WEARDALE FLOWER AND GARDEN CLUB -  JULY 2018 NEWSLETTER www.weardaleflowerandgardenclub.com

Our visit tonight has had to be altered at short notice, for which we apologise.  Mrs Scott Harden told us just a couple of weeks ago that she would be on holiday this week, and we were therefore unable to visit her garden at Blanchland.  Barbara has rearranged our visit to Lambshield, Hexham, which is the home of Davy Young.  We are most grateful to him for hosting our visit this evening.  This is a 2 acre country garden, started in 2010 around a working farm.  There are distinct areas - herbaceous, grasses, contemporary planting, cottage garden, pool and orchard.  Cloud hedging, pleached trees and topiary form a backdrop to colourful and exhuberant planting.  The ground is level, but paths are gravel.  Following a walk around the garden areas, we will have tea/coffee.  The entrance fee of £6pp is being paid from club funds.  Transport is £5 pp for those not travelling by car.
NEXT MONTH   Our meeting on Tuesday 21st August is Chairman's night and will be in St Annes Centre, West End, 7pm.  This will be a 'Fashion Show with Puddings' evening - something quite different! 
LADIES LUNCH, WOLSINGHAM SHOW  We have booked tables for the show lunch which is Friday 31st August, 12.30 for 1 pm in the catering marquee at the showground.  The three course lunch will be followed by entertainment, and there will be raffles, tombola, bar etc.  The event raises funds for the Weardale Community Hospital.  We will be doing the table flowers again, and if you can help with these please be at Susan's for 1pm on Thursday 30th August.  Money (£21pp) to Susan asap please to confirm your place.
WYNYARD HALL  A token in the current issue of Living magazine gives you entry to the gardens with a hot meal and hot drink in the cafe for two people for £15.  Valid until 31 July.
LINNELS FARM, HEXHAM  Chutney and Chilli  Jam Practical workshop, 13th Sept., 10 am to 3 pm. £95 incl lunch.
Gardening for Wildlife, with Dr Rachel Penn, 14th Sept., 10 am to 3 pm.  This hands on course will consider what role nature plays in gardening and practical ways to encourage wildlife.  £95 incl. lunch.
BULB PLANTING  We will be purchasing our daffodil bulbs in September from J. Parker Wholesale, and are planning planting sessions in October. Further details to follow next month.
ROYAL WEDDING ROSES  The 8000 roses used by florist Phillipa Craddock in St Georges Chapel were David Austin Rosa Purity (white) and Patience Auspastor (lemon).  David Austin Rose Gardens are open 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week, and entry is free.  David Austin Roses, Bowling Green Lane, Albrighton, Shropshire, WV7 3HB.
PLANT OF THE YEAR  The hydrangea named 2018 plant of the year at Chelsea was Hydrangea Runaway Bride Snow White.  
MOUNT GRACE PRIORY, NEAR THIRSK  Now reopened  following a £1.3 million restoration by designer Chris Beardshaw.  
GARDENING COURSES AT HARLOW CARR, HARROGATE
3 August, 10am to 5pm, Photographing plants and flowers with a mobile phone or tablet.
11 August, 10 am to 4pm, Growing vegetables in autumn and winter
18 August, 10am to 4pm, Garden Craft - Introduction to dry stone walling
5 Sept, 10am to 12noon, Garden walk - Gardening for bees
7 Sept, 10a to 4pm, Gardening tasks for September and October
6 Saturdays starting 8 Sept, 10am to 4pm, An introduction to garden design
8 and 9 Sept., 10am to 4pm, Botanical Drawing
13 Sept., 10am to 4pm, Make a Willow Curlew
18 Sept., 10am to 2.30pm, Make A Hand Tied Boquet with flowers from the garden
22 and 23 Sept., 10am to 4pm, Make a Willow Basket
GARDENS AND HEALTH WEEK is 18th to 24th August. The RHS is researching the impact of gardens on mental wellbeing.
CHRISTMAS OPEN NIGHT, 20th NOVEMBER  Tickets will again be £10, and available to members at the September meeting, prior to going on sale to the general public from 1st October.
COMMITTEE MEETING, 12 noon-1pm, at Susan's on Thursday 30th August.
CHRISTMAS CARDS, CALENDARS AND DIARIES  These will not be available through Area office this year, and need to be ordered through the Flower Arranger magazine, or from the NAFAS website.
NAFAS COMMITTEE  There are several vacancies on the area committee, including Finance, Secretary, Media etc.  If you are interested in being involved please see contact details available on the Northumberland and Durham area website. Meetings are held in Gosforth.   The area AGM will be on 12 November in Gateshead.