On Tuesday 11th September Retford Ladies Probus Club members convened after their summer break. President Angie Haines welcomed back David Ingleby from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to talk about gardening the globe. This refers to tending the land around the graves of 1.7 million men and women who perished in both world wars. It goes without saying it is a mammoth task.
Early inspiration came from Sir Frederick Kenyan, artistic adviser to IWGC who created the future cemetery configuration – graves in rows all of equal height with a large central cross as a symbol of all the fallen who lie within its shadow. Edward Lutyens worked on the impact of flower beds and Gertrude Jekyll’s influence produced herbaceous borders with big blocks of colour that merged into each other. Bedford House Cemetry is a striking example of this.
There are many challenges in world gardening and the graves are situated in very diverse climates. Anyone who has visited them cannot cease to be amazed at the immaculate lawns and obvious deep respect shown to these places. However, they need to cope with extreme temperatures, earthquakes, flash flooding and land movement is forcing them to think of alternatives. White headstones have been replaced by cream ones which reduces the use of chemical cleaners. Red roses have been a big feature but cannot grow everywhere. Salvia is proving to be a better option. Right plant, right place is the mantra and desert gardening is now using more xerophytes with bougainvillea to add colour, although they still need a lot of water. Mowing regimes have changed, allowing grass to grow slightly longer, locking in moisture. Plant communities are more important than individual specimens and after 70 years a lot of trees need replacing.
All this comes at a cost and donations are very gratefully received. It is of utmost importance that we never forget that these young men and women sacrificed their lives for our future.
The Club’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday 9th October at Westhill Community Centre at 10.00am for 10.30am, when Lindsay Dawes from Westlands Country Butchers will answer the question ‘What is Quality Meat?’. All are welcome.