Gardeners' Circle WA Inc
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        • Vege Workshop 2012 - Steve Wood
Past meetings 2022
​



February 21st
  •  Flower Visitors – the 6 legged kind - Sue Jaggar
       Dr Sue Jaggar is an environmental researcher who will give us an overview of
       the pollination and biological 
control services provided by our native bees and flies,
       and share with us  some of her stunning close-up 
photographs.

​March 21st (AGM)

  • A Gardener’s Journey -  Matthew Lunn
       Executive Officer of WA’s Nursery and Garden Industry, the Landscape Industry
      Association and of Open Gardens WA. Matthew’s gardening journey spans a
      wealth of places, roles and perspectives. He is actively involved in all things
      gardening, including the Perth Garden Festival.
​
​

April 18th
  • Nest Boxes and Habitat Creation - Simon Cherriman
       Simon is an environmental biologist and ornithological consultant with a keen
      understanding of wildfire issues. He was featured on Gardening Australia with
      Josh Byrne last year. He will have some nest boxes, bird prints, DVDs and possibly
      his new book available for sale.


  • The Joys of Self-Seeding: Jan Russell-Brown
      Whether you throw seed around indiscriminately or just hope some germinate
     from a previous season, plants which pop up for free add a touch of wildness to
     your garden and can provide enormous pleasure.

​
May 16th

  • The Art of Bird Photography - Dusty Miller
       Dusty’s hobby is photographing birds world wide in their natural settings. Not only
      will he present some wonderful images, but an explanation of how he achieves
      them. See nest building, feeding young and other natural behaviours through
      the eyes of a skilled photographer.


  • Learning from Members -  Anita Emery and Ben Mayo
      “Anita will introduce you to the world of growing ferns from spores. Intricate, rewarding and fascinating”.
      
“Ben is a keen collector of unusual plants, and will give a brief insight into some of his collecting and growing               
       experiences”.

​
June 20th                       
  •  Faye Arcaro:   Fascinating Fungi – and Friend
​        Co-host of Curtin radio’s weekly programme “Let’s Talk Gardening”, workshop and community education       
        
presenter and keen photographer of micro life forms, horticulturalist Faye Arcaro will share some of                      
        her amazing close-up finds and  knowledge of fungi and friends.
​
  • Deryn Thorpe:  Favourite Overseas Gardens-Now that we can travel again, visiting wonderful gardens overseas becomes possible once more. Podcaster, tour guide, event manager and more, member Deryn Thorpe will tempt you by sharing some of her favourites.
  • ​
July 18th             Denise Sorbara:      Winter in the Garden
  • Plant grower and fount of knowledge, Denise will open this wide-ranging discussion night with another of her enjoyable and practical video presentations.
        Plants, Plants, All About Plants

       Everyone can be involved in talking about plants, sharing growing experiences and learning from others. Bring     
          along anything interesting for the display tables, which will be part of this special evening.

August 15th        ​
  • Faye Smith:      Something Else You Didn’t Know…​
           ​Learn more about Faye’s chosen topic, in another mystery plant profile.
​
  • Cynthia Mahony:        More from Behind the Scenes as a Garden Selector
        We know Cynthia had more experiences to share from her years as an Open Gardens selector, so here is the 
            second instalment.

 September 19         Paul Armishaw - Why We Tend Gardens
  • The idea of a sacred garden, tree, waterfall or vineyard is part of the mythological basis for tending gardens. Dr Paul Armishaw from Remida will take a look back in time, and explain why symbolism is still relevant for our gardens.
 
  • Merrilyn Mellis – My Hills Garden in Miniature
       Enjoy a closer look at the delightful arrangements Merrilyn brings in each month, and learn a little about the  
       wonderful array of plants in her garden.

​

October 31                 ​Kliti Grice – Fossilisation of Plants and Insects
  • Professor Kliti Grice from Curtin University will share her passion for fossils and what we can learn from them about how environments and ecologies change. This knowledge has valuable applications for our own times.
        She was recently awarded WA Scientist of the Year.

  • Sandra Murphy – Nostalgia in Inner Suburbia
       Living in an old home in the inner suburbs, Sandra will show some examples of how plants can also maintain   
       memories from earlier days.
​
November 21  :  Cyrus Roussilhes :    Unusual Fruiting Trees for Perth metro and an intro. to starting a food     
                                        jungle using the syntropic method.
​
  • He will cover easy ways to grow subtropicals with syntropic design, new and rare fruit trees that are easy to grow in Perth, and extra uses from your fruit trees. He will also bring an assortment of fruit trees that aren’t typically available at most nurseries.
             
  • Lorraine Douglas – Mystery Plant Profile
       Experienced gardener and one of our knowledgeable ‘brains trust’, Lorraine will enlighten us with her 
          selection; we may not know it in advance, but we’re certain to know more afterwards!
​

​Past meetings 2021
​
​
February 15th 
  • Tracking Western Australia’s Flora
    Dr John Huisman, Curator of the WA Herbarium will be discussing the role of
    the Herbarium in collecting, describing and mapping WA flora for close to
    a century, as well as his specialist area of Marine Plants of WA, an area not
    generally known about.
  • ​March 15th(+AGM)
  • Trials and Tribulations of Restoring a Garden - The five year rebuilding of Cypress Farm.                        Professor Kinglsey Dixon will inspire, educate and entertain as he shares some of his experiences in the                                   rejuvenation of his wonderful Waroona property.
April 19th
  • Put some Outback Colour out the Front. WA's diverse Daisies.
          Plantsman John Colwill will share some of his fascination and knowledge of these amazing annuals, as well as     
          bring some rare seeds for sale.
  • Mediterranean Gardening - Where What and Why 
           Member Margot Tobin has her own Mediterranean garden, displaying both 'riot and restraint' in dealing with
        
limestone, sandy soil and salt-laden winds,so practises what she writes, reads and talk about.   
​

May 17th
  • Historic Gardens of Perth
          John Viska is WA Chairman of the Australian Historical Society, a former horticultural lecturer, and a avid plant   
          collector, who will give an insight into gardens and plants from earlier days to the present.

  • Plant Profiles - Some Old Favourites
          In keeping with the historical theme, we will learn a little more about some 'oldies but goodies' from our own 
          gardens.

June 21 st
  • Natural Pest Control - Lisa Passmore
​       Landscape designer, horticulturalist and TAFE lecturer, Lisa will talk about managing weeds, pests and          
          diseases in the garden, naturally.
 
  • Traditional Features of Chinese Gardens – Fran Kinninmonth
       Fran’s interest stemmed from teaching English in China a decade ago, and as a committee member of the
       
Australia China Friendship Society for the last 10 years has since done several study tours and sister
       city celebrations. Our members are a wonderful fount of knowledge!

July 19 th 
  • All About Plants – Jan Russell-Brown
         A Special Members’ Night, when everyone can be involved. Plant profiles, plant samples, discussion,     
         information and advice, even some quiz questions. Come along for a meeting with a difference! ​
​
August 16 th  
  • Getting Ready for Summer – Sabrina Hahn
          In her inimitable style, Sabrina will provide practical advice about preparing your soil for summer, and future 
         proofing roses against chilli thrips and   other sap suckers. Not to be missed!!

September 20th
  • House Plants – Sharon Barbera
          Sharon is a horticulturalist, plant consultant, and garden designer with over 25 years’ experience working in          
         
Perth, who will give you all the information you need to keep your indoor and patio plants alive and  
            ​thriving!

  •   What’s in a Name?   Find out how some of our house plants got their names…

October 18th (John McGrath Pavilion)
  • Domus – Past and Present – David Underwood
          Business Development Manager David will speak about some of Domus’ development from its early days to    
           its current status as a leading grower and supplier of quality plants.  He will also talk  about some of the latest 
        trials and may even have some for sale.  Don’t miss it!

  • Great Grevilleas – Some of our members share their favourite Grevilleas.
​

November 22nd
  • Natural Swimming Ponds – Tony Green ​Swim amongst fish and water lilies in clean clear water?  Tony Green, from Think Green Landscapes and Waterscapes will explain how this is possible.  His approach is very plant focused and uses local, natural and recycled products to create natural swimming ponds.

​
Past meetings 2020
​
February 17th
  • Sabrina Hahn  - Anyone who has pulled on a gardening glove in Western Australia knows her name.  Sabrina is a gardener with many talents: educator, author, an accomplished presenter with broad practical experience and local knowledge.  Her environmental credentials and understanding of gardening in WA will invigorate and amuse you.
       Join us for the opening evening of 2020 with the ‘picture’ that Sabrina ‘paints‘.


March 16th (AGM)
  • Matthew Lunn - CEO of Nursery and Garden Industry WA
  • ​
September 21st
  • Ellen Walker - Marvellous Microbes – Ellen is one of the founding partners of Earthwhile Australia and delights in revealing the magical world of soil microbes. You will see the view from powerful microscopes and learn about how microbes help your garden, and how you can help them.
​
  • ​Plant Profiles – Michael Konrath and Ruth Robertson. Learn from two of our resident experts about some of the unexpected treasures from our plant display.

​October19th (At the John McGrath Hall)
  •  Marcelle Coakley - Pleasurable Food Education . Marcelle is the Membership Coordinator for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and looks after nearly 200 WA schools and early years centres as they learn about the cycle of growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh seasonal produce.
​
  • Celebrating Trees – a presentation in support of this year’s theme for the Garden Clubs of Australia’s National Gardening Week. Be informed, involved, and inspired!
  • ​
November16th
  • Natasha Bowden -  WA’s Real Seasons - Natasha is the Education and Promotion Manager at SERCUL (South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare), and will share her knowledge of the Noongar Six Seasons, and of the plants available for food and other uses during each season.
​

  •  Jacques Maissin- Bunya Bunya- Learn about a bush food eaten by dinosaurs, nurtured by our indigenous people, and how you can use Bunya nuts today.
Past meetings 2019
​
February 18th
  • Alison Smith - Western Australia comes to the Eden Project​ -  Alison is a horticulturalist is Horticultural Coordinator at  the Western Australian Botanic Gardens.  She was part of the team who in 2017 went to the Eden Project in Cornwall, England to help set up the Western Australian Exhibit in the Mediterranean Climate Zone


March 18th (AGM)
  • Sue McDougall - From Welder to Radio Presenter - Much loved media personality Sue McDougall will tell us about her eventful journey from teenage nursery owner, through chance media presenter, a career in horticulture
​​


April 15th
  • Merilyn Ide -Fascinating Places – A Visual Feast - Will give us a glimpse of the sights of Morocco (think Marakesh, Casablanca, Fez, the Atlas Mts and Rabat),  Faye Smith will introduce us to Samares Manor on Jersey Island. A whirlwind tour for your enjoyment. 
  • George Hoad - President of The Garden Clubs of Australia will give us a few words about the GCA.
​


May 20th
  • “Your Garden with Josh Byrne” - Dr Josh Byrne an environmental scientist and sustainability expert is better known to us as our local presenter of Gardening Australia. He will be providing us with ideas and inspiration to create a successful garden while doing our bit to help our Swan and Canning River Catchment.
​

June 17th
  • Leanne Oakley Native Orchids in Western Australia​ - Leanne and husband Keith spend many weekends in the bush, looking for and photographing birds and wildflowers, with a particular interest in native orchids. This presentation will include rare and unusual specimens.
​
  • Linda Mitchell Travels with our Austin Healy - Linda says she ‘married’ an Austin Healy, which has since taken her on many overseas trips and all over Australia. Her travels have also allowed her to visit some wonderful gardens overseas. Listen to where love of a car can take you!
​

July 15th
  • Deryn Thorpe Gardens and Natural Wonders of Tasmania - Deryn is a fanatical gardener and a print and radio garden journalist who is passionate about communicating her love of gardening.  She also works as a garden consultant and tour guide.  Her Podcast All the Dirt which she hosts with Steve Wood won the Horticultural Media Association’s 2018 Audio Award.

  • Denise Sorbara Plant Profile - Plant grower extraordinaire, Denise, will feature a plant growing in her own luxuriant garden, with advice on how to grow it in your garden.
​

August 12th
  • Daniel Varischetti - Tropical gardening in Perth.

  • Ruth Robertson Gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain - Ruth will give us an insight into the gardens of the Alhambra Palace complex, including the summer palace of the Generalife.  They are a prime example of East Mediteranean tradition of garden-making.

​September 16th
  • Kim Holbrook -  Amazing Chile
​​
  • kingsley Gray - My Gardening Journey

​October 21th
  • Digby Growns  - New and Pipeline Plant Varieties from Kings Park Breeding Programme
​
  • Merrilyn Mellis -  Gardens of India​​

​November 18th
  • Craig Woodroffe - Small Trees for our Gardens

​Past meetings 2018


February 19th
  •      Professor Kingsley Dixon - Native Plants, Japanese Maples and Beyond - My Garden above Waroona.
  •      Paul Ray - from Red Rock Nursery on Insectivorous Plants.
  • ​
March 19th
  •     Sabrina Hahn - The Effects of Climate Change and how it affects our gardening.
  •      AGM
​
April 16th
  •     Kim Holbrook - Plants and other Wonders of Peru - Part 2 
  •     Ruth Robertson - Japanese Gardens .
  • ​
May 21st
  •     Lyn Chambers-Practical information on planting and growing bulbs in WA.
  •     Ruth Kempton - Head of the Flora Docents at the Zoo - Perth’s First Botanical Gardens.

June 18th
  •     Toni Burbidge -    After a Bushfire  –  Making a Difference
  •     Plant Profiles -      by Member Experts
​
 July 16th
  •     David Edmonds -   from Orchidup in Walpole
  •     Colin Scott - Community Gardens
​
August 20th
  •     Deryn Thorpe -  Italian Gardens
  •     Paul Kay - Moth Collecting


September 10th
  •       David Cook  -  Cyber Safety and You
  •      Paul Beveridge  -  From Perth Hills Vege Co.


October 15th
  •     Jackie Hooper - Australian plants for small spaces
  •     Merrilyn Mellis - Friendship gardens in Sydney
​
November 19th
  • Steve Wood - A Shakespearean Garden Featuring Plants from the 16thCentury
  • GCWA 25th Anniversary
​

 Past meeting 2017

February 20th
  •    Sabrina Hahn - Community Gardens  –  A different perspective​

March 20th
  •   Calinda Anderson - (from Woodvale Fish and Lily Farm) Aquaponic Kits and small water features

April 17th
  •     Joe Tassone from Tass1trees - Tropical fruit trees for Perth
  •    Ro Birrell -  My Grandfather’s Garden
​
May 15th
  •     Dr. Darryl Hardie -  from Department of Agriculture and food - Pest and diseases ID and reporting 
  •    Lorraine Douglas  Ayrlies Garden in New Zealand

​June 19th
  •     Eric McCrum - Wild flowers of WA

July  17th
  •    Tim Jenkins - Looking after your physical health in the garden
  •     Frances Docherty- Tasmanian Travels

August  21st
  •    Deryn Thorpe - Gardens of Victoria

September 11th
  •     Kim Holbrook - 'Plant and other wonders of Peru'
  •      Lorraine Piercy and Sue Braidwood - 'Singapore Slingers'

October 16th
  •      Bob Melville - New release Roses​​

November 20th
  •       Steve Wood  -  'Why Organic Matters'

​ Past meeting 2016
​
February 15th / 2016
  • Andrew Hall --  Holmes Road Whole- Colourful Plants Flowering in Perth
  • Cynthia Mahony / Florence McRae  -- Cairns, Tropical Gardens.

March 21st
  • Scott Robinson – Zephyranthes Nursery, 78 Great Northern Hwy, MIDLAND.
  • Scott will speak about “Suitable Plants for our Climate”.
April 18th
  • Jan Russell-Brown & Ruth Robertson --  Alaska. A quirky little garden .  
​
May 16th
  • Felicity’s Garden – Penny Morgan will talk on growing Olives. Olive Oil, Tapenades & Dukkah
  • Debra Pearson  -- DSATCO Lupin Mulch and Decorative Worm Farms. Both are a must have for your garden.

June 20th
  • Kevin Collins – Mt Barker Banksia Farm – The only place in the world where you will find 79 species of Banksia.
  • Matthew Landers - Flower arranging - Matthew runs his own floristry academy where he trains florists and  runs  courses for members of the public

July 18th
  • Deryn Thorpe – Deryn will speak about “Autumn Foliage and Colour in the garden. 
  • Jan Russell-Brown  --  Plants for a purpose
​
​August 15th 
  •  Julie Kinney – The Garden Wanderer  -  Julie is returning to talk about her new book
  •  Ben Mayo - Plant profile

September  19th
  • Simon Briggs- Sales representative from Baileys
  • Ruth Robertson – Bodnant Gardens

October 10th
  • Mark Tucek from HortBiz –Tucker Bush Plants.  The new range of bush food plants.
  • Daniel Baker Assistant Manager Facilities and Environment at Perth Zoo - Creature compost.

November 21st
  • Kim Holbrook - The Huntington gardens
​
 Past meeting 2015
​
16th February

  • Lorna Barnett and Cathy Cocks  --  Haughty Culture  -- An entertaining presentation on Garden Design and Landscaping.
  • Nieve Smyth    -- Photos taken from 8 Botanical Gardens 

16th March - AGM
  • Julie Kinney -- Armchair Travelling in the UK

20th April
  • Nigel Thompson -- Walled Gardens
  • Ruth Robertson and Jan Russell Brown -- Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada

18th May
  • Darren Senior from Garden Solutions -- Landscaping your gardens
  • Cynthia Mahony -- Different Gardens from my tour of England, Scotland, Ireland and Europe.

15th June

  • Paul Kay from Forrestdale Garden Centre -- Beautiful Cliveas
  • Merrilyn Mellis -- The Other Chelsea 

 July 20th

  • Jean Evans  -- Camellias.
  • Frances Docherty  -- Photos from the S.W garden tour.
  • Ben Mayo -- Plant profile  Ipomoea. 

August 17th

  •  Gemma McQuade from Yates and Deryn Thorpe -- will do a joint talk on “Keeping Your Garden Looking Good: Fertilizers, Soil Improvement and Tricks of the Trade” This is a good topic for discussion as “2015 is the Year For Improving The Soil.”
  • Rachel Davison  --  Fruit Fly Control.

September 21st

  • Digby Growns -- is a plant breeder from Kings Park, and will do a presentation on “New Varieties and Future Varieties” of some of the plants produced at Kings Park. Digby will also show some of the special new Grevilleas.
  • Faye Smith  --  A power point presentation of Gardens in Europe which Faye has visited on her travels.
  • Jan Russell Brown -- will talk about wind tolerant plants.

​October 12th

  • Dr David Henderson  --  “Birds and Plants”. David Henderson is a cactus grower, teacher, an avid bird watcher and International traveler. David is also a member of the Cactus and Succulent Society.
  • Kim Holbrook  -- Xilitla  (pronounced Hay-lit-la)  A little bit of mystery!!!

November 16th
  • Bob Hunter  --  Succulents. 
  • John Burt  --  Plant profile – Pawpaws.
 
Past meeting 2014
​
17th - February

  • Eric McCrum  -  Frogs in the Garden
  • Ruth Robertson -  Insel Mainu Garden, Germany

17th - March

  • Janine Mendell  --  Small Gardens
  • Jacques Maissin - Flora and Fauna in Bali

21st - April

  • Debra Pearson --  “Chooks”
  • Ben Mayo  --  Tropaeolum  Azureum/Tricolour  (Nasturtium)

19th - May

  • Kathy Bafile  --  Smarty Plants
  • Merrilyn Mellis  --  Gardens by the Bay  (Singapore)

16th June

  • Charles Otway -- Permaculture
  • Nieve Smith  --  The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

21st July

  • Kim Noonan  --  Supporting our local Nurseries
  • Ruth Robertson  --  Green Manure

18th August

  • John Cole  --  Beautiful Camelias; Supporting our local nurseries
  • Len Burton  --  How to care for Kangaroo Paws

15th September

  • Steve Woods  -- How to keep bees in the home garden
  • Matija  --  A plant profile "Matija's Choice"

20th October

  • David Venning  --  The Importance of Seed Collection
  • John Burt  -- Gardens of Japan and Japanese Culture

27th November

  • Derryn Thorpe -- 2014 Garden Tour to England, Italy and France
  • George Abbott -- New Products from Fertiworx




Past meeting 2013
​
18th - February

  • Matthew Lunn - Landscape by Design
  • Merilyn Ide Travellers Tales: France, Turkey, Italy and Greece
18th - March

  • Margy Clema - salvias for all occasions
  • Pamela Turton - Garden Designers at the Garden Design Fest - (Mardi Gregory assisting)
15th April

  • George Abbott  --  Fertilizers
  • Roger Broinowski  --  Geraniums/Hibiscus
  • Matija Vassiliou   --  Plant Profile  --  Rangoon Creeper
  • Chris/Matija  --  Gardeners’ Market
20th May

  • Tim Parker  --  Wicking Beds/Vegies/Permaculture
  • Deryn Thorpe  --  Roses for Pots
  • Plant Profile  --  Lepenchinia Salviae
17th June

  • Josh Byrne  -- New Book/Signing
  • Ruth Robertson  --  Keukenhof Second Hand Book Sale
  • Ben Mayo -- plant Profile -- HOLMSKIOLDIA TAITENSIS. It's quite a rare plant and very pretty

15th July

  • Helen Gryzb  --  Open Gardens  New Season
  • Merrilyn Mellis  --  Miserden Park Gardens/Gloucestershire
  • Second Hand Book Sale

19th August

  • Lisa Passmore  --  New seasons plants for SPRING
  • Kim Holbrook  --  Succulents
  • Plant Profile 

16th September

  • Steve Woods  --  Homemade Compost/ Micro Greens
  • Cynthia Mahony  --  Victorian Gardens
  • Ian Stannard -- Plant Profile 

7th October - AGM

  • Trevor Nottle - Special Guest Plants suitable for Medierannean Climate/Heritage Roses

18th November

  • Josh Byrne - Special Guest
  • New Book Signing
  • Christmas Celebration



Past meeting 2012
​
20th - February

  • Rex and Jessie Hardy – Succulents and More
  • Ruth Robertson - Plant Profile
19th - March

  • Andrew Hall -  Hope Valley Nursery Geraniums and Pelargoniums (New Survivor Range and various others)
  • Cynthia Mahony - Member - A Station Yarn
  • Jacques Maissin – Member - Plant profile (Michelia Champaka and 2 species of Pandan)
16th - April

  • David Pooley - Fuschias •Lyn Chambers - Tulips With A Difference
  • Matija Vassiliou - Member - Report from the Melbourne International Flower Show
21st - May

  • Matthew Lunn - The Education of a Gardener and Power point display of Landscaping
  • Anita Emery (Member) - Plant Profile - Ginger
18th - June

  • David Proudmore - Swan Valley Gourmet Fungi - Mushrooms
  • Kim Fletcher - Begonias 
16th - July

  • Cheryl Holmes - Hydroponics
  • Len Burton - Kings Park in Spring
20th - August

  • Harlen Henderson - Plants4Perth on-line nursery
  • Lorraine Douglas & Kim Holbrook- Members - Cactus
17th - September

  • Max Crohurst - Kings Park Grevillias 
  • Deryn Thorpe - Member - Five Years - five favourite fancies​
15th - October

  • Neville Passmore  - Biowise Compost
  • Matija Vassiliou - Member - plant profile and Auckland Botanics
​
​​​

Past meeting 2011
​
21st - February

  • Deryn Thorpe – Improving our Perth soil and inspiration for our summer gardens
  • Lorrie Gray – Traveller’s Tales from Iceland


21st - March

  • Jennie Jamieson – Bulbs
  • Margy Clema – The best of the big salvias and a Garden Week preview



18th - April

  • Jackie Hooper – “Patio Perfect” Australian plants in containers
  • Linda Green – “Perky Pinks” – new plants with pink flowers and foliage



16th - May

  • Bruce Bebbington – Lavender Fields of Bridgetown
  • Cathy Cocks -- HAUGHTY CULTURE -- Dry With a Twist 



20th - June

  • George Abbott -- FERTIWORX -- Home and Garden Products 
  • Cynthia Mahony -- Member -- Cottage Garden Friends



18th - July

  • Vivienne Etter -- SWISS ROSE NURSERY --Climbing Roses
  • Jennifer Rupp -- OPEN GARDENS



15th - August

  • Brian Klepzig -- NEUTROG FERTILIZER
  • Louise Blom -- Member -- African Violets
  • Chris Hardie -- Member -- ‘Memoirs’ 



19th - September

  • Kathy Bafile -- HOW ABOUT HERBS
  • Matija Vassiliou -- Member --Plant Profile



19th - October

  • Toadbusters! - Gary Pike
  • Jacques Maissin -- Member -- ‘My Garden’



21st - November

  • David Pooley -- Fantastic Fuchsias
  • Ken Adcock (member) -- Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

​
Past meeting 2010
​
15-February  (country supper)

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.


19 - April 

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!



17 - May 



Ro introduced the meeting on a very cold night. Dawsons were again thanked for their generous donations to the raffle table. If members want to go on Dawsons email list they can then receive early notice of any special offers that the company is making. 
Merrilyn Mellis, our new events coordinator then introduced speakers, Dr Jenni Ahmat, Managing Director & Wayne Challis Technical Director (Soil & plant nutrition) from Stocktech Australia., a new WA Co. that formulates environmentally friendly fertilisers and animal nutrition supplements. Finally, Frank Blackwell, Secretary of the WA Chrysanthemum Society Inc. told us about the best way to get stunning blooms whether for competition or in the garden, and introduced the small Charm and Cascade chrysanthemums.
Linda did a forum on feedback from the Great Gardens Workshop.


21 - June



Frances welcomed all members, new members and our three guest speakers. Kingsley’s photos of the fair were shown as a slide show.
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.



 
19 - July

Frances welcomed everyone. 
Last October, Carol Mansfield gave us a most interesting talk on garden plants from South America and their collectors. This time she returned to talk to us about plant hunting in the Himalayas. 
Michael Konrath selected more than forty small trees that he suggests would be suitable for a small garden or courtyard, and Barbara Kerr did a plant profile on Iresines to acquaint us with their showy foliage.


16 - August

Speakers were:
*Phil Palmer, a landscape architect with the National Trust of Australia (WA), responsible for the care and management of the grounds and landscape settings of their many properties throughout Western Australia;
*Dan Dowsett, the Bee Whisperer from the WA Apiarists’ Society. He spoke on Bees and Honey in Suburbia
*Frances Docherty took us on a pictorial, botanical trip of her holiday in Scotland in May 2010.


20 - September

Louise, Aileen and Frances went to the Jean Willis Aged Care Centre and gave a presentation with the theme, ‘Gardening into your later years’. If there is a similar request in the future, there could be a call for volunteers.
Speakers were:

*Liz Compagnoni who has been a poultry breeder for over 40 years, firstly breeding for her own pleasure, then venturing into exhibition of her poultry, winning many awards for quality.
*Bob Dixon, manager of biodiversity and extensions at Kings Park, who took us behind the scenes and showed us that there is more to Kings Park than lawns, gardens, playgrounds and bushland.
*Michael Konrath reviewed 3 DVDs – The Heart of a Garden, Waterwise Gardening and How to grow Trees and Shrubs by Tom Petherick.


18 - October


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: 

*Ty Webb who has been on the committee for most of the 25 years he has been with the Bonsai Society of WA (Inc). As he told us about the principles of bonsai, he worked on a Lilly Pilly.
*Don Grieves gave us some very useful tips on growing and having fun breeding Louisiana Iris.
*Pam Hind gave us her hints on Photographing Gardens and Flowers
*Linda Green who gave us an update on the equipment now available for use at the Circle meetings, and tips on how to prepare your material to simplify your digital presentations.


15 - November


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.

*The evening meeting commenced with a lively flower arranging demonstration by Barbara Kerr and Anita Emery.
*Following this, Jeanne Black, Katherine Ardizzone and Margy Clema were awarded life membership. After sharing with us some of their early memories of the Circle, Frances presented each of them with the Gardeners’ Circle Life Member badge and a flower arrangement to mark the special occasion.
*Each member received a plant - an early Christmas gift from the Gardeners’ Circle.
*This was followed by a special Christmas Country Supper, the last for 2010.
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