AUGUST 2020 -SOCIALLY DISTANCED WALK IN THE LODGE GARDENS
In total we ran 4 small group walks around the Lodge Gardens in North Berwick, expertly guided by our Honary President, Stan da Prato. We visited the rockery, the herbaceous border, the stumpery, the carpet bed and rare trees with Stan sharing his gardening and wildlife knowledge, identifying butterflies and birds as we went.
In total we ran 4 small group walks around the Lodge Gardens in North Berwick, expertly guided by our Honary President, Stan da Prato. We visited the rockery, the herbaceous border, the stumpery, the carpet bed and rare trees with Stan sharing his gardening and wildlife knowledge, identifying butterflies and birds as we went.
AGM
Our AGM was to have been held at the end of April. We will hold this when we are able to meet again as a group. Meantime our outgoing chair has prepared a report and the treasurer has prepared accounts which have been independently examined. Both are available here:
Our AGM was to have been held at the end of April. We will hold this when we are able to meet again as a group. Meantime our outgoing chair has prepared a report and the treasurer has prepared accounts which have been independently examined. Both are available here:
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PHOTOS of SPRING BULBS
In October 2019 members were given club bulbs and asked to bring them along to the Spring Show in March 2020. The club bulbs this year were Spring Sunshine ( narcissi,) Early Harvest (tulip) and Puschkinia Libanotica (Russian Snowdrop). With the show cancelled, we invited members to share their photos. Thank you to everyone who has sent these photos in. If you hover the cursor over the photo you will see who submitted the photos.Stan da Prato would have judged the show, below find what he had to say.
In October 2019 members were given club bulbs and asked to bring them along to the Spring Show in March 2020. The club bulbs this year were Spring Sunshine ( narcissi,) Early Harvest (tulip) and Puschkinia Libanotica (Russian Snowdrop). With the show cancelled, we invited members to share their photos. Thank you to everyone who has sent these photos in. If you hover the cursor over the photo you will see who submitted the photos.Stan da Prato would have judged the show, below find what he had to say.
Not so much luck with the tulips!
SPRING BULBS - March 2020 A few words from Stan
(updated 28 March)
Congratulations to everyone who sent in photos of their bulbs. The cold wet easterly winds this week didn't help but it’s still worth growing the bulbs hard and only bring them under cover at show time. The pots with several types of bulbs look particularly good. The little Puschkinia will plant out successfully in the garden as they finish flowering as will the Narcissus –water then in well. The tulips have been less successful. As tulips mostly flower later than daffodils the club chose a kaufmanniana type Early Harvest as that group flowers early. Not that variety this year! Bulbs in pots are often later than those established in the ground. Compare T. Guiseppi Verdi just finishing in the Lodge rockery -despite the slug damage to its leaves -with the same variety in a planter in the High St. If you are able to include the Lodge in your daily exercise walk look for Tulipa turkestanica at the top end of the rock garden with lots of small white flowers now opening . Unusually for a tulip in this country it self seeds.
(updated 28 March)
Congratulations to everyone who sent in photos of their bulbs. The cold wet easterly winds this week didn't help but it’s still worth growing the bulbs hard and only bring them under cover at show time. The pots with several types of bulbs look particularly good. The little Puschkinia will plant out successfully in the garden as they finish flowering as will the Narcissus –water then in well. The tulips have been less successful. As tulips mostly flower later than daffodils the club chose a kaufmanniana type Early Harvest as that group flowers early. Not that variety this year! Bulbs in pots are often later than those established in the ground. Compare T. Guiseppi Verdi just finishing in the Lodge rockery -despite the slug damage to its leaves -with the same variety in a planter in the High St. If you are able to include the Lodge in your daily exercise walk look for Tulipa turkestanica at the top end of the rock garden with lots of small white flowers now opening . Unusually for a tulip in this country it self seeds.
Some of the Jetfire bulbs that NBIB gave to the local nursery and primary schools will feature in the Caley children’s bulb show about to go online. The Caley main show will also be online next weekend. If you want to enter –it’s free - a photo of a flower or pot look on their website for details. Below you will find photos from both the Law Primary School and Nursery School entries.
Growing Better Vegetables - Feburary 2020 meeting
Tom Anderson put technology aside and treated us to an entertaining afternoon, discussing his experiences of growing vegetables and providing us with many tips. Questions were asked and advice given as we went along, below are three key messages:
Use a recycling bin filled with horse manure, topped with compost, then place seed trays on the top. Heat is generated from the rotting horse manure, giving seeds a head start.
Tips for the tomatoes including making sure that they were planted deep to establish good roots, remembering to water regularly to prevent blossom end rot. Also watering twice a day, but not late at night, also to mist when flowering.
Consider planting an edible hedge of apple trees.
Thank you Tom.
T
Tom Anderson put technology aside and treated us to an entertaining afternoon, discussing his experiences of growing vegetables and providing us with many tips. Questions were asked and advice given as we went along, below are three key messages:
Use a recycling bin filled with horse manure, topped with compost, then place seed trays on the top. Heat is generated from the rotting horse manure, giving seeds a head start.
Tips for the tomatoes including making sure that they were planted deep to establish good roots, remembering to water regularly to prevent blossom end rot. Also watering twice a day, but not late at night, also to mist when flowering.
Consider planting an edible hedge of apple trees.
Thank you Tom.
T
Plants in Medicine - January 2020 meeting
Dr Libby Morris started her talk by taking us back in time, to glimse into the history of North Berwick and meet Eleanor, 2nd prioress of North Berwick Abbey, to learn about the plants that were grown and their uses in medicine. We then heard about the medieval Soutra hospital, just one days ride from North Berwick where there is archaeological evidence showing an anesthetic made up of 4 parts Hemlock, 1 part black hen bane and 1 part poppy. There is also evidence of many of today's supplements such as Valerian and St Johns Wort being used in medieval times.
Members of the garden club were also asked to identify hemlock, any many of us failed to do so! We now know to look out for the red on the stems. The talk concluded by looking at gardening as a therapy,
Dr Libby Morris started her talk by taking us back in time, to glimse into the history of North Berwick and meet Eleanor, 2nd prioress of North Berwick Abbey, to learn about the plants that were grown and their uses in medicine. We then heard about the medieval Soutra hospital, just one days ride from North Berwick where there is archaeological evidence showing an anesthetic made up of 4 parts Hemlock, 1 part black hen bane and 1 part poppy. There is also evidence of many of today's supplements such as Valerian and St Johns Wort being used in medieval times.
Members of the garden club were also asked to identify hemlock, any many of us failed to do so! We now know to look out for the red on the stems. The talk concluded by looking at gardening as a therapy,
Gardener's Question Time - November 2019
What a joy it was to have George Anderson from The Beechgrove Garden, Beryl McNaughton of Macplants and Ian Craigie from North Berwick in Bloom share their skills and knowledge with the North Berwick Gardening Club and North Berwick in Bloom members and guests. Stan da Prato, the gardening club's honorary president chaired the event, ensuring an excellent entertaining afternoon.
The panel were faced with many and varied questions from the audience. These varied from problems with roses, growing vegetables in containers, growing bulbs, dealing with problem soils and where to plant your Camillia if you want it to thrive in North Berwick.
Questions were answered, not only with good horticultural advice, but with a light touch and a sense of humour. There was an answer for everyone and every problem.
The panel stayed for a cup of tea and answered many more questions on a one to one basis, these ranged from providing advice on taking cuttings from houseplants to identifying perennials from seed heads.
What a joy it was to have George Anderson from The Beechgrove Garden, Beryl McNaughton of Macplants and Ian Craigie from North Berwick in Bloom share their skills and knowledge with the North Berwick Gardening Club and North Berwick in Bloom members and guests. Stan da Prato, the gardening club's honorary president chaired the event, ensuring an excellent entertaining afternoon.
The panel were faced with many and varied questions from the audience. These varied from problems with roses, growing vegetables in containers, growing bulbs, dealing with problem soils and where to plant your Camillia if you want it to thrive in North Berwick.
Questions were answered, not only with good horticultural advice, but with a light touch and a sense of humour. There was an answer for everyone and every problem.
The panel stayed for a cup of tea and answered many more questions on a one to one basis, these ranged from providing advice on taking cuttings from houseplants to identifying perennials from seed heads.
Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and Saughton Park - October 2019 Meeting
Pam Whittle, a past president of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, "The Caley", gave a presentation on the Caley and the redevelopment of Saughton Park Gardens. Pam covered the history of the gardens and shared many photographs, past and present. The redevelopment has provided areas and facilities for various initiatives that are underway to encourage everyone to be involved in gardening and improving their knowledge and skills. The gardens now have teaching and demonstration beds and a covered areas for activities such as bulb planting. Saughton Sundays offer the opportunity for practical workshops, information can be found the the website www.thecaley.org.uk. Pam's enthusiasm and passion for gardening for everyone shone through the whole presentation and encouraged all of us to visit Saughton Park.
Pam Whittle, a past president of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, "The Caley", gave a presentation on the Caley and the redevelopment of Saughton Park Gardens. Pam covered the history of the gardens and shared many photographs, past and present. The redevelopment has provided areas and facilities for various initiatives that are underway to encourage everyone to be involved in gardening and improving their knowledge and skills. The gardens now have teaching and demonstration beds and a covered areas for activities such as bulb planting. Saughton Sundays offer the opportunity for practical workshops, information can be found the the website www.thecaley.org.uk. Pam's enthusiasm and passion for gardening for everyone shone through the whole presentation and encouraged all of us to visit Saughton Park.
Planning a new or not so new garden in North Berwick- September 2019 meeting
Dr Stan da Prato, is honorary president of our club. He grew up in North Berwick, is horticultural adviser to the award winning "North Berwick in Bloom" group and winner of the prestigious Banksian Medal the the Dundee Flower and Food show. We were delighted that Stan came to our meeting to share his knowledge and experience about gardening in North Berwick.
The talk covered all aspects of gardening in North Berwick, including the various soil types, discussing the trees that thrive and struggle, shrubs that provide all year interest, wild life gardening including wildflower meadows and ponds, pests and how to treat them and concluding by talking about bulbs.
Stan then gave a demonstration on bulb planting in pots, so all members could take away their club bulbs to prepare for the spring show. Bulbs were distributed to members and will be available again at the October meeting.
The club bulbs this year are Spring Sunshine ( narcissi,) Early Harvest (tulip) and Puschkinia Libanotica.
Dr Stan da Prato, is honorary president of our club. He grew up in North Berwick, is horticultural adviser to the award winning "North Berwick in Bloom" group and winner of the prestigious Banksian Medal the the Dundee Flower and Food show. We were delighted that Stan came to our meeting to share his knowledge and experience about gardening in North Berwick.
The talk covered all aspects of gardening in North Berwick, including the various soil types, discussing the trees that thrive and struggle, shrubs that provide all year interest, wild life gardening including wildflower meadows and ponds, pests and how to treat them and concluding by talking about bulbs.
Stan then gave a demonstration on bulb planting in pots, so all members could take away their club bulbs to prepare for the spring show. Bulbs were distributed to members and will be available again at the October meeting.
The club bulbs this year are Spring Sunshine ( narcissi,) Early Harvest (tulip) and Puschkinia Libanotica.
AUTUMN SHOW 2019
The show was held in the North Berwick Community Centre on the evening of 29 August and members excelled themselves, despite encountering drought, monsoon, and the usual gale force winds, they put on a glorious, extremely colourful, show of flowers and produce. In total 157 entries were received, with the class for “Three Stems - Hydrangea” being the most popular, closely followed by the displays of “Mixed Garden Flowers in a Jam Jar” and “Three Stems of Flowering or Berried Shrubs”. Other highlights included displays of some excellent begonias and pelargoniums.
We were also delighted to see entries from local children of Law Primary School. Class 40 and 40 were dedicated to them, a jam jar of garden flowers and foliage and the best decorated vegetable. For the first time this year, free sunflower seedlings were distributed to primary aged children at both the Gardening Club plant sale and the North Berwick in Bloom tulip tea. The challenge was to send a photo of the sunflowers to the Autumn show. The winning sunflower was a magnificent 2.6m
Congratulations to Ian Bowie who was awarded the John Wightman Cup for the most first prizes overall.
The Sir Hew Hamilton Dalrymple Trophy for first in class with the most entries, was awarded to Sheila Montgomery for her hydrangea exhibit.
The Rose Bowl for the Best indoor Pot Plant went to Nan Howe for her outstanding orchid.
Claudia Gehrig retained her trophy, the North Berwick and District Horticultural Society Cup for Best in Show, with a varied and full crate of beautiful vegetables.
The show was held in the North Berwick Community Centre on the evening of 29 August and members excelled themselves, despite encountering drought, monsoon, and the usual gale force winds, they put on a glorious, extremely colourful, show of flowers and produce. In total 157 entries were received, with the class for “Three Stems - Hydrangea” being the most popular, closely followed by the displays of “Mixed Garden Flowers in a Jam Jar” and “Three Stems of Flowering or Berried Shrubs”. Other highlights included displays of some excellent begonias and pelargoniums.
We were also delighted to see entries from local children of Law Primary School. Class 40 and 40 were dedicated to them, a jam jar of garden flowers and foliage and the best decorated vegetable. For the first time this year, free sunflower seedlings were distributed to primary aged children at both the Gardening Club plant sale and the North Berwick in Bloom tulip tea. The challenge was to send a photo of the sunflowers to the Autumn show. The winning sunflower was a magnificent 2.6m
Congratulations to Ian Bowie who was awarded the John Wightman Cup for the most first prizes overall.
The Sir Hew Hamilton Dalrymple Trophy for first in class with the most entries, was awarded to Sheila Montgomery for her hydrangea exhibit.
The Rose Bowl for the Best indoor Pot Plant went to Nan Howe for her outstanding orchid.
Claudia Gehrig retained her trophy, the North Berwick and District Horticultural Society Cup for Best in Show, with a varied and full crate of beautiful vegetables.
Photos from the Gifford Show
Below are a selection of photos from the Gifford Show. There are many other forthcoming local shows including East Linton on Saturday 24 August, 2-4.30 in the village hall.
Below are a selection of photos from the Gifford Show. There are many other forthcoming local shows including East Linton on Saturday 24 August, 2-4.30 in the village hall.
Summer Outings 2019
This summer, members had the opportunity to take part in three outings. The first, in June, was a day trip to Alnwick in Northumberland. Thirty of us boarded a coach in North Berwick and then headed off, some to spend the whole day in the gardens, enjoying a tour of the both the gardens and the poisonous plants garden, others took the opportunity to explore the town as well. A grand day oot, enjoyed by all.
On cool July evening, Macplants in Pencaitland opened their doors to us. Gavin Macnaughton welcomed us and then gave us a tour of the nursery, providing a very welcome cup of tea in the shed afterwards. Many of us could not resist the opporuntity to purchase a souvenir or two to bring back to our gardens.
Musselburgh Allottments welcomed a group of members in August. Members were delighted to be given a tour of the 2 acre site and admired the wealth and variety of healthy looking produce, a great example of vegetable growing in East Lothian.
This summer, members had the opportunity to take part in three outings. The first, in June, was a day trip to Alnwick in Northumberland. Thirty of us boarded a coach in North Berwick and then headed off, some to spend the whole day in the gardens, enjoying a tour of the both the gardens and the poisonous plants garden, others took the opportunity to explore the town as well. A grand day oot, enjoyed by all.
On cool July evening, Macplants in Pencaitland opened their doors to us. Gavin Macnaughton welcomed us and then gave us a tour of the nursery, providing a very welcome cup of tea in the shed afterwards. Many of us could not resist the opporuntity to purchase a souvenir or two to bring back to our gardens.
Musselburgh Allottments welcomed a group of members in August. Members were delighted to be given a tour of the 2 acre site and admired the wealth and variety of healthy looking produce, a great example of vegetable growing in East Lothian.
Coffee Morning and Plant Sale - May 2019
St Andrews Blackadder Church hall was a hive of activity with club members bringing plants, preparing plants, putting up posters, buttering pancakes, and making coffee and teas. Just before 10 am, eager plant buyers arrived. Vegetable plants, hanging baskets, house plants, perennials and shrubs, all grown by club members and their friends, were snapped up.
St Andrews Blackadder Church hall was a hive of activity with club members bringing plants, preparing plants, putting up posters, buttering pancakes, and making coffee and teas. Just before 10 am, eager plant buyers arrived. Vegetable plants, hanging baskets, house plants, perennials and shrubs, all grown by club members and their friends, were snapped up.
AGM and A visit to the Eden project - April 2019 meeting
The afternoon started with the AGM, when the club chair, Margaret Ann Crawford presented a report on the year's activities and Stuart Ainslie, Treasurer, presented the accounts. The exiting office holders were re-elected for the year 2019/20.
We were then transported to Cornwall and the Eden project by Ann Jones. Ann gave a varied and interesting talk about her recent visit, with many excellent photos of the project and plants housed in the biomes.
www.edenproject.com
The afternoon started with the AGM, when the club chair, Margaret Ann Crawford presented a report on the year's activities and Stuart Ainslie, Treasurer, presented the accounts. The exiting office holders were re-elected for the year 2019/20.
We were then transported to Cornwall and the Eden project by Ann Jones. Ann gave a varied and interesting talk about her recent visit, with many excellent photos of the project and plants housed in the biomes.
www.edenproject.com
Spring Show - March 2019 meeting
While the judging was taking place, Margaret Ann Crawford gave a presentation on the clubs activities over the year. Then to the hall, where the scent of hyacinth greeted us and a magnificent display of spring colour. Such was the number of entries, that we will need more tables next year just to accommodate all.
Towards the end of 2019, every club member was given Muscari Blue Magic, Narcissius Peeping Jenny and Tulipa Calypso bulbs and invited to grow them and bring them along to the show. The club bulbs pictured below are being judged by Dr Stan da Prato.
Susan Crooks won the Peter Atkins trophy for the most points in the club bulbs section, with a first prize for both her tulips and daffodils. Susan is pictured here receiving the trophy from Peter.
The New Challenge Cup was awarded for the most first prize entries in the show. This year there were entries in 29 classes. Margaret Ann Crawford won the New Challenge Cup and is being presented with the trophy by Dr Stan da Prato.
Once again, one of the most popular classes was the arrangements of garden flowers under 10", these glorious arrangements are shown on the home page.
Growing Vegetables - February 2019 meeting
Our guest speaker for February was Ian Stocks, who is chair of the Scottish Branch of the National Vegetable Society.
Ian briefly introduced the National Vegetable Society and lots of information about the organisation can be found on their website www.nvsuk.org.uk .
After asking us all to first address the question "What do you want to grow?" the next question was "How are you going to grow them?". Ian introduced us to hydroponics and Thanet Earth, in Kent, at 220 acres, the largest greenhouse facility in the UK where tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are grown for the major supermarkets. More can be seen in this video, www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWKAY9mI0xc . Realistically soil and compost are still the most used growing mediums for amateur gardeners, although small scale hydroponic systems are becoming more readily available.
Ian shared his 37 years of experience with us covering all aspects of vegetable growing, from seeds, pests, diseases, composts, and looking after your soil. The afternoon concluded with many members asking questions.
Ia
Our guest speaker for February was Ian Stocks, who is chair of the Scottish Branch of the National Vegetable Society.
Ian briefly introduced the National Vegetable Society and lots of information about the organisation can be found on their website www.nvsuk.org.uk .
After asking us all to first address the question "What do you want to grow?" the next question was "How are you going to grow them?". Ian introduced us to hydroponics and Thanet Earth, in Kent, at 220 acres, the largest greenhouse facility in the UK where tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are grown for the major supermarkets. More can be seen in this video, www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWKAY9mI0xc . Realistically soil and compost are still the most used growing mediums for amateur gardeners, although small scale hydroponic systems are becoming more readily available.
Ian shared his 37 years of experience with us covering all aspects of vegetable growing, from seeds, pests, diseases, composts, and looking after your soil. The afternoon concluded with many members asking questions.
Ia
Is your houseplant really necessary? - January 2019 meeting
Our guest speakers were Dr Stanley da Prato and Andrew Hogarth. First Stanley shared his extensive knowledge with us, everything you ever wanted to know about houseplants and more! Moth orchids, peace lillys, cactii, african violets, were just some of the plants discussed. Also included were a few surprises, like water plants in an aquarium.
Andrew then gave a practical demonstration on propagating some houseplants, this included pelegonium stemcuttings, streptocarpus and begonia leaf cuttings
Andrew then gave a practical demonstration on propagating some houseplants, this included pelegonium stemcuttings, streptocarpus and begonia leaf cuttings
FESTIVE DECORATIONS- November 2018 meeting
Starting with a breadbasket full with foliage from her garden, Margaret Ann Crawford, our Club Chair, beautifully demonstrated how to use your plants to create festive arrangements and decorations, giving us all useful hints and ideas along the way.
As well as the traditional holly and ivy, many other plants were used including Skimmia leaves and berries; Hebe, Brachyglottis, Juniper, variegated Pittisporum and Cypressus foliage; white Rowan and Snowberry berries; dried seed heads including fir cones, allium eryngium. Whilst the majority of the materials were from the garden, Margaret Ann cleverly and creatively added silk flowers and other props to enhance the displays.
One hint we will all take away from the event was “How to make holly leaves look as if they are sprinkled with snow”. Take your holly sprig, mist with water using a spray, place the sprig in a plastic bag that is already half full of sifted white flour. Shake. When you remove the sprig it looks as if it is sprinkled with snow and can be placed directly in the arrangements.
By the end of the meeting, we had a selection of decorations including a door swag, wreath, candle decoration, Santa’s sleigh and Christmas tree
As well as the traditional holly and ivy, many other plants were used including Skimmia leaves and berries; Hebe, Brachyglottis, Juniper, variegated Pittisporum and Cypressus foliage; white Rowan and Snowberry berries; dried seed heads including fir cones, allium eryngium. Whilst the majority of the materials were from the garden, Margaret Ann cleverly and creatively added silk flowers and other props to enhance the displays.
One hint we will all take away from the event was “How to make holly leaves look as if they are sprinkled with snow”. Take your holly sprig, mist with water using a spray, place the sprig in a plastic bag that is already half full of sifted white flour. Shake. When you remove the sprig it looks as if it is sprinkled with snow and can be placed directly in the arrangements.
By the end of the meeting, we had a selection of decorations including a door swag, wreath, candle decoration, Santa’s sleigh and Christmas tree
Members photos, Autumn Colour in the Garden
AUTUMN SHOW
North Berwick Gardening Club held its first indoor meeting under its new name, when a large number of members and friends took part in the Autumn Show. This attracted over 100 entries in traditional classes with the addition of baking and a children’s section. While the judges were making their difficult decisions, club vice-
chair Cathie Wright conducted a well-received gardening quiz which proved both entertaining and informative
The trophy winners were Mary Brown for her indoor plant, Peter Atkins for first prize in the class with the most entries, Margaret Ann Crawford for the most points overall and Claudia Gehrig for the best in show. All shown here receiving their prizes from judge, Dr Stan da Prato.
AUTUMN SHOW
North Berwick Gardening Club held its first indoor meeting under its new name, when a large number of members and friends took part in the Autumn Show. This attracted over 100 entries in traditional classes with the addition of baking and a children’s section. While the judges were making their difficult decisions, club vice-
chair Cathie Wright conducted a well-received gardening quiz which proved both entertaining and informative
The trophy winners were Mary Brown for her indoor plant, Peter Atkins for first prize in the class with the most entries, Margaret Ann Crawford for the most points overall and Claudia Gehrig for the best in show. All shown here receiving their prizes from judge, Dr Stan da Prato.
First prize in the Children's section: Iona Saddler's winning Garden flowers and foliage in a jam jar
