Four Seasons
To keep you updated with the latest news and reviews on gardening topics, the Gardeners' Circle WA Inc. offers a magazine, 4 times a year. This magazine is called 'Four Seasons' and is free to members (AU$3.00 to non-members). An edited transcript of speakers presentations, seasonal tips and 'Jobs to do' for each month, a general events diary and information on discounts to members can be found in the magazine.
This page features some articles from the Four Seasons, edited by Lorraine Douglas, with assistance from Jacques Maissin, Ellie Collins, and Frances Docherty.
'Letters To the Editor' can be emailed to Lorraine Douglas (magazine editor) at lorraine.douglas@iinet.net.au
This page features some articles from the Four Seasons, edited by Lorraine Douglas, with assistance from Jacques Maissin, Ellie Collins, and Frances Docherty.
'Letters To the Editor' can be emailed to Lorraine Douglas (magazine editor) at lorraine.douglas@iinet.net.au
president’s perspective
Hi everyone, I woke up this morning to quite heavy rain which was a relief for my garden and hopefully more over the weekend. I have replanted a large area of my garden so I am hoping the rain will help water them in. Plantings include eremophilas, salvias, kangaroo paws and trying again with leschenaultias. There was a great selection at the Perth Garden Festival.
It has been a busy time since the last newsletter. The first two meetings of the year including the AGM attracted over 150 guests and members. We had two excellent speakers, Professor Kingsley Dixon and Sabrina Hahn. As usual, we could have listened to them talk for longer. Our April meeting had Kim Holbrook again reporting on Peru and thankfully our technical support worked well. What amazing countryside and such diversity. Ruth Robertson gave us an insight into Japanese Gardens and I certainly learnt a lot. I am going to Japan in
September. Ruth has travelled extensively and is always a great contributor. Thanks to Jan Russell-Brown for acting on my behalf and Frances Docherty
for running the AGM elections.
The AGM welcomed a new committee person, Marianne Hamley. I am sure she will enjoy our committee meetings and be a positive contributor to our club.
The Garden Fair at South Perth Community Centre in February was well attended and we had a small stall there. I know we have had visitors to our meetings as a result. Thank you to Lorraine and Jacques for setting up and to Lorri for packing up.
The Perth Garden Festival provided an added opportunity to attract new members. I know when I was on roster, we were very busy answering lots of questions and there was a lot of interest in both Open Gardens and our club. It was certainly a showcase for many businesses, including native plants, succulents, palms plus associated products such as soils and gardening equipment. I went separately on Sunday and my purse was much lighter when I left. I bought another water fountain which I love. A big thank you to all the members who volunteered their time in our booth.
Our first event for the year to Dawson’s was attended by a small group who enjoyed an interesting talk and morning tea. Sheryl and Ro worked hard to provide us with the outing and there are a few more planned.
Unfortunately, I was not at the AGM but was lucky to be aboard a cruise in the South Caribbean. A hurricane caused a lot of
damage to many of the islands. There is a rich culture and heritage associated with the islands. The orchids were breathtaking and growing on racks. Jacques has told me that they can do this because of the humidity. The scenery on these islands is so
beautiful with aqua waters, tropical foliage, birds, fish and my all-time favourite, dolphins.
After the cruise I headed to San Francisco where I did a day trip to Monterey and Carmel. The coastline between Monterey and Carmel is beautiful, as are the amazing multi million-dollar homes on that stretch. The Monterey aquarium was spectacular. On
another day trip to Muir Woods we saw a large stand of coastal redwood forests which is one of the last in the world. You certainly feel insignificant when walking amongst these giants. I also visited Alcatraz where I was amazed to see a wonderful garden which included salvias, succulents, hibiscus and geraniums established there and tended by the Parks and Wildlife officers. The history associated with this jail is so interesting and the views across the bay to San Francisco breathtaking, especially at night. I feel so lucky to have visited these places.
I attended an event at Kings Park where Ruth Robertson is a volunteer for the Friends of Kings Park. We were shown how they collect seeds and harvest cuttings to provide for sales to help keep Kings Park functioning as the beautiful place it is. The sales often raise over $30,000 and also provide plants for the park. What wonderful work our volunteers do.
I hope you enjoy the next couple of months of cooler weather – I know I will.
Merilyn Ide
It has been a busy time since the last newsletter. The first two meetings of the year including the AGM attracted over 150 guests and members. We had two excellent speakers, Professor Kingsley Dixon and Sabrina Hahn. As usual, we could have listened to them talk for longer. Our April meeting had Kim Holbrook again reporting on Peru and thankfully our technical support worked well. What amazing countryside and such diversity. Ruth Robertson gave us an insight into Japanese Gardens and I certainly learnt a lot. I am going to Japan in
September. Ruth has travelled extensively and is always a great contributor. Thanks to Jan Russell-Brown for acting on my behalf and Frances Docherty
for running the AGM elections.
The AGM welcomed a new committee person, Marianne Hamley. I am sure she will enjoy our committee meetings and be a positive contributor to our club.
The Garden Fair at South Perth Community Centre in February was well attended and we had a small stall there. I know we have had visitors to our meetings as a result. Thank you to Lorraine and Jacques for setting up and to Lorri for packing up.
The Perth Garden Festival provided an added opportunity to attract new members. I know when I was on roster, we were very busy answering lots of questions and there was a lot of interest in both Open Gardens and our club. It was certainly a showcase for many businesses, including native plants, succulents, palms plus associated products such as soils and gardening equipment. I went separately on Sunday and my purse was much lighter when I left. I bought another water fountain which I love. A big thank you to all the members who volunteered their time in our booth.
Our first event for the year to Dawson’s was attended by a small group who enjoyed an interesting talk and morning tea. Sheryl and Ro worked hard to provide us with the outing and there are a few more planned.
Unfortunately, I was not at the AGM but was lucky to be aboard a cruise in the South Caribbean. A hurricane caused a lot of
damage to many of the islands. There is a rich culture and heritage associated with the islands. The orchids were breathtaking and growing on racks. Jacques has told me that they can do this because of the humidity. The scenery on these islands is so
beautiful with aqua waters, tropical foliage, birds, fish and my all-time favourite, dolphins.
After the cruise I headed to San Francisco where I did a day trip to Monterey and Carmel. The coastline between Monterey and Carmel is beautiful, as are the amazing multi million-dollar homes on that stretch. The Monterey aquarium was spectacular. On
another day trip to Muir Woods we saw a large stand of coastal redwood forests which is one of the last in the world. You certainly feel insignificant when walking amongst these giants. I also visited Alcatraz where I was amazed to see a wonderful garden which included salvias, succulents, hibiscus and geraniums established there and tended by the Parks and Wildlife officers. The history associated with this jail is so interesting and the views across the bay to San Francisco breathtaking, especially at night. I feel so lucky to have visited these places.
I attended an event at Kings Park where Ruth Robertson is a volunteer for the Friends of Kings Park. We were shown how they collect seeds and harvest cuttings to provide for sales to help keep Kings Park functioning as the beautiful place it is. The sales often raise over $30,000 and also provide plants for the park. What wonderful work our volunteers do.
I hope you enjoy the next couple of months of cooler weather – I know I will.
Merilyn Ide