Summer Social and Pot Parade; Upcoming Meeting and Pie Night; NGS Helpers Invitation

September 2, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

SUMMER MEETING AND GROWING CHALLENGE FINALE

The August meeting of Cothi gardeners took the form of a summer social event held at the lovely home and gardens of members Philip and Anne Large. Over 30 members arrived bringing plates of food to enjoy and share, but before that came the interesting and fun sharing of ideas from this year’s growing challenge – to grow anything in a moveable pot.

Examples ranged from unidentified exotic plants grown from seed, through tomatoes, quinoa, pelargoniums, roses and broom grown from seed collected from a local hillside.

A lot of interesting and useful discussion followed including a quick lesson on how to take pelargonium cutting by Yvonne, before breaking for supper and drinks. Many thanks to Philip and Anne for the hard work in getting ready for the event, which was greatly enjoyed by all present.

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SEPTEMBER MEETING

Join us for coffee or tea and listen to how another great garden has taken shape over the last century at our next meeting on September 21st at 7.30pm when Mike Thurlow will be talking to us about ‘Reginald Cory and Dyffryn Gardens’. This National Trust property has had a chequered past but is now much restored. The original garden design was largely developed by Reginald Cory, the son of wealthy coal merchant John Cory, who had inherited the estate in 1891. Reginald worked alongside Thomas Mawson who was well-known in the Edwardian era as a designer of civic parks and gardens. In 2000 the gardens were given Grade 1 listed status by Cadw and described as “the grandest and most outstanding Edwardian gardens in Wales. They are comparable to some of the most extravagant gardens of the period in Britain.”

We are also having our 2nd pre-meeting get together for Pie Night at the Dolaucothi Arms – the first one was a big success. It is a great opportunity to have a more relaxed natter with fellow members. Cost will be £10 per person for a pie (there is always a vegetarian option) and drink; optional dessert if you eat fast, and are hungry … Because of time constraints on the evening, we’ll need to meet by about 6.00pm, and eat around 6.15pm, to enable us to finish in time for setting up for the meeting. Names of anyone wishing to come need to be with Julian by Friday 9th September so that menu choices can be sorted out in advance.

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NGS HELPERS REMINDER

Jane and Ivor Stokes, have invited any members who have helped out at any NGS garden openings this year to join them, the team and NGS garden owners at their annual ‘Thank You’ tea party and plant sale. It is at Llyshendy, Llandeilo, SA19 6YA at 3.30pm on Sunday 11th September. Contact Jane on 01558 823233 or jane.h.stokes@btinternet.com

From Plant Origins to Club Growing Challenges

August 8, 2016 / cothigardeners / 2 Comments

Helen Warrington with her plants

We had a very successful July meeting when Helen Warrington gave us a fascinating talk on the origins of plants, taking us from post ice age Britain when there were very few, (but amazingly did include Rhododendron ponticum which subsequently died out but was then reintroduced in the 17th Century!) through to modern times with a virtually unlimited number. On our journey through the ages we heard how important invaders and travellers were in introducing or bringing back new species which are now considered ‘native’. For example, the Romans brought their own stinging nettle as the indigenous one was not ‘stingy’ enough – used for flagellation!, plus many other plants for culinary and medicinal purposes such as fennel, garlic, apples (we only had crab apples) and walnut. Plant seeds were known to have been brought back throughout history from the Crusades onwards, and seeds found in ballast from ships also found their way in eg Anemone coronaria. Another little known gem was that the Welsh discovered North America in 1170, well before Columbus.

Sarracenia-purpurea – Photo by Ty Cwm Nursery

All in all a thoroughly informative and enjoyable evening and rounded off with the opportunity to buy some of Helen’s lovely plants. Do visit Helen’s nursery, Ty Cwm, near Lampeter or take a look at her website (click here).

Ty Cwm Nursery

The August meeting is our summer social evening for members only on Wednesday 17th at 7.30pm. This year Anne and Philip Large have kindly invited us to Glan-yr-afon for the evening. Please bring a plate of ‘nibbles’, plants for the plant stall and, most importantly, your ‘Growing Challenge’ pot. Remember the challenge is not a competition so even if your pot was less successful than you had hoped bring it anyway as much can often be learnt from things that don’t work as from things that do! If your pot is too big or heavy to bring then do please try and print some photos of it and bring them along instead.

Pie Night; A Ranger’s Perspective; National Meadows Day; Garden Openings; Next Meeting

June 27, 2016June 27, 2016 / cothigardeners / 1 Comment

The first Pie Night which preceded our last meeting was a resounding success and proved a great time for us to get together for an informal bit of socialising! Dave and Esther at the Dolaucothi Arms excelled themselves producing their delicious pies for the 18 of us in good time for us to make it across the road for the meeting.

Sarah Jones then gave us an interesting, amusing and informative talk on her work as a ranger for the National Trust at Dinefwr. Her enthusiasm and love for her work and the area were evident as she gave a fascinating insight into the role of a ranger caring for the park’s landscape, flora and fauna with particular reference to the fallow deer and the White Park Cattle.

The park is well worth a visit, particularly at the moment when the hay and wildflower meadows will be in full bloom. For members who are interested, National Meadows Day is this Saturday with various locations being open for visitors – more info can be found on the Carmarthenshire Meadows Group website (click here).

As part of National Meadows Day………

Gelli Uchaf Meadows and Garden will be open on Saturday July 2nd 2016

Meadow Walks and a chance to look round the gardens at Gelli Uchaf small holding, which have been designed to incorporate many insect friendly flowers.

This event is in aid of the charities of the National Gardens Scheme.

Places are limited so must be booked.

There are two sessions, 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Some places are still available for both.

£4 per person. Cakes/teas available as well if pre-booked (£3 pp).

The gardens were featured as 1 of 10 secret gardens in Wales to visit by Wales Online in 2014 and were also filmed in 2016 for BBC2’s Gardener’s World programme. The 11 acres of meadows are being gradually restored to increase floral and fungal diversity and include both hill, and valley bottom wet pastures. A photographic display of the progress so far, will be available, and weather permitting, some of our manual hay making techniques may also be on view.

Anyone who is interested please book by contacting Julian and Fiona Wormald

01558 685119

thegardenimpressionists@gmail.com

http://www.thegardenimpressionists.com

Gelli Uchaf

Rhydcymerau

Llandeilo

Carmsarthenshire

SA19 7PY

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The opening of member’s gardens at Bwlchau Duon and The Sculptor’s Garden in Ffarmers on Sunday went really well. Congratulations to Brenda and Martin and Angela, the gardens looked wonderful and well deserved the turnout of over 140 visitors who were clearly not put off by the uncooperative weather!

Anne and John bravely enduring the rain while manning the plant sales at Bwlchau Duon

The Tea Ladies at Bwlchau Duon

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Our next meeting is on Wednesday, July 20th when Helen Warrington from Ty Cwm Nursery will return to give us a talk on ‘The Origins of Plants’ .

Ty Cwm Nursery has a broad range of herbaceous perennials, bedding and veg in season, specialising in blueberries and carnivorous plants. Helen will be bringing a selection of plants from the nursery for sale after the talk.

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The Club Plant Shop

This is getting better and better and is making an excellent contribution to club funds. Very many thanks to all those who have supported it both in the supply and purchase of plants. We need to keep the momentum going so please do keep supporting it at each meeting.

To recap: good quality, potted up, labelled, and priced plants to be donated. A table will be set up for the ‘Plant Shop’ at the back of the hall, with a tin for the money to be left in. Please price your donation/s according to size of pot, type of plant and so that it reflects the true value while being less than a garden centre would charge. This way those purchasing will have a good quality product at an advantageous price.

Picton Visit; Diary reminders and additions

June 9, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

Picton Castle Gardens Visit

Our visit to Picton Castle Gardens was a great success. We met for a civilised picnic in the courtyard, making use of the outdoor seating before being joined by Roddy Milne, the head gardener, for a tour of the garden.

The rhododendrons, although nearing the end of their season, were still magnificent.

Many were grown from seed from cultivars already in the garden and it was fascinating to see the variety of plants one seed capsule can produce in both flower, leaf and form. New areas of woodland have been planted to give continuity for the future especially as more and more of the original plantings are succumbing to old age.

The hard work of Roddy and his small band of helpers was evident in the tidy borders, new plantings and well mown lawns! The walled garden was immaculate and had plenty to see despite its peak season being later in the summer.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable and informative evening out.

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Open Gardens

A reminder that this month sees the joint opening of 2 of our club members’ gardens in Ffarmers. Anyone able to help serve teas, supply cakes, etc please contact Angela and Martin or Brenda.

There are a number of other gardens opening this month including the Talley Open Gardens Day this Saturday, 11th June, click here to go to our events page to see more.

MEETING UPDATES; DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES and HELP NEEDED

May 20, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

There was an excellent turnout at our meeting on Wednesday 19th May to hear Carrie Thomas give an illustrated and highly informative talk on the intricacies of latin plant nomenclature, explaining why latin names are needed, how they are arrived at and how they explain individual plant characteristics, habitat, etc.

She started the evening with a warning about Aquilegia downy mildew disease which has decimated her national collections of Aquilegias and is gradually spreading through the UK. See her website for more information at http://www.touchwoodplants.co.uk/aquilegia-downy-mildew.htm

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Requests for help at various events in the coming months were made. If anyone is able to offer their assistance at any of the following please contact the relevant parties.

1) Keith Brown will be having a plant stall at the NGS garden open at
Gelli Mydog, Myddfai, SA20 0JQ on Sunday, June 5th and Sunday, July 24th between 12 and 5pm. Due to his illness he has asked for help to man the stall, so if anyone can spare an hour or more to help out on either or both these days please contact Anne at glan-yr-afon@hotmail.co.uk .

2) John and Helen have a large group visiting their garden on Saturday, June 18th and have asked for help with both the serving and supply of cakes for the teas. Contact them at johnhelen@greystones140.freeserve.co.uk

3) Angela and Martin (Sculptors Garden, The Old Post Office) have their joint garden open day with Benda (Bwlchau Duon) and would also like help with the serving and supply of cakes for the teas. Contact through www.farquharsonduffysculpture.com

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PICTON GARDENS VISIT

Remember our visit to Picton Gardens is this Wednesday. Those who would like to can meet up at 5pm in the visitors carpark for a picnic tea within the grounds before we all meet Roddy at 6pm by the Restaurant (closed at that time). He will then take us on a guided tour of the garden. Plants will be on sale but please remember to take cash as there will be no credit card facility. Cost is £4.50 per person (no concessions or free entry as this is a special tour out of normal opening hours). Anyone who would like/can offer to car share please contact Margaret on 01558 650887

OUR NEXT MEETING………..

Speaking to the Cothi Gardeners’ Club on Wednesday, 15th June will be Sarah Jones from Dinefwr in Llandeilo.
Sarah is a National Trust ranger and will tell us about her work, which includes taking care of the famous herd of White Park cattle, fallow deer and of course the extensive grounds.
Some of us may have already walked around Dinefwr but Sarah will let us know all about the history of the park, including a visit in the 17th century by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown who advised the then owners of Newton House on the possibilities of landscaping the grounds. Today a popular walk on the estate has been named the Capability Brown Trail.
A large part of Sarah’s work involves conservation, so we will learn about the unusual and endangered species which we may be lucky enough to encounter and how the grounds are maintained for visitors to enjoy at all times of the year.

National Botanic Garden of Wales Annual Members and Volunteers Plant Sale

April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

Meetings, Events and More

April 26, 2016April 26, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

Firstly a reminder about our visit to Picton Gardens……………..

This is a brilliant opportunity to see these beautiful gardens under the expert guidance of head gardener Roddy Milne. We need to get the numbers in very soon so please if you haven’t already done so, contact Margaret or Daisy asap to confirm whether you are able to go or not. The more we get the cheaper the cost of entry (20+ = £4.50 – a real bargain!) We meet at 5pm for a picnic (bring your own) in the gardens followed by the garden tour. Plants will be for sale but please take cash with you as the shop will be closed

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Plants for Colourful Shade

We had a well attended meeting last week at which Richard Cain of Penlan Perennials gave a very informative talk on colourful plants for shade, covering the different types of shade and a whole variety of plants both familiar and not that can be used in these conditions to give colourful interest.

Richard had a good selection of plants for sale and offered to take any pre-ordered from his nursery to any of the plant fairs he will be attending for members to collect. See below for details of fairs. Click on the link to go to his website: penlanperennials.co.uk

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Our next meeting ……………………………….

Gardeners can be a funny lot….One minute they’re talking about Galanthus, the next Snowdrops. First it’s phormium, then it’s flax.
If you would like to untangle the Latin, then come along to our illustrated talk “Botanicus Tongtwistii” in May, when the speaker will be Carrie Thomas from Touchwood, Killay, Swansea.

Carrie holds degrees in botany and zoology so we are looking forward to an informative and entertaining evening, after which we’ll know exactly why a Red Hot Poker is called Kniphophia.

Visit Touchwoodplants.co.uk for more information about Carrie and her garden.

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Gerddi Cae Hir Gardens Plant Fair
May 2 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Cae Hir Gardens Plant Fair. Come and enjoy this lovely six acre garden in the heart of Ceredigion. It is an RHS Partner Garden and entry to the Garden and Plant Fair is free. There is a small charge for parking at the local school.

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Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival, Aberaeron
May 29 @ 10:00 am – May 30 @ 5:00 pm
Free entry

Now in its 7th year and expanding all the time. Held on Alban Square Field, Aberaeron and organised by Ceredigion & District Growers Association, this is the premier event of its type in West Wales.

Over 70 stalls selling plants, craft and food, together with music & entertainment. Something for everyone and FREE ENTRY.

No dogs allowed on the field (except service dogs).

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Aberystwyth Summer Plant Fair
June 11 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

A host of great nurseries from three counties on the Farmer’s Market site from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Summer bedding, veg and perennials amongst others. FREE. Organised by Ceredigion & District Growers Association

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Llanllyr NGS Garden Plant Fair
June 26 @ 12:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Ceredigion & District Growers Association hold a Plant Fair at Llanllyr Garden on their National Garden Scheme Open Day. Entry to the Plant Fair is free, however normal NGS charges are payable to go into the garden. Ample free parking. Please note the Plant Fair finishes at 5.00pm and the Garden is open until 6pm.

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Finally……………………………

Dismantled Greenhouse – details of this came through by email. Please contact Carolyn Somers if interested: ceejaysom@btinternet.com

An Eden greenhouse, 6’x8′ . Most of the glass is there with some pieces broken, all the frame is there but without the door as this was lost to the storms. The only thing is there are no nuts and bolts but these can be bought from B&Q. I am in Nantgaredig just outside Carmarthen.

Cothi Gardeners Visit to Picton Castle

March 30, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

Cothi Gardeners Visit to Picton Castle

Wednesday, May 25^th , 5pm for picnic, 6pm guided tour by Roddy Milne the Head Gardener

Picton Castle Gardens are described as one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ Great Gardens of West Wales. As their website says:‘What you can see today is the result of many centuries of gardening styles, each overlaying the next, where no one style predominates.’

In the 40 acres of the garden there are woodland walks, a medicinal herb border, a fernery, a walled garden and jungle garden all in the wonderful setting of the 13^th Century Castle.

As the talk is in the evening (6pm) we plan on meeting at 5pm in the car park for a bring your own picnic within the grounds.

If you have not already put your name down please do think about coming and let Margaret know at or before our next meeting on April 20th. It should be a really fun and interesting outing and if we can get a group of 20+ together we will qualify for reduced entry of £4.50. Otherwise the entry charge is £7 (concessions £6). Car sharing is available for those who prefer not to drive so please don’t be put off by the distance. From Pumpsaint to Picton should only take about 1 ¼ hrs.

May is a lovely time to visit a garden, but particularly one with an abundance of mature Conifers, Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Camellias such as Picton. To quote from their website for May last year: ‘With the first half of May seeing the wonderful old Magnolias between the castle and walled garden coming into flower, pay a visit to Picton Castle and Gardens this month and you’ll quickly understand why they are famed for its Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias and Magnolias. Some have enormous scented flowers and others, such as the Japanese Azaleas, have many intensely coloured flowers borne in great profusion.’

Rhododendron ‘Old Port’ reputed to be the largest in the world! Photo taken May 2015

See the Picton Website for more details http://www.pictoncastle.co.uk/

Cothi Gardeners Growing Challenge and Meetings Updates

March 23, 2016March 24, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

2016 Growing Challenge

Do you like a challenge? The 2016 gardening challenge was launched last month by our chairperson Daisy. After a successful Tomato Growing Challenge last year, this time it’s a quite different theme: “What can you grow in one pot?” Daisy suggested a medium-sized (about 20 cm diameter) plant pot, either plastic or terracotta, whichever you prefer. You can grow whatever you like, however, you need to be able to bring your pot along to the August meeting, so try and make sure it won’t be too heavy or awkward to lift. As with all our challenges, it is not a competition, just good fun and a chance to be creative.

Meetings Update

We had an excellent meeting on March 16th when Keith Treadaway gave a very informative talk on Clematis and how we could have Clematis in flower all the year round, by choosing the right varieties. He showed us examples of the different Clematis categories, explaining which were relatively easy to grow, along with those that were rather tender or prone to disease, and concluded with a summary of how to plant, care for and most importantly prune them. For those who were not able to make the meeting, or weren’t able to get a handout on the night, Keith’s list of all the Clematis he mentioned or illustrated in his talk is shown below – remember that not all those in the list are necessarily suitable for our gardens so it is best to look them up before buying. Keith also gave out another handout with a few useful addresses and some basic tips which is shown below the list. His garden, ‘Rosewood’ is open for the NGS on 17th July – for more info click here.

Our next meeting is on April 20^th at 7.30pm when we welcome back Richard Cain from Penlan Perennials. The theme of Richard’s talk this time is ‘Colourful Shade’ and he will also be bringing some of his excellent plants for us to buy. Penlan Perennials in N. Pembrokeshire specialise in hardy plants used to coping with low temperatures and high rainfall. The nursery is completely organic and has recently won an Environmental Excellence Award from Horticulture Wales. Click on the link to go to their website, penlanperennials.co.uk , to learn more. We do hope you will be able to come and join us for what will prove to be a highly informative and enjoyable evening.

The Plant Shop – this has started well so please do come and support it at each meeting. Remember: good quality, potted up, labelled, and priced plants to be donated. A table will be set up for the ‘Plant Shop’ at the back of the hall, with a tin for the money to be left in. Please price your donation/s according to size of pot, type of plant and so that it reflects the true value while being less than a garden centre would charge. This way those purchasing will have a good quality product at an advantageous price.

PLANT SHOP AT COTHI GARDENERS MONTHLY MEETINGS

March 8, 2016 / cothigardeners / Leave a comment

Many thanks to Anne for this excellent suggestion to help increase club funds and provide a little plant retail therapy for all members without breaking the bank! Do try and find something to bring/be prepared to buy/both (!) at our next meeting:

Wednesday 16th March when Keith Treadaway will be talking to us about Clematis – Start time of 7.30pm

Clematis montana ‘Broughton Star’

PLANT SHOP AT COTHI GARDENERS MONTHLY MEETINGS

By definition all Cothi Garden Club members are likely to be plant lovers. Therefore it makes sense to have a stall at each of our meetings where plants can be purchased. This can then raise much needed funds for the continuation of the club and also feed our ‘plant habits’! Surely a ‘win- win’ situation.

This is therefore a request for good quality, potted up, labelled, and priced plants to be donated each meeting. A table will be set up for such a ‘Plant Shop’ at the back of the hall, with a tin for the money to be left in. Please price your donation/s according to size of pot, type of plant and so that it reflects the true value while being less than a garden centre would charge. This way those purchasing will have a good quality product at an advantageous price- again a ‘win – win’ situation!

It would be good if the ‘Plant Shop’ involved as many members as possible. It is understood that not everyone will be in a position to offer plants so perhaps they could consider purchasing one instead so that this is a fully inclusive venture.

The Plant Shop will be open for business before the meeting while refreshments are served so it will not be competition for any of the speakers who may also be selling their plants after their talks. Please remember to take home your unsold plants at the end of the meeting.

Many thanks and look forward to seeing what interesting plants are available for sale.

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