March 2011 Newsletter
Next Meeting - Wednesday 23rd March at 7.30pm
Mike Byford 'Hellebores'

This month’s speaker is Mike Byford. He has the national collection of species Hellebores, in fact it is an A to Z of Hellebores. He will be talking about which countries they originate from with pictures of their habitats which will probably surprise you all as it did me. He also explains how they came to be hybridised into the garden hybrids that we buy today. You will then understand why Ashwoods Nurseries charge so much for them. If he has any left in flower (he had a visit from Shropshire Plant Heritage group last Saturday) then he will bring them along for sale. I think he may also have some Trilliums.
He lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands on top of a very windy hill and it takes 2 hours to drive here so please do come and support him.
He lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands on top of a very windy hill and it takes 2 hours to drive here so please do come and support him.
Subs![]() May I remind those of you that still haven’t paid (although that isn’t many) that subs for 2011 are due at £8 per person. Remember there is no meeting fee for members.
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Summer Outings![]() Sue is still working on some of the final details for the summer outings but if you want to know more about a particular garden then please contact Sue. If you know of a garden that you think we could go to as a group then please let Sue know. Maybe we could do a more substantial 2 garden visit followed by a meal as we did last year in August.
Apart from the NGS gardens these are private gardens and are being opened specially for us, so please, please do your best to support them and us. |

Delbury Hall Eastate, Mill Lane, Diddlebury - tel 01584 841222
They are near Craven Arms. They have a Hellebore Festival on Saturday (10 -5pm) and Sunday (1-5pm) March 26th and 27th. More about their Day Lily days nearer the time
www.myndhardyplants.co.uk
They are near Craven Arms. They have a Hellebore Festival on Saturday (10 -5pm) and Sunday (1-5pm) March 26th and 27th. More about their Day Lily days nearer the time
www.myndhardyplants.co.uk
Spring Open Day - 20th March![]() Hall Farm Nurseries, Kennerley have their Spring Open Day in aid of Hope House on Sun 20th March 10-4pm. If you’ve never been then you’ve missed one the best herbaceous perennial nurseries in the bigger area.
They also have an RHS event on 19th March and 16th April. ‘Spring Perennials’, £10 RHS members, £12 other, tea and cakes provided. Have to book. See the website or phone 01691 682135 |
AND a Propagation Day Class![]() Saturday 26th march 10.30am - 4pm This information packed day covers everything you need to know about propagating herbaceous plants. Christine will explain many techniques including sowing seeds, taking cuttings and division. You will also learn many ‘tricks of the trade’, to help make it easier & more successful. Cost: £35.00 to include morning tea/coffee & biscuits & afternoon tea/coffee & homemade cakes. Please bring a picnic lunch, (hot drinks provided). They are also running a watercolour painting day class on similar lines to the one above. Ring Hall Farm or check website for details. |