Companion Planting

We were pleased to welcome back Andrew Sankey as our speaker for our June meeting, on the evening of Thursday 20th. Andrew gave us a very interesting and informative talk about companion planting. He is really enthusiastic about the subject and suggested many ways of using plants in situations that will be beneficial to other plants. Just a couple of examples are growing lavender with roses and marigolds with tomatoes. Andrew illustrated his talk with photos of companion planting in various gardens, including his own. He also entertained us with some garden-related anecdotes. Andrew had brought copies of his "Companion Planting" booklet for people to buy, as well as quite a few plants.
We are again pleased to welcome two more new members to the Club - Wendy and Michael.
The Flower of the Month Competition was won by Lily with a clematis.

Evening visit to Brickyard Farm, Wrangle

On the evening of Thursday 13th June, after torrential rain in the afternoon, a group of hardy members of Bicker and District Garden Club visited Brickyard Farm, Wrangle. Despite the downpour the conditions underfoot were fine and the evening sun shone on a fascinating visit.
George Danby, who runs the farm with his brother, had spoken to the Club in February about how the farm manages to combine organic meat, vegetable and cereal production with provision for wildlife. On a walk around the farm the members saw what this means in practice. Several large areas of water have been created to provide habitats for a wide variety of birds and insects. Corners of fields and larger areas have been planted with trees and much of the route we walked was through or alongside woodland. Hares and rabbits as well as partridges, geese, shelduck, a buzzard, reed warblers, woodpeckers and many other birds were seen as we made our way round. George explained how grants for the encouragement of wildlife were available and how the farm added to these through their own provision. A large area of seed plants was growing, having been specifically sown for wild birds to feed on. The farm is a fine demonstration of how productive farming can co-exist with space set aside for wildlife: an example that many would wish was more widely followed.

Report and photo by Tony Boughen