Events Past

Reports of previous HPS Norfolk and Suffolk Group events, as told by our members.
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Garden Visit: Tyger Barn, Toft Monks, 11th July

Written by Jan Oakley. Posted in Events Past

Twenty-Five members and guests were warmly welcomed by Julianne Fernadez to her lovely garden on a bright and breezy July afternoon. This was a much belated first garden visit of the season and all the more welcome because of the late start.

Tyger Barn is close to Beccles, situated in an elevated position which leaves the garden somewhat exposed to easterly gales as Julianne explained. The garden was created by Julianne to blend into the surrounding meadow and ancient woodland, using the Japanese concept of shakkei or borrowed landscape. There are a number of distinct areas in the garden with a mixture of herbaceous borders, sheltered courtyards and a wild flower meadow which a plethora of butterflies and bees were enjoying.

The herbaceous borders meander around the garden in a relaxed and informal river of colour and texture with the wild flower meadow in the centre. It was lovely to wander around the garden, albeit at a social distance, with our fellow members catching up on all their news.

Jan Oakley

The Purple Border

The Secret Garden

The Courtyard

Wild Flower Meadow

Herbaceous Border

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Indoor Meeting: Talk by Annie Godfrey "Some Like it Hot"

Written by Susan Hall. Posted in Events Past

Saturday, 8th  February 2020

SOME LIKE IT HOT by ANNIE GODFREY       

Annie Godfrey's nursery, 'Daisy Roots', in Hertford specialises in hardy perennials and grasses. She has won Gold Medals at both Chelsea and Hampton Court for her drought tolerant displays.

Annie explained the varied methods by which plants adapt to survive in drought conditions. Pictures of two well known dry gardens, at Beth Chatto's and Hyde Hall showed plants such as Lavender and Santolina growing in low humps which protects from wind and with small leaves to reduce transpiration.

A covering of white hairs reflect the sun's rays A good example of this is Salvia argentea with leaves smothered in cuddly fur. A waxy bloom reduces water loss and succulents store water to use in case of drought. Some Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, fennel and sage have oils in their leaves which burn fast and enables them to regenerate following a fire. Root systems are another drought buster so bulbs are generally dormant during the hottest weather and deep rooted plants such as Verbascums can access water from low down.

We were treated to lovely pictures of plantings in Annie's own garden and in those of her clients. Each picture included a useful list of the featured plants and Annie gave details of planting and care.

It is hard to imagine that we will need drought tolerant plants after the excessively wet winter we have endured but this is what climate change threatens and Annie's talk enthused us all with the wonderful variety of suitable plants.

 

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