Garden Club – Together Again

Pamela Adams 19 September 202127 October 2021

Members of Ticknall Garden Club met together on Tuesday, 14^th September for the first time since February 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic tragically caused the shutdown of normal social activity. A good attendance indicated that people were keen to return to some semblance of normality and they were warmly welcomed to the evening event.

A familiar favourite, Justin Harrison, had been invited as a speaker for the meeting. Being a trader on Burton Market he is always keen to pass on his enthusiasm and knowledge on the many different plants he has on offer.

Coprosmas were his “in” shrub of the season with varieties sporting colourful evergreen leaves. Osmanthus also got a favourable mention along with a dwarf Myrtle and a small Cornus called “Midwinter Fire”. Recommended shrubs for heavy shade were Nandina Domestica, Sarcococca and Abelia “Confetti”.

A compact newcomer was Phormium “Black in Black” which he demonstrated was a perfect match for the neat and dainty Gaura called “Butterfly White” or the small orange Geum “Koi”. The blue leaves of a pruned Eucalyptus contrasted well with the dependable yellow perennial Rudbeckia.

Colourful perennials included sweet-scented Phlox, a dazzling Alstroemeria called “Indian Sunset” and a new Coreopsis “Lime Rock”. Nor did he neglect bedding plants such as trailing Pansies and the compact Wallflower “Sugar Rush”.

Justin did a brisk trade in the sale of his plants. Members seemed keen to make up for lost time as opportunities to stock up had been limited during restrictions.

But, more importantly, everyone was grateful to be back together in the company of friends who shared a common interest in gardening.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 12^th at 7.30 p.m. in Ticknall Village Hall. It will feature Jeanette Merilion talking about gardening on and in the shadow of walls and fences.