit to Breezy Knees, you will not be dissapointed.
Tony Hubbuck
Chairman.
Baslow Garden Society visit to FernLeigh. Meadowhead. Sheffield. 21st June 2018
Who would have thought as we drew up outside a bungalow on the outskirts of Sheffield what treasures we would find. A garden lovingly designed and maintained by Christine Littlewood, with a little help from her husband Keith, who have been opening their garden for charity since 2000, and have raised nearly £40,000.
The whole garden was a feast for our eyes with many unusual plants, ornaments, secret corners and also the tidiest 'Shed' I have ever seen. Christine told us that this is an all year round garden, so there is always something in bloom. Nevertheless a glorious June day must be a highlight.
We were treated to tea and delicious cakes, with many of us stocking up on plants at very reasonable prices. Altogether a lovely, sunny afternoon.
See Members Photo's for Pictures
Barbara Tyson.
May 2018 visited the Rhubarb farm, Langwith
Now you might think why visit a Rhubarb farm, however it is an inspirational place to visit, run by a dedicated team they support a large number of folks less fortunate than ourselves, drug addicts, thief's, alcoholics and those just struggling to get by. They get them gardening and not just Rhubarb, in actual fact if you have ever bought vegatables from Welbeck estate farm shop, your quite probably eating their crops.
A very enjoyable visit, on Sep 1st, they host the Langwith Show (12.00 till 4PM) , so why not pay them a visit
Gardening through the year
Peter Farrow – 18 January 2018
Our first meeting of year got off to a very enjoyable start with our new chairman, Tony Hubbuck, welcoming members for turning out in such inhospitable weather and inviting everyone to stay on after the meeting for wine, mince pies and general garden chat.
Peter Farrow lives locally and spoke of his experience of gardening throughout the year. Having, completed a degree in botany before going into teaching, in retirement Peter decided to take up botanical illustration and undertake a garden makeover at home, all alongside maintaining his allotment, which is devoted to the
growing and exhibiting of gladioli.
In 2012, renovation of his garden, which is set high up and really did not have much to recommend it, was started. It was down with the silver birch and up with the lawn to make way for a user friendly paved / sitting area and large borders to accommodate as many plants as possible. By 2014 it looked like a mature garden with David Austin roses, clematis and shrubs. For winter, Peter chose plants with winter flowers / berries plus winter bulbs, such as hellebores, snowdrops, iris and crocus. Peter recommends visiting Felley Priory garden in the winter as it has a good display of winter bulbs. However, developing a passion for snowdrops could become expensive, some rare bulbs are known to cost up to £150.
Peter, recommended regular visits to the Botanical garden in Sheffield to see what does well locally at different times of year and also noting which plants are good value throughout the year. Spring is a busy time with visits to garden centres and much plant buying, sometimes without knowing where the plants will go in the garden. Summer bedding, particularly in tubs, cheers everyone up and can be easily moved around. It is noticeable that plants come in and out of fashion, for example hydrangeas are now making a come back having been out of favour for many years.
Visiting RHS shows provides new ideas; Peter’s recommended shows are Tatton Park and Hampton Court with Kew Gardens a must in all seasons for its wonderful trees.
Autumn sees Peter back at the botanical garden to see the autumn bulbs. As the days shorten the fun is getting ready for the next year, reading catalogues and enjoying thinking of new plants to try next year. Peter’s top plants for every garden are hydrangeas, iris, clematis, aquilegias, hardy geraniums, daffodils and narcissus, hardy cyclamen, snowdrops and hellebores. Barbara Warden Secretary Baslow Garden Society
14th Oct 2017 - Baslow Apple day
Many thanks to all those who supplied plants and helped out on the day. we sold an incredible amount of plants and those remaining will be in the hall on Thursday 19th oct. The day was quite windy but otherwise fine, overall the entertainment from the band, to make a rocket was all good fun. Apples (due to a late frost) were hard hit, so i don't think the juicers were as busy as they have been, but i had some lovely juice.
A Kiwi Adventure by Mike Davey, September 2017
Making a return visit to the Society, Mike Davey presented a slideshow and talk of his recent visit to New Zealand. After flying for 32 hours, via Dubai, for a family wedding, he and his wife then hired a camper van and set off to explore.
The weather on the islands can be variable with particularly cold nights but life was comfortable in a well-appointed camper van. Eating out was expensive so self -catering was the order of the day. Their journey began on North Island on the banks of Lake Wanaka, a particularly beautiful lake and town with some very expensive lakeside houses. It was noticeable that most houses were roofed with corrugated tin sheets, often made in Yorkshire, which are safer in an earthquake zone than roof tiles. Wanaka Lake is beautiful and large, well over 20 miles long, and surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Many lakes are linked and channelled to conserve water and to provide hydroelectric power. Wind power also widely used, as the Government is keen to promote renewable energy.
Geothermal springs are another natural feature, as are deserted beaches (Farewell Spit is the longest sandbank in the world) and large boulder fields, left by retreating glaciers. There are marine mammals to be seen along the shoreline and a large colony of albatross down on South Island,
Many plants on both islands are alien invaders that have proved very adaptable to the climate. Gorse and broom, aeoniums and lupins have all proved very effective colonisers. The New Zealand Customs are now very strict and try to ensure that visitors do not bring unwanted species into the country. Walkers in particular are advised to ensure that their walking boots and other kit are spotlessly clean.
Driving is a pleasure as the roads are wide, but it is important not to run out of fuel as towns are few and far between. Also, be aware that the weather can change very quickly! Sheep on the road are a hazard too, as they are not inclined to move out of the way for motorists. Various old villages showing New Zealand’s past history of gold mining can be found, along with much more recent developments such as extensive vineyards and ‘state of the art’ winemaking facilities.
New Zealanders are helpful, the towns are very clean and travelling is easy. Wonderful scenery abounds as does the rain. There are exciting opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities, from ice climbing to sailing to bungee jumping. New Zealand certainly has a lot to offer!
Barbara Warden
The Froggatt Show, August 2017
The afternoon of 26th August was hot and sunny – so unusual for a Bank Holiday weekend! But so fortunate for the organisers of the Froggatt Show who probably saw record breaking numbers attend an event that has run for 72 years!
The attractions were familiar and classic – the Brass Band, pony classes, Punch and Judy, stalls with home produce and crafts, a bouncy castle, and many others. But of course the focus was on the flower, fruit and vegetable classes, where competition is the name of the game. There were literally hundreds of categories for all sorts of produce, and the standard was as high as ever. The Garden Society sponsored 3 classes - 3 vegetables with flowers, 3 dahlias in a vase and a display of cut flowers.
It was wonderful to see so many people, especially young families, enjoying the traditional spectacle of a country fair, and having fun in the open air. Long may it continue!
Winners of classes sponsored by Baslow Garden Society
Class 44 A dish of 3 vegetables with one vase of flowers
1st - Clare Hicken, 2nd - David Thorp, 3rd - Tim Reynolds
Class 58 3 decorative dahlias
1st - Tim Reynolds, 2nd - David Thorp, 3rd -Gene Thorp
Class 85 A display of cut flowers with their own foliage
1st - Shirley Stubbs, 2nd - David Allerton, 3rd - David Thorp
Doreen Gridley
Baslow Garden Society visit to Park Hall, Walton, Chesterfield June 2017
Our second outing of the summer took us to a well-known address – Park Hall, Walton. Here, Kim and Margaret Staniforth have been gardening for 20 years, in the grounds of a manor house dating from 17th century. For many of those years, they have opened their garden for the National Garden Scheme, raising a significant amount of money for charity.
About 35 members of the Garden Society met in the early evening for an introduction by Kim and a welcome from Margaret. Then we dispersed in groups to see the many varied ‘rooms’. Most impressive was the terraced garden, a square lawn surrounded by low stone walls and rockeries which led the eye to the raised feature facing the house. Then we moved onto the croquet lawn, and from there to the sunken garden with arbours all round, and a pergola on one side balanced by a pleached hornbeam hedge on the other. There were several water features, statues, willow forms and delightful surprises at every turn.
But most exciting of all was the planting! Every plant seemed to have been specially placed for maximum effect, and carefully brought into bloom at just the right time. The roses were glorious, the clematis most unusual (some were more bush-like), the buddleia tree with long pale fronds, the lilies and aliums, all at their best. There was a really stunning display everywhere one looked, and we came away inspired and uplifted!
Just before we left, we were treated to wine or soft drinks and delicious home- made cakes. It was an evening to remember.
Doreen Gridley
Baslow Garden Society meeting, The creation of Kerracher by Peter & Trish Kohn, April 20th 2017
Peter and Trish Kohn, our guest speakers, gave us a fascinating talk on their ambitious creation of a garden called 'Kerracher' on the North West coast of Scotland, 100 miles south of Cape Wrath.
A packed hall heard how, in 1994, they bought a crofters house and land in an isolated, wet and windy part of Sutherland, on the edge of a loch, but sheltered from northerly weather. They set about excavating, draining and building shelter belts to develop the most amazing gardens around their white painted home. There were audible gasps from the audience when we saw, for the first time the results of all their efforts. We saw plants from Cornwall, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Mediterranean all flourishing because of the microclimates they had created. It was all illustrated with excellent slides. Their blue meconopsis, that grow there like cabbages, made us all green with envy!
We were all captivated too by their life style; having no road, going everywhere by boat (Tesco was 100 miles away). Nevertheless over the 10 years that the gardens were open to the public, who came 3 times a week on a steamer, Peter and Trish had 10,000 visitors!
It was a most enjoyable, informative evening
Elaine Blair.
Baslow Garden Society Meeting : Glorious Gladioli by Peter Forrow, 17th March 2017
The guest speaker was Peter Forrow, with his talk on Glorious Gladioli. He illustrated his talk with slides showing the preparation and cultivation of the corms, which is the secret of his success.
Firstly, remove the loose outer skin entirely, so that a small shoot and a ring of tiny roots are visible. Then, set the corms in trays, indoors, until the shoots begin to grow. When the weather is suitable, plant the corms out in 4 inches depth of soil, on a plinth of gravel for drainage. They hate to be waterlogged.
Peter grows 2,000 plants every year, and exhibits at shows far and wide, from the middle of July through to the end of September. One wonders when he manages to sleep! He is also a qualified gladiolus judge, which required him to pass a pretty stiff exam.
It was very interesting to learn that there are seven different categories of gladioli, ranging from the very small ‘primms’ to giant sized blooms. Peter’s photos showed the amazing variety of colours that can be found, from soft pastel shades to ‘in your face’ vivid.
There were 40 or so members present for the talk, after which we enjoyed tea, coffee and biscuits whilst bombarding Peter with questions. Just as the talk ended, Peter got a text message saying “Well done, Possum! Love, Dame Edna!!!”
Tony Hubbuck
February 2017 "Once Seen Never Forgotten" Don Witton
Paying a very welcome return visit to the Society, Don described his talk and slide show as an eclectic mixture of his memories.
Borrowing views from all over the world Don started with his regular visits to the Lake District before moving onto Table Mountain, the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley followed by the amazing cities of Las Vegas and Sydney.
Garden memories started with Don’s own allotment where he hosts a national collection of euphorbias; his recommendation was Euphorbia Donii, as “it knows its place”. Next came the range of National Trust gardens, including the best laburnum archway in the country at Bodnant, and the striking white birch tree trunks at Anglesey Abbey in winter. Bressingham gardens in both winter and summer with their immaculate island beds are a must and the four RHS gardens provide memorable planting schemes, especially in the height of summer. Particularly highly recommended came Breezy Knees in North Yorkshire (a new one on me) as being very well worth a visit at any time of year.
There were slides of fabulous flowers, far too many to mention, with particular recommendations of varieties to try locally. Don has managed to grow many of these plants on his allotment in South Yorkshire despite not having the ideal conditions recommended and advises giving them a try.
Wild walking in the mountains of Europe has been a big part of Don and his wife’s life and has provided the opportunity to see a variety of plants in their natural settings. However, this was not always without incident as after slipping an breaking her leg in Switzerland, Don’s wife had to be rescued and was flown dangling underneath a helicopter for medical treatment whilst Don was left to walk!
Don had bought a variety of plants to sell and these were soon snapped up at the end of the meeting.
A vote of thanks was given by David Dalrymple Smith.
Barbara Warden
Baslow Garden Society meeting, Sex among flowers by Dr. Steve Furness, January 2017
The January meeting of the Garden Society was very well attended, with 52 members and guests. They had come to hear a talk by Dr. Steve Furness, on the subject of ‘Sex among the Flowers’ (not, as he pointed out ‘Sex Amongst the Flowers with Steve Furness’ !!)
It was very interesting to learn about the various ways of pollination, (wind, water, and animals) bringing all the forces of nature into play to make pollination successful. The insects, birds and the few animals that pollinate specific plants, are often adapted to serve only one or two species, while the plants themselves, evolving over time, seem to use all their craft and guile to attract the pollinators.
The message put across in the talk sees to say that although we humans think everything started with Adam and Eve, plants have been having sex for millennia!
After the talk, everyone enjoyed mince pies, cakes and a glass of wine, which went to making a pleasant end to an enjoyable evening for all.
Tony Hubbuck
2015
A highlight of our 2015 programme was a recording of BBC Gardner's Question Time.
Interesting questions, home made cakes and a very convivial atmosphere made for a very pleasant evening.