Despite the rigours and restrictions of 2021, the Clays Horticultural Society was determined to end it with a great social occasion. Forty-five members enjoyed Christmas lunch at Ye Olde Bell to ring out the past problems and launch a new chapter in 2022. This succeeded the November meeting, which put everyone in a festive mood with a great wreath-making session. Members constructed attractive wreaths, under the able instruction of local florist, Lesley Hodgson. Seasonal refreshments were served to enhance the evening.
At January’s meeting, Janette Merilion visited to teach the Society about ‘Birds, Butterflies and Bees in the Garden’. She gave interesting and amusing information on how to plant our gardens in order to encourage wildlife including birds, insects and the beloved hedgehog.
Janette lives in Lincolnshire but has travelled the world visiting gardens, thus experiencing new ideas and designs and discovering new flora. She has put this knowledge to good use, now lecturing country-wide and featuring in the media. She has also developed a very successful garden design business, being employed on projects from small gardens to schools and country estates.
The call goes out in February for all vegetable growers and those who like to cook and consume the results!
Nothing tastes more delicious than fresh vegetables, especially if you have grown them yourself. February’s speaker will be Jeff Bates, who will give tips on how to achieve even better results. He is a renowned speaker from Derby with many years of experience.
The committee has planned an extensive and exciting programme for the year, including trips out and hopefully a short holiday in June. Watch this space for further information on how to enhance your gardens while enjoying entertaining evenings – we deserve them!
New members are very welcome. The Society meets on the third Monday of each month at Wheatley Village Hall at 7.30pm. For further information you can find the Society on Facebook or contact Christine Crowther on 01427 884882.