A talk about bee-keeping

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On the evening of 17th June we were given a talk about bee-keeping by Fred Parker. The talk covered all aspects of bee-keeping and we were shown various items of the necessary equipment. There was also honey available to buy. The flower of the month competition was won by Norah Matravers with an iris.

Visit to Fairhaven Gardens

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On the 14^th June 14 members joined our friends from Wigtoft Garden Club for an all day visit to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, near Norwich This is an interesting and different garden, natural and unspoilt with many wonderful plants - candelabra primulas, shrubs - rhododendrons and gunneras and trees - Acers and king oaks (951 years old!) The oldest oak is now home to a tawny owl, unfortunately not seen on the day. As well as the gardens Fairhaven has its own private broad and offers a boat ride along the part of the gardens and nearby places of interest. Another very enjoyable day out.
Report by Terry Hill

Visiting Alan Chapman's Factory

Eleven members of the Club visited Alan Chapman's metalwork factory, in Bicker, on the evening of 9th June. Alan now specialises in designing and making garden accessories. We were given a tour of the factory with Alan explaining and demonstrating some of the jigs that they have developed, plus the processes that are involved in the production of some of the items. We saw finished products being dip coated - wall mounted baskets, which are the latest product. At the end of the tour eveyone was presented with one of the baskets to take home. The evening was very enjoyable and Penny sent a thank-you card to Alan expressing our thanks to him.

Visit to Barnsdale Gardens

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A group of club members shared cars and had a trip to Barnsdale Gardens, near Rutland Water, on Saturday 22nd May. Some people had a pub lunch first, others had a picnic, and we all met at Barnsdale at 1:30pm. The weather was glorious - a little too hot if anything - and the gardens looked beautiful. There are 37 separate and different gardens, all laid out in differing styles, so there was plenty to see. Mature woodland surrounds the site so it is very attractive. Many of the surrounding trees were in blossom and there was a lot of colour in the separate gardens. Plants of the type that we had seen in the gardens were on sale in the Nursery and refreshments were available in the Tea Shop. We all had a most enjoyable outing.

Spring Flower Arrangements

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The Garden Club met on the evening of Thursday 20th May and were given an interesting demonstration of flower arranging by one of our members, Norah Matravers. She had a couple of completed arrangements to show us and then took us through the steps to completing three more. Norah had brought various small containers to use and most of the greenery was from her garden. She very kindly gave the finished arrangements to be raffled for Club Funds.
The Flower of the Month Competition was won by Fien Compton with a small vase of Lilies of the Valley.