Thanks To.......

….. All our members who entered flowers at last month’s show.  The weather caused a lack of flowers but we were grateful to those who entered.  Whilst the results were being counted, members took part in a fun (but mind-taxing) quiz which proved very popular.

….  And to Shelley for organising a memorable visit to Brook Farm in Berrington. 27 members had a most enjoyable visit and – good heavens! – the sun was actually shining!!  Sadly Sarah Wint was not able to be there as she had been towed down the road by two runaway donkeys a couple of days before  and was still suffering from numerous bruises.  Her husband, Willy, did a remarkable job describing the changes in the garden and then provided a delicious tea.  Fortunately we all made it home before the roads were flooded again.

Welcome to new member Sarah Burnham who is the representative for OrletonPrimary School.  Sarah will be responsible for the schoolchildren’s entries at our Annual Show in August.  We hope there will be lots of proud parents who come to view the entries!

OrletonVillage Festival:  As you are aware, due to the horrendous weather and lack of plants, the plant stall was cancelled.  However we continued in the Village Hall with our raffle of two lovely planters from Louise Thorn.  Many thanks Louise!  We raised over £73.00 for the Festival.  Then at our Midsummer show we raised more funds by running a plant stall.  Our total contribution to the Festival Committee was £120 for which they were very grateful – they even managed to make an overall profit of £200.

We would also like to thank Andrew and Gerry at the Village Shop as they carried on selling plants on our behalf to try to raise a little more for the hall funds.

August Show:   Those of you who won trophies last August, please return them to one of the committee members. These should all be returned to the committee by the weekend of 4^th/5^th August. 

Please polish them and wrap them in cling film to prevent tarnishing. 

We are still short of two stewards.  Please contact Sheila Hough (01568 780952) or Eddie Clanzy-Hodge(01568 780479) if you would like to be a steward.

The weather may have ruined your vegetable and fruit crops, but, please contemplate entering some of the other classes.  Preserves/pickles or cakes or flower arrangements (cut flowers can be bought for classes 75 - 79) or indoor plants.  The sub-committee have worked very hard to make this show a success – but it is down to you as members of the Gardening Club to support it – PLEASE!

Annual Supper Evening and visit to KingslandGardens July 31^st:
Please note that Orleton Village Hall will be open from 5:15 pm onwards for you to pick up a map and to drop off your main course and pudding and to place your cutlery, china , glasses and beverage on the tables.  (We suggest you mark all the items you bring as there is always something left behind). Tea & coffee will be available in the kitchen; please make your own and remember to wash, dry, and put away.

KingslandGardens will be open from 5:45 pm until 7:45 pm.  It is important that you leave promptly as we would like to have supper as soon as possible after 8.00 pm and, as a courtesy to the owners of the gardens we will not be starting before they arrive.

Things to do, Places to Visit

 Friday 17th August, Aymestrey Village Hall 7.30 pm

The Mikron Theatre Company presents “Losing the Plot”.  A rollicking mix of old music hall tunes and songs of love between people and the land, people and people, and people and their giant vegetables.  A must for any garden lover and in particular owners.

Tickets £10 (Conc. £8).  Phone 01568 709031 or tickets at the door.

Bromyard Garden Festival 2012
presents “A Hot Day in August”
Sunday 5^th August 11.00am - 5.00pm  In aid of St. Michaels Hospice.

A lazy Sunday music Festival with a garden party atmosphere with Blacksmith Demonstrations, refreshments, stalls and more set in the enchanting organic 7-acres of Moors Meadow Gardens & Nursery, voted “most romantic” garden in Central England and gaining international recognition for its huge range of plant and wildlife species, the originality of design and the unusual features and sculptures. Adults £5. Children 4-16yrs £1

Moors Meadow, Collington, Bromyard, Hereford HR7 4LZ  Tel: 01885 410318

Montpelier Cottage, Brilley, Whitney-On-Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR3 6HF

Exuberant wild-style garden created by well-known garden writer. Approx 1 acre of garden and trial beds where English cottage style meets German parks and American prairie. Wide range of perennials, plus ponds, vegetable garden and fruit. A further 3 acres incl hay meadow habitat and unusual wild flower-rich wet meadow. Children’s playground.
Open: Suns 12 Aug; 16 Sept (2-6)
Satellite Navigation & Post Code . HR2 6LS

Seasonal tips

• Clip hedges and topiary. Use ‘trimmings’ to propagate.
• Pull out any lettuces that have bolted as they will be very bitter to the taste. Plant more as well as rocket and other leaved varieties.
• Liquid feed and water hanging baskets and containers frequently.
• Remove any excess leaves from tomatoes as they ripen and continue feeding
• Prune new wisteria growth back to 6in.
• It’s not too early to start planting spring flowering bulbs

Next Meetings

 August 18th - Annual Show (No newsletter produced in August)

September 25th - Jim Ludlow – All about sweet peas