Home ~ Meeting Information ~ Meeting Programme ~ Subscriptions ~ Membership Privileges Discounts ~ Calendar of Events ~ Honeysuckle Times ~ Links

Frances welcomed our first speaker, Phil James of Orange Valley Nursery whose topic was “What is an Eremophila?” Phil told us that his background training had nothing to do with horticulture, in the past having been a technical quality manager for a large multi national company in concrete/clay/terrazzo. He has been an avid plant person for many years. However, 10 years ago he decided to specialise in a native plant Eremophila, Up to 3 years ago there was no specific book on Eremophila until Bob Chinnock published in 2007. Phil is a member of the Friends of Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta and the Eremophila study group.

This was followed by Anita Emery, whose particular interest is in plants that are different or hard to grow. In addition to being a qualified Floral Art Rose Judge and a General Horticultural Judge, she belongs to the Orchid Society of WA, the Fern Society, the Rose Society and is part of the Paphiopedilum Study Group. She presented a talk on Scadoxus and Haemanthus - the Blood Lilies.

Finally Linda Green presented her plant profile on Capers.

15-March - AGM

The first business of the evening was the AGM with special ‘thankyou’ presentations made to Margaret Robinson, Blanche Bilson, Linda Green, Margaret Reynolds and Christine Hebiton. Chris Hardie takes over as Secretary. Retiring coordinators, Louise (kitchen), Pamela (library), Linda & Jan (door) and Lorraine (plants) all received a special ‘thankyou’ and new coordinators Errol and Len (door), Ros (kitchen roster) Rena (plant sales) and Merrilyn (programming) were warmly welcomed
Frances then introduced Pam Hind who took us on a vivid pictorial trip around the National Trust Gardens in Wales and other gardens in the west of England.

Frances welcomed all members to a special presentation of a Great Gardens Workshop.

John Colwill, Peter Coppin and Tim Lawrence are just three of the ‘Great Gardens’ Team - a group of independent award winning consultants, landscapers, educators and plantsmen who between them have over 200 years experience in sustainable gardening, energy efficiency and resource management in Western Australia.

‘Great Gardens’ workshops have been designed to inspire, inform, educate and empower participants to live sustainably within their region. Specifically to show participants how they can have a beautiful landscape and house that costs less, uses a fraction of the water, energy and nutrients while producing less waste. A house and garden that produces home grown food and is naturally cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter despite the rigors of the seasons.

Major sponsors of these workshops are the Water Corporation, Swan River Trust and Synergy. They also partner a wide range of Local Government Authorities, Government Agencies, funding organisations, Community Groups and local businesses. With this help, the Great Gardens programme is free of charge to participants.

John Colwill opened the Presentation by introducing Peter Coppin, the leading expert in WA on fruit trees and many other tree related matters, and Tim Lawrence, who is an ex-president of Men of the Trees and the brains behind ‘Mulchnet’.

At the end of the presentation, a veritable spread of tasty food provided by the Great Gardens Team was enjoyed by the attending members. Thank you Great Gardens Team!

Merrilyn then introduced each of our guest speakers: Peg Davies, who is currently the Waste Education Officer at Mindarie Regional Council where she tells us that she will talk rubbish to anyone who will listen. She visits schools and helps them set up recycling systems, composting, worm farming and school gardens with an emphasis on reducing the waste that we throw away. She also works in a voluntary capacity in community gardens and at a community centre. She is interested in community involvement and showing people how to transform rubbish into beauty and productivity She will told us about the education programme called ‘Earth Carers’.

Our second speaker was Marion Raad-Chenailler of Greentech. Marion is French and has been in Australia for 20 years. She has been importing the biodegradable plant fibre ‘fertilpot’ for 16 years, distributing them throughout Australia. Marion explained why she is convinced that biodegradable pots are the future for horticulture.

Tilley and Andrew Govanstone, who are presently in WA promoting their book, gave us a taste of their fascination with Alister Clark roses that led them to write “The Women Behind the Roses”. This book is the culmination of 25 years of research. The first print run is almost sold out and a second print is imminent. Many thanks go to Tilley and Andrew, who have generously donated a signed copy of their book to the Circle’s library.

Frances made us aware that next year (2011/12) the President and Vice President will be retiring after 3 years, the Treasurer and Programmer will be unable to continue, so the Circle will be looking for new committee persons. Michael Konrath has nominated for the Special Events coordinator position. Matija Vassilou has nominated for the Treasurer’s position.
Members were reminded to bring any books that they no longer wanted for our second hand book table at the Fair.
Speakers were:

In addition to previous nominations for the committee Jean Holbrook has now nominated as the kitchen coordinator, and Cynthia Mahony will be the new programmer.

Top of page