The first speaker of the autumn was Jacqueline Aviolet, nurseryman and owner of Rosie’s garden plants. A specialist in a wide variety of hardy plants and of propagation, she was a natural and enthusiastic speaker. Jacqueline gave an amusing and informative talk on the subject of ‘Nuts, Cultivation and History from around the World’.
An aficionado of all type of nut; growing, cooking or just enjoying the taste, she provided facts, geographical locations and cooking tips for nuts far and wide……from Brazil nuts to Hazelnuts, Chestnuts and Macadamia. Apparently the majority of nuts grown come from Turkey. The competition this month was Apples, with Tina Thorne in First Place.
Fifteen members of the Society enjoyed sunny weather and an excellent tour at RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford in early September. The newly opened vegetable garden takes inspiration from the design of the London Olympics site …a round area with a central circular greenhouse, raised beds and paths for easy access. The Guide was interesting and enthusiastic, introducing members to unusual vegetables from Asia, South Africa, South America and Europe, together with hints on cultivation and pest control.
Prize winning apples from a recent competition