Holiday Booking Form 2017

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Written by: Collin Pusey

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NORFOLK & SUFFOLK HARDY PLANT SOCIETY

Reply slip for holiday to Cotswolds 12^th  - 15^th  June

The price per person for a twin/double room is £385. Single supplement £25 per night

A non-returnable deposit of £50.00 per person  is required by 14 January made

payable  to The Hardy Plant Society, Norfolk & Suffolk Group and send it to:-

John Foster, Gable House, Redisham, Beccles, NR34 8NE together with a 

stamped addressed envelope (8 x  4)

_________________________________________________________________

Reply slip for the Cotswolds holiday

Name/s     ________________________________________________________

Address   _________________________________________________________

Contact details (include phone and e-mail)_______________________________

_________________________________________________NT Member Yes/No

Accommodation

Please reserve me_____places  (total number of places required)

Type of room required        double____ twin______single (please circle choice)

Total enclosed - £ _______  (£50.00 per person for reservation fee)

Amount still owing £________

cut________keep this bottom half for your records_____________________ cut

Cotswolds holiday          My Record slip

Final payment to be paid by Saturday 6 May.

Please arrange your own insurance for this trip.

Reserved________ places (total number of places required)

Type of room required____double___twin___single__(please circle choice)

Total sent £______(£50 per person for reservation fee)        Date paid____________

Amount owing by 6 May   £______________________

Acer Nikoense at Forncett

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Written by: Colin Pusey

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Photo's by kind permission of John Metcalf

Indoor Meeting: Talk on Pelargoniums by Ken Abel

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Written by: Ann McCord

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8th October 2016

When I first agreed to undertake the write up for this meeting, the original speaker from Thompson and Morgan was scheduled; then the Chairman’s email arrived with details of the change of speaker and my heart sank into my muddy gardening shoes.  Our new speaker was Ken Abel, an expert on Pelargoniums who has been described as “the UK’s best grower of show Pelargoniums”.  Why my reaction?  My problem is that I dislike Pelargoniums; I regard the modern hybrids as garish and ugly and some of them even have a horrible smell.  They are grown by the million in in vast greenhouses; take over garden centres early in the spring to be planted with high expectations and thrown out at the end of the season.  They are typical of the horrors of modern factory horticulture with its by-products of pollution and waste.

However, a promise is a promise, so I turned up to the meeting with my notebook and pen at the ready and prepared to be converted.  Mr Abel gave us a comprehensive account of his methods of growing pelargoniums for showing.  He starts his cuttings in coir compost, which he buys in blocks, mixed with more conventional composts and raises the small plants in 2 inch pots.  Cuttings are taken all year around as bottom heat is available.  He deliberately restricts the root growth of the plant to increase the top growth to maximise the impact of the show plants.

Mr Abel advised on composts used as the plants approach show size as well as the treatment of any problems.  Feeding was highly specialised to correct any deficiencies and liquid seaweed was used as a stimulant to bring the plants to their best before a show.  Most plants are discarded after 4 – 5 years as they become too woody.  We were shown a large selection of his prize winning plants which were grown and manicured as show performers.  They can be grown as fans, as standards or balls and also be trained as bonsai plants which were both intriguing and attractive.  He said that his favourite show was the Yorkshire Pelargonium Show where his plants have carried off every available prize.

I did not change my mind about Pelargoniums but I can admire Mr Abel’s dedication and passion for his plants.  He spares no effort in the raising and showing and the results are plants that reach the highest standards of perfection.  For those of you who enjoy growing Pelargoniums (and long may you continue to do so), I would recommend Mr Abel’s Website – www.prize-pelargoniums.com which is a mine of information on all aspects growing and showing Pelargoniums.

Anne McCord