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to WHAT WE DO Gardening Group
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The High Lane gardening group is a small group which meets in each others' houses and gardens, and visits nearby public gardens using shared cars. Meetings are held monthly, on the third Wednesday in each month, and occasionally the first Wednesday. Nearer the dates, confirmation details of meeting times/place will be sent to group members by email and letter. Programme for 2018
The group had its annual lunch at the Hanging Gate, a change from previous years, and we reawakened our interest in the forthcoming season.
In February, we went to Dunham Massey Winter Garden on a bright day which showed off the many snowdrop beds, and the accompanying dwarf iris, cyclamen and early daffodils. The snowdrops in particular have multiplied and matured and gave an excellent display. Unfortunately the walking group had mistaken their normal walk date and gave yours truly and a couple of others an unfortunate date clash dilemma! Easter school holidays/grandchildren minding forced the cancellation of the planned daffodil visit, but in Irene’s conservatory the dozen of us provided a fascinating round of explanations on how we each became first interested in gardening. This followed our pleasant tour of the well kept garden with many varied spring flower highlights. Scattered clusters of doronicum with eye-catching yellow daisy flowers made a particularly good show – especially galling to the group leader who can’t grow them for love nor money!
Hare Hill Gardens was visited in May when its Rhododendrons and Azaleas gave a fine show, and made a pleasing visit for our group.
Lynda’s garden was the venue in early June. The garden is partly in transition after patio changes, but perennial osteospernums, early iris, and David Austin roses particularly caught the eye.
The late June trip to Thornbridge Hall fell foul of the u3a visit to Buxton Opera house, so had to be replaced by a morning visit to Walter’s. A mixed bag of candelabra primroses, sisyrinchums, clematis and roses gave plenty of colour. A pink phlomis, paeony Bowl of Beauty and clematis Princess Diana were amongst the more unusual flowers that people liked.
Holidays and grandchildren minding caused reduced numbers and forced some programme rearanging. In July there was an agreeable afternoon at Jackie’s cosy garden, and in early August at short notice, a lovely visit to Lyn’s 1/3 acre garden. This was fascinating, with lush shrub borders disguising his and hers hideaways, sheltered sitting areas, a well tended and vegetable plot, a greenhouse, and some hidden patios. In spite of the open views to Kinderscout, tender plants were thriving, sheltered on several sides. It was obvious that much work went into keeping the garden so attractive and our group was well impressed, especially with the colourful hanging baskets..
Jackie's garden
Lyn's Garden
An optional visit in early September was to Osborne Steet, Bredbury where Geoff Hoyle’s dahlia garden (opened annually under the yellow garden scheme) did not disappoint in spite of threatening weather. Highly recommended if you like dahlias!
Ruth and David's Garden
A late September visit was to Ruth and Dave’s garden, where there was plenty of interest. Healthy vegetables, self grown cosmos and sunflower, and late flowers and berries caught the eye. The plot is compact and well sheltered, with lots of evidence of their gardening skills. Afterwards, Ruth tested our knowledge with some well chosen gardening questions.
Walter's Garden
The final visit of the year was to Walter’s garden, which had colour from many varieties of aster (Michaelmas Daisy), rudbeckias, autumn crocus, and several perennials repeat flowering after the hot summer. We welcomed Beryl back after her recent fall, and discussed a winter lunch and next year’s programme.
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