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
Hallo everyone, it’s a privilege for me to write to you as President of the Gardeners’ Circle, a group which has been a significant part of my life for almost 25 years. I only just missed out on being a Foundation Member! Although I attended meetings late in the first year, my membership is dated as from 1/1/95.
It’s been a busy time since the AGM. First we had our very special event hosting ‘A Morning with Sophie Thomson’ at Perth Zoo. This was the first time we had arranged for a renowned interstate presenter and was intended as a special treat for our members. Those of you who took up the opportunity were indeed treated to a wonderful presentation by a high calibre speaker –inspiring, entertaining, yet so informative. Special thanks to Sheryl Ridout for her hard work behind the scenes, in conjunction with Open Gardens West Coast, and to her helpers in Ro Birrell, Kerry Staines and Jill Adams.
Then it was the Perth Garden Festival, where we had a presence as usual. Thank you to all who volunteered to help over the five day period from setting up to packing up and all the talking to members of the public in between. It all helps to promote our club, and yes, we had some extra visitors at the next meeting as a direct result.
Our April meeting reminded us that we are part of a larger picture, with George Hoad, our special guest and President of The Garden Clubs of Australia, giving us an overview of the development of an Australia-wide collective of garden clubs. And two of our members in immediate past President Merilyn Ide, and beekeeper and past Hills Group Coordinator Faye Smith, whetted our appetites about places to visit and gardens to see.
Of course, gardens don’t stand still while you’re doing other things, as we all know! My own garden has grown so out of hand, with Salvias in particular happily taking over pathways and any available gaps between shrubs and perennials, that I have to do some drastic cutting back to clear some ground for seeds and bulbs (and access to the rest of the garden). I’ve learned that a smaller garden is not necessarily less work, because you’re always having to make space. Plenty of pruning, moving and removing always seem to be needed.
We are still receiving positive comments about the 25th Anniversary special edition of our magazine, and it serves as a valuable reference point and reminder of where our club has come from, as well as all the people who have helped along the way.
As a club, we’re always looking for new ideas, activities and speakers, so we value your input in any way. Whether it’s the offer of a short talk or plant profile, a suggestion for an outside speaker or activity, or an offer of help, your contribution will be appreciated.
I’m looking forward to a great year with you all.
Jan Russell-Brown
It’s been a busy time since the AGM. First we had our very special event hosting ‘A Morning with Sophie Thomson’ at Perth Zoo. This was the first time we had arranged for a renowned interstate presenter and was intended as a special treat for our members. Those of you who took up the opportunity were indeed treated to a wonderful presentation by a high calibre speaker –inspiring, entertaining, yet so informative. Special thanks to Sheryl Ridout for her hard work behind the scenes, in conjunction with Open Gardens West Coast, and to her helpers in Ro Birrell, Kerry Staines and Jill Adams.
Then it was the Perth Garden Festival, where we had a presence as usual. Thank you to all who volunteered to help over the five day period from setting up to packing up and all the talking to members of the public in between. It all helps to promote our club, and yes, we had some extra visitors at the next meeting as a direct result.
Our April meeting reminded us that we are part of a larger picture, with George Hoad, our special guest and President of The Garden Clubs of Australia, giving us an overview of the development of an Australia-wide collective of garden clubs. And two of our members in immediate past President Merilyn Ide, and beekeeper and past Hills Group Coordinator Faye Smith, whetted our appetites about places to visit and gardens to see.
Of course, gardens don’t stand still while you’re doing other things, as we all know! My own garden has grown so out of hand, with Salvias in particular happily taking over pathways and any available gaps between shrubs and perennials, that I have to do some drastic cutting back to clear some ground for seeds and bulbs (and access to the rest of the garden). I’ve learned that a smaller garden is not necessarily less work, because you’re always having to make space. Plenty of pruning, moving and removing always seem to be needed.
We are still receiving positive comments about the 25th Anniversary special edition of our magazine, and it serves as a valuable reference point and reminder of where our club has come from, as well as all the people who have helped along the way.
As a club, we’re always looking for new ideas, activities and speakers, so we value your input in any way. Whether it’s the offer of a short talk or plant profile, a suggestion for an outside speaker or activity, or an offer of help, your contribution will be appreciated.
I’m looking forward to a great year with you all.
Jan Russell-Brown