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.

 

January 2021

 

Although January is not really a gardening month, a hard frost or sudden snowfall can briefly transform even the simplest  garden into a winter wonderland. Something we could all do with after a  strange and terrible 12 months.

 

In this month birds are easily tempted in to feeders, a short walk by the canal can give photo-opportunities (thanks to Chris H), and pets can enjoy snow, too.

 

But there are still flowers  to be seen in January, and latterly a few harbingers of Spring, witch hazel, winter aconite, and snowdrop, have started to appear.

 

Pictures courtesy of Lynn, Lynda, Chris H., and Walter

 

 

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GARDEN VISITING RISKS

Garden visiting is a fascinating and pleasurable activity, an ideal pastime for older persons such as u3a members.

 

The gardening group leader will take reasonable steps to minimise risks, by apt choice of suitable gardens to visit, but nevertheless, visiting gardens is not entirely without risk. Garden visitors do have to beware of slips or dizziness, a potential causes of fall accidents. Group members opening their garden should in advance alert the group leader, and on the day the visiting members, to potential hazards such as steep steps, slopes, and muddy or uneven ground. This applies especially if any visitors have mobility problems and would have difficulties accessing parts of the garden.

 

If serving drinks or food inside, remember that close proximity can allow spread of infectious diseases such as Covid-19 or 'flu. So rooms for refreshments should be set up with ample ventilation, and chairs suitably spaced apart, bearing in mind any specific government requirements then current.

 

Gardening group members with the u3a should note, that insurance against personal accidents or loss is their own responsibility. U3a insurance is limited to Public Liability, and is only designed to protect and indemnify members and group leaders against claims due to their gardening activities.

 

Walter Mason July 2021

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ENQUIRIES FOR MEMBERSHIP TO WALTER MASON.

gardeninggroupleader@highlaneu3a.org.uk