BLOXHAM GARDENING CLUB
At the meeting on 23rd March, Roger Smith made a welcome return, this time speaking on national collections, preceded by a short but fascinating talk on orchids.
Remembering Roger’s superb photography from his previous visit, we were not disappointed. The orchids were dazzling, many photographed in Holland, and he also included a few tips on cultivation. He then went on to illustrate many of the plant collections in the UK with details of the places these may be found, pointing out that it is a huge commitment to maintain a national collection. Starting with Viscount Ridley’s Acers of which there are more than 300 species, Roger went on to discuss and show the locations of collections of Camellias, Hamamelis, Ilex, roses, Salix, Philadelphus, Hostas, Asters (at our own Upton House), Astilbes, Iris, Campanulas, Astrantias, Echinaceas, Rudbeckias, Herbs, Penstemons, Streptocarpus, Agapanthus, Primulas, and lastly Peonies. This was a fast moving presentation, demonstrating photography at its best.
Plant Sale Sunday 17th May: Change of venue: now at Crossways, Merrivales Lane at 3.00pm. Plants, tea and cakes for sale.