February Hints and Tips 2019

In January, my garden is in a muddle. At least 17 different plant types are flowering: leftovers from last year, like Fuchsia, Abutilon and Hederantha, genuine winter flowerers like Helleborus, Rhododendron ‘Christmas Cheer’, Iris unguiculata, winter jasmine and witchhazel, and Pulmonaria and primroses that think it is spring!

It is difficult to predict how things will develop from now. It may depend on whether we get another ‘Beast from the East’. With any luck, we should be enjoying daffodils and crocuses and noticeably longer days.

Some plants that flower on new season’s growth, like late-flowering clematis and Buddleja, need to be stimulated by pruning back to a framework now.

Buddleja before pruning

Buddleja after pruning

So… Jobs you could do in February

Ornamental garden

Prune late-flowering clematis to just above a low pair of healthy buds 6-12” (15- 30cm) above soil level.

Prune winter jasmine after flowering has finished; cut back vigorous stems and old and crossing stems

Finish pruning rambling and climbing roses and start pruning bush roses at the end of the month.

(more…)

Chairman’s Message 2019

CHURCH CROOKHAM GARDEN SOCIETY

I am constantly amazed at just how quickly the months fly past albeit that is probably a symptom of getting older. Last year we had a record-matching heatwave that sucked much of the life out of the ground through to October bringing low yields in the vegetable garden but did wonders for wellestablished fruit trees. November onwards has seen heavy rain bringing our lawns back to life, but with little respite many of us would have found it difficult to do the final cut that closes out the year. I
guess on the plus side with the dryness for much of the year and the recent rain, our mowers won’t
be needing a lot of close season maintenance.

Our back garden is still recovering from the extensive work we had done from 2013 to 2017 but the front is well established with a Malus, Bramley and an unknown red flesh apple. A specimen blue spruce continues its growth and whilst beautiful, it is a challenge keeping the pathway to the front door accessible. The borders are full with geraniums, roses, hellebores and hostas which are complimented by the spring bulbs – daffodils, snowbells and tulips. With the addition of a new boundary fence we have planted three ceanothus which haven’t exactly taken off due to seasonal conditions.

Spring 2017 Show

The wisteria has continued to sprawl all over the front of the house and only brutal pruning has kept it from ripping the tiles off of the roof, although we have managed to tease it across the new extension. The front garden provides a mixed welcome to visitors and is constant source of pleasure on our return home. Possibly a little pretentious to feature our garden but, in my defence, we are immensely proud of it and I wanted to encourage our members to think about their own. Please e-mail Liz with items we could feature and I could include your article in next year’s handbook.

Last year the society has welcomed a new trading secretary, treasurer and show secretary. So we welcome Mike Speed, Roger Greenhalgh and Peter Edwards whilst bidding a farewell to John Delve, Sue Meek, Alison Cooper and Pat Neild with thanks for their fantastic efforts without which the society may not have survived.

We continue to look for volunteers and I would urge you to get in touch.

Events 2019

Trading Hut Open Saturdays
10:00 – 11:30h 9th February to 21st September 2019
Memorial Hall Car Park, Sandy Lane, Church Crookham GU52 8LD

AGM, SOCIAL EVENING & QUIZ – free to members / £3 non-members
FRIDAY 22nd February 2019 at 19:30h at The Willis Hall

SPRING SHOW
SATURDAY 6th APRIL 2019
Set Up 09:00 – 10:30h, Trophies at 12:00 noon
CROOKHAM MEMORIAL HALL, CHURCH CROOKHAM

ANNUAL SHOW
SATURDAY 31st August 2019
Set Up 09:00 – 10:30h, Open 14:00 – 15:30h
CROOKHAM MEMORIAL HALL, CHURCH CROOKHAM
Trophies to be presented at 14:45h.

HARVEST SUPPER
Friday 11th October 2019 AT 19:30h
WILLIS HALL, CHURCH CROOKHAM

ADMISSION FREE TO BOTH SHOWS – VISITORS WELCOME