Propagation - Myths and mysteries of the dark art of propagation. Success with seed collection, sowing, germination and growing on. Recognising cuttings material and how to deal with them. Assessing which herbaceous material is suitable for division. Marina will be bringing propagation sundries and an eclectic range of hand tools for sale, together with some plants.
Forget about air miles when bringing fresh flowers into the house.Eileen and Tim Tordoff introduce us to the rewards of growing our own flowers to pick and enjoy at home. Which are easy, which need careful nurturing, tips and advice and stories of some of the adventures they’ve had in starting up a cutting nursery in the middle of Suffolk. We hope to arrange a visit to their nursery in the summer.
Who can resist the heady scent and glorious colours of sweet peas? Chris Wiley is obsessed with them, and in 2022 won the Best New Plant Award at Chelsea, which to his amazement was presented to Queen Elizabeth 11. Chris takes us on his journey developing his variety, explains how to grow and nurture sweet peas, and recounts their history. Chris founded the Sustainable Plant Store to sell eco-friendly alternatives to popular plants, and will bring some to sell.
Green Island Gardens is a 20 acre garden in Ardleigh, near Colchester. It features many unusual plants for year round interest, due to its unique micro climate they can grow many borderline hardy plants. The garden has been professionally designed by Fiona Redmond, who has a passion for trees and shrubs, scented plants and rarely seen specimens. The autumn colour is spectacular. We are not organising a guided tour so members can wander at their own speed and gently enjoy! There is a cafe for tea and cakes and a plant stall.
Directions can be found on the website at www.greenislandgardens.co.uk but from Colchester you may find this helpful : take the A137 towards Manningtree (called Harwich Road), at the first mini roundabout ignore signs for Ardleigh and turn right onto Bromley Road. follow this road out of Colchester for a couple of miles. You will go over the A120, pass a turning on the lleft called Slough Lane. Park Road is the next turning on the left, and Green Island Garden is the first on the right. Post Code is C07 7SP , where you will find the car park.