EATON BISHOP GARDENING CLUB
November Report.
Following on from our visit in July, to Nant y Bedd, the garden of Sue and Ian Mabberley at Forest Coal Pitt in the heart of the Black Mountains, Sue paid us a visit for our Meeting at Gardening Club in September, to give a talk on “Rewilding your Garden”.
This is very much the latest innovation in respect of gardening matters, but it would be difficult to find any one covering the subject as well as Sue Mabberley.
Over the years, like much of Europe, Britain’s landscapes have been drastically changed, denuded and degraded, rivers and streams rerouted and polluted, mainly to benefit a growing population, agriculture and the production of food.
As gardeners there is very much an opportunity to engage in rewilding by creating a wildlife friendly garden, stop using fertilizers and pesticides, choosing the right plants, selecting the best seed and choosing insect friendly plants.
Sue works very much with and not against nature, giving much thought to what grows best in her own environment.
The garden at Nant y Bedd is 1200feet up, in a valley in the Black Mountains, with short growing seasons, high rainfall, slightly acidic, free draining soil, surrounded by the shade of huge conifers – quite a challenge.
Sue very much encourages self-seeding plants and pollinators, attracting bees and insects and plants that require very little maintenance. Also, she has introduced “woodpiles”, set up wildlife corridors, introduced a swimming pond and very much creates her own compost.
Nant y Bedd is certainly a garden to visit to get some useful ideas on “Rewilding” and was recently featured on Television on More4’s series about National Parks with presenter Caroline Quentin, when she visited the Brecon Beacons National Park, in Wales.
Also, in September Members of Gardening Club were invited to attend the Herefordshire Growing Point Autumn Show at their headquarters at Headway House at Credenhill, Hereford.
Earlier in the year Julian Reeves, their Charity Manager visited Gardening Club to explain the work carried out by Herefordshire Growing Point.
This is where disabled and vulnerable people of all ages are introduced to gardening and get the benefits of Social and Horticultural Therapy.
Being outside amongst plants and carrying out gardening activities with others has been shown to improve mental and physical health, build confidence and make people happier.
Their sessions usually start in March, with activities to get the garden going, with seed sowing and bulb planting, getting beds ready and making things for the garden. There’s often repairs, maintenance and woodwork to do as well.
As the year progresses, the gardeners look after their vegetables and flowers and plan their Exhibits for the Autumn Show, which this year was held on the 28th September
A small group of us from Gardening Club attended the Show, in the afternoon, when the Gardens and Exhibits had been judged, this year by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, who was also on hand to present the prizes.
Hereford Ukulele Group also provided entertainment during the afternoon, with tea/coffee and delightful homemade cakes being served.
It was most worthwhile to see what the tutors and volunteers had been able to achieve working with these most vulnerable people of all ages, with the Exhibits on display being of a very high standard.
In October we will be holding our Annual General Meeting followed by a Wine and Cheese Social.
A full Report on the Evenings activities will be given in the next edition of Tracking the News along with our Programme of Events for the coming year.
For our Gardening Club Meeting on Wednesday 22nd November, we are looking to welcome Rowan Griffiths, one of the dedicated team of gardeners based at the Hergest Croft Gardens at Kington, who will be talking on Hergest Croft’s collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Hergest Croft are quite rightly, very proud of their Rhododendron and Azalea collection and Rowan will also be giving hints and advice on their cultivation and maintenance.
The Meeting will commence at 7.30pm, visitors and guests are most welcome to attend.