DOGMERSFIELD WINCHFIELD & CROOKHAM VILLAGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY February 2017

RHS Wisley mid-winter

30% admission discount to RHS Wisley for DW&CVHS members - see page 18

This year’s Flower Show & Fête Saturday 22nd July

the newsletter of the DW&CVHS The DW&CVHS Newsletter

President: Mrs Pat Silvester

Chairman: Brian Leversha tel 01252-615534

Please contact the Membership Secretary with any queries relating to membership of the Society:- Sylvia Hebdon e-mail: [email protected]

Please send all contributions for the newsletter to the editor:- Paul Gray e-mail: [email protected]

Between issues of our twice-yearly newsletters, updated information on events/visits can be found on the Society’s website:- http://www.dwcvhortsoc.org

Contents

From our Chairman…..…………………………………..……….……………. 1

Forthcoming Events at the WI Hall.….……….….…………….. 2

Future Garden Visits 2017…………………………………..……………. 3

Attractions for this year’s Show……………………….……………. 4

Reports on Garden Visits…………………..………………………………. 6

Reports on Winter Talks……………………..…………………………….. 14

Membership Application/Renewal……………………………………. 24

AGM Reminder & Agenda……………………………………..……………. back cover DW&CVHS February 2017 From our Chairman

The Society has had a sponsors who help us keep our heads successful past year with the ever- above water financially. popular winter talks programme, the Many thanks to them all. garden visits and, the main event, We are still one down on the the Flower Show and Fête. committee and that post is for a There are other reports in Car Park Manager. The job kicks in this newsletter to cover the talks at the fête weekend and is an and visits so I will cover the Fête. essential post, assisted by some We had some new attractions, helpers. There is someone out there mainly the Hook Morris Men, Basket who could help us out and really Weaving demonstrations and the enjoy being part of a well-oiled children's swings that joined all of team. SO COME ON DON'T BE SHY our old favourites to make the fête - PLEASE VOLUNTEER YOUR a great success. The sun shone SERVICES! down on us, which helped, including The Entries and Membership getting all the Enthusiasts’ Cars and manager Steve Thirkettle retired in Motorbikes to attend - possibly the the Autumn after many, many years best turnout ever. of dedication. We showed our We were let down by the thanks and presented him with a gift Birds of Prey and this year we will voucher. We are pleased that be replacing them with the Berkley Steve's two posts have now been Owls who will have a display-stand filled by Sylvia Hebdon as the and will be giving a demonstration Membership Secretary and flying the owls. Barnabas Balint and Nicole Le Juene We will also be having, for jointly taking on the Entries the first time, the Mill Cottage Manager’s role. We are very grateful Farm Experience displaying a good to them and we look forward to collection of farm animals. working with them on the The children's entries at the committee. fête have slowly been decreasing The Barn Dance was a great over the years. There are a few success with the new band ‘Sharon's reasons for this and the Entries Handbag’ being the main reason. Managers and myself have had an They are booked to return to this agreeable meeting with the new year’s Barn Dance. Headmistress of Dogmersfield If you want to help in any way School, Mrs. Patton, to find a way to with the running of the Fête please get the entries back up. Hopefully, contact Sue Smith or myself. Our these solutions will work. contact details are elsewhere in this The Society's success is down newsletter. to all the hard work put in by the Finally, we hope to see you at committee, our numerous helpers the Fête, at our winter talks, or at during the year especially at the the summer garden visits. Fête weekend, and of course all the Brian Leversha

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Forthcoming Events at the WI Hall

Evening talks take place in the WI Hall in Crookham Village, starting at 7.30pm. For those who need directions, the WI Hall is located at the rear of the Crookham Street Social Club - post code GU51 5SJ for satnav users. Please park on the gravel area by WI Hall, not on the Social Club’s tarmac area. These social evenings are very popular, helped along with a glass of wine (or soft drink) & food provided free of charge! The current cost for the evening is £2 for members (no charge for the AGM). Non-members are welcome and are asked to contribute £3. After this year’s AGM has finished, we will have a flower-arranging demonstration, by Sue Gibbons, entitled ‘Spring has Sprung’.

Forthcoming winter talks (& AGM) are as follows:-

9th Feb 2017 The Duke of Wellington (Diana White) 9th Mar 2017 AGM & flower-arranging demo (agenda inside back cover) 13th Apr 2017 Hens in the Garden (Charlotte Popescue) 14th Sept 2017 The Origins of Pub Names (Anthony Poulton-Smith) 12th Oct 2017 Trees & the History of Winkworth (Peter Herring) 9th Nov 2017 Cheese & Wine Tasting (David Walton & Judith Ward) 14th Dec 2017 Christmas Quiz (Angus ) 11th Jan 2018 Plants & Garden Photography (Michael Sleigh) Further talks will be advertised in the August edition of the newsletter, on the Society’s website (see below), and by email from our Membership Secretary.

Between issues of our twice-yearly newsletter, updated information on events and visits can be found on the Society’s website : http://www.dwcvhortsoc.org The Society wishes to thank member David Jackson for creating the website and for continuing to act as our webmaster in keeping it up-to-date. Members please note that current copies of the newsletter are only distributed to paid-up members of the Society. Up-to-date newsletters are therefore not available for non-members to read via the website. However, some previous editions of the newsletter are available as examples of one of

the benefits of joining the Society.

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DW&CVHS February 2017 Future Garden Visits 2017

Our Visits Organiser, Angus Cairns, is currently planning further garden visits for this summer. When we have more details, members will be informed by e-mail and by updates to the Society’s website. We will attempt to contact members who are not on our e-mail list by alternative methods. Please note that it is in the interests of both the Society and members that we can communicate by e-mail. If appropriate, please contact our Membership Secretary Sylvia Hebdon - [email protected] - to confirm or add your e-mail address so that the membership database can be checked/amended accordingly.

Sunday 19th Feb 2017 The Down House, Itchen Abbas. Not an organised visit by the Society but a venue highly recommended by members following a group visit to the vineyard in September last year. The garden of the Down House in Itchen Abbas will be open under the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday 19th February, between 12pm and 4pm, and will provide an excellent opportunity to see the snowdrops, aconites and early crocus. The property is situated six miles east of Winchester on the B3407. Owners Jackie & Mark Porter are sure to make you very welcome. More details on their website: http://www.thedownhouse.co.uk.

Stratfield Saye The Duke of Wellington’s home, Stratfield Saye (provisional)

Escorted tour of Winkworth Arboretum (provisional) Winkworth Arboretum is a National Trust-owned arboretum, situated between Godalming and Hascombe, with large collections of azalea, rhododendron, and holly on slopes leading down to landscaped gardens and lakes.

3 DW&CVHS February 2017 Attractions for this year’s Show

Hook Eagle Morris Men The Hook Eagle costume is highly elaborate, consisting of a rag jacket, a top hat covered in pheasant feathers with fox tails on the back, and black face paint. Although this looks politically incorrect, it is not meant to cause offence. When Border Morris was created it was illegal to beg, so Morris dancers would disguise themselves in these costumes to avoid getting arrested.

Swing Boats Swings date from antiquity and early devices were simple planks of wood, both ends of which were attached to an overhead framework with ropes. Passenger vessels gradually evolved, commonly referred to in ‘show-land’ as ‘boats’. Initially the boats had to be pushed to make them swing, but over time the person, or persons, sitting in the boat provided motion by pulling on ropes passing through an overhead pulley. Self-propelled swing boats eventually evolved into ‘sets’ with a number of small boats suspended next to each other beneath the A-frames.

Berkley Owls (Static and Flying Display in the Arena) There will be a static display of owls from all over the globe, some of which are extremely rare. This display will be open to view for the duration of the fête. During the arena displays specta- tors will get the opportunity to join Berkley Owls in the arena and assist in demonstrating just how wise and clever owls can be. Owls will also fly close by the spectators, where they will feel only the slight breeze from their flight without hearing the slightest sound.

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Mill Cottage Farm Animals They specialise in taking a variety of farm and other animals out to schools, play groups, children's parties, residential homes and fairs around Hampshire, and other southern coun- ties, as a hands-on educational and rec- reational experience for all ages.

Ferret Racing During our fête this year, the Hants and Berks Ferret Club will set up a ferret-racing course and the public will be invited to place small bets on their favourite ferret. The rules of ferret-racing are simple - insert ferrets into the pipes and the first one to emerge at the end of the course is the winner. To complete the course they will need to negotiate the weave, see-saw, water-jump and turning circle, all the while being encouraged (loudly!) by spectators and owners. The ferrets are well-handled and friendly and, between races, spectators will be encouraged to come and meet them and ask any questions that may arise. By attending events such as ours, the club hopes to familiarise the general public with the care and handling of ferrets whilst dispelling commonly-held misconceptions; not forgetting, of course, to have some fun while they’re at it! Club members are passionate about ferret welfare and every member who goes to ferret shows throughout the summer is a volunteer. Any money given to the club as payment for entertaining at events is not payment to any individual, but goes towards keeping the club up-and-running (e.g. cost of maintaining trailers, tents, marquees, equipment etc.) and towards helping the ferrets at various rescue centres. Should be a fun addition to this year’s fête!

5 DW&CVHS February 2017 Reports on Garden Visits

Savill Garden so very colourful and mature. 10th May 2016 Due to the heavy rain Very many thanks to Barbara during the afternoon it was not and Angus for organising a visit to possible to write many notes so I what might be considered Britain’s have gleaned some of the following Finest Ornamental Woodland information from a useful web site. Garden. The Savill Garden covers Some of our group had a most approximately 35 acres and dates enjoyable lunch at a nearby pub from 1932 when it was started by before heading to the garden to Eric Savill, Deputy Ranger of Wind- meet our guide for the afternoon. sor Great Park, with the support of We were most fortunate to King George V and Queen Mary. be shown round by Rachel who is With the intervention of the war, Chair of the Savill Garden Volunteer the garden could not be completed Group. Rachel’s knowledge, enthusi- until the early 1950s. It is said that asm, and kindly advice, was unsur- immediately following the war Eric passed. Fifteen of us gathered Savill used bricks from bombed round and Rachel said that this was houses in the East End of London to the wettest tour she had ever create the Walled Garden. undertaken as can be seen by the Originally known as The Bog number of umbrellas in our photo. Garden, George VI asked that it be Our visit was planned for renamed in honour of Eric Savill in May as we had been informed that 1951. Eric Savill was knighted in this is one of the best times to see 1955. The area is ideally suited to the garden with its plethora of the cultivation of Rhododendrons Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Acers - and Azaleas and so is at its best in April and May, but development over

6 DW&CVHS February 2017 the years ensures interest all year huge Wisteria which is growing high round, containing a great number of into an oak tree. Also the huge rare specimens. In addition, there Rhododendron Loderii King George are large herbaceous borders, a rose with its magnificent white scented garden, and peat beds. flowers. There are many mature Pine From the entrance, there trees some of which act as a wind are broad slopes running down to the break and are the same variety as stream and lake, with woodland used in Tresco Gardens on the Isles beyond and pathways reaching out in of Scilly for the same purpose. all directions. Rachel also informed us that The gardens have apparent- they have a great deal of Skunk ly been improved over the years by a Cabbage which is attractive at this number of initiatives to make it time of the year but is now consid- worthy of a visit all year round. ered a pest and must only be There is a dry area full of contained within existing gardens plants from New Zealand, a huge and not transferred elsewhere. Rose garden where one volunteer The cream teas afterwards told us he had been dead-heading were most welcome, together with a the roses each day and after two look around the very interesting hours still felt he had made no shop. All this is housed in a fairly impression. new building with an interesting There are now plans afoot multi-curved roof of geodesic to add Hydrangeas and shrub construction. gardens, together with swathes of In closing, we all really wild flowers from the same company enjoyed our visit, despite the rain, who provided the wild flowers for and would highly recommend these the Olympic park but in this case wonderful gardens. they are going to be shades of blue. Rachel pointed out several Donna Gray important specimens namely the Wisley Gardens

Church Crookham Gardening Club The sales hut in the Memorial Hall car park off Sandy Lane (opposite the Wyvern pub) will be open on Saturday mornings between 10–12 (seasonal). In addition to their own members, sales are available to DWCVHS members on production of a current DWCVHS membership card.

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16th June 2016 people leaving and others staying to On an exceedingly wet and wander some more. A super day. wild morning the happy band (of Barbara Cairns few) met at Wisley. John Negus, our club friend who has regularly given Wheatley House us interesting, informative and 4th July 2016 amusing talks over the year, joined After a convivial lunch in the us. Country Market Garden Centre at John led us around the Kingsley, members drove the short gardens giving lots of information distance to Wheatley House about the many and varied plants. situated in the ancient village of He even gave advice about our own Wheatley near Bordon. ‘trials’ at home being given such The property is situated on a wonderful information as “it has rural hilltop with views over Alice feathery leaves, quite tall and has Holt Forest. not yet flowered”. What a genius he Wheatley House itself was is; he knew what I was talking about. originally a 16th century farmhouse, We saw a cloudburst of surrounded by hop fields and roses; what scents, colours and orchards. It is now a Grade II listed varieties. building. The rear section of the We were almost speechless (I house, with gothic-style windows, did say almost) at the spectacle of was added in the late 18th century. huge flowers festooned liberally on On arrival we were all able to trees; they turned out to be dog- park very conveniently in the large woods. Not a “woof” was to be courtyard. heard, just lots of “oohs” and “aren’t Our host, Susannah Adling- they magnificent?” ton, is an artist who moved into the We saw the ‘model’ gardens, property in 1981 with the aim of the hot house, and visited parts that creating a garden full of interesting many of us had not seen before. and unusual planting combinations After a companionable lunch with the emphasis on colour. The we all went our separate ways, some dramatic mixed border is particularly attractive with spectacular colours. There is also a large and attractive Victorian lean- to greenhouse in the gardens that is used for over-wintering tender perennials, taking cuttings etc. Susannah had originally intended to give us a guided tour but

was unfortunately called away on

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After a relaxing meander around the gardens we all retired to the ancient barn where tables and colourful table cloths had been laid out for a very welcome cuppa and home-made cakes. Many thanks again to Barbara and Angus for organising yet another very pleasant garden visit. other business. Luckily, a good Ed friend was drafted in to help out, but not, unfortunately, with the Hampton Court th guided tour. However, Susannah’s On Tuesday, 5 July, my husband part-time gardener, Ivan, was on and I were sitting on a double hand to help out. Ivan was very decker bus in a field a few miles knowledgeable and hence able to from Hampton Court using the park readily answer all of our questions. and ride facility. We, of course, sat In conversation with upstairs to get the best view as we Susannah prior to our visit, Barbara approached the river. was informed that Susannah’s It was only a short walk over favourite plant is the deep red Dahl- the bridge and through beautiful ias named ‘Arabian Nights’. At grounds to the entrance of the Barbara’s request, a photo of the flower show. Dahlias is shown below. I produced our lucky tickets, The garden is featured in the gratefully received from the National Gardens Scheme book and, Horticultural Society (free draw for in 2002, Alan Titchmarsh and his 2 tickets at the AGM in March, Ed), team visited the garden several and after a quick check of our picnic times and featured it in the series bag we were in. 'How to be a Gardener'. We entered by a few food and drink stalls which was a great excuse to sit with a coffee and our show-guide to plan our day. I think it was at this point that we realised what a full day we had ahead of us. So many exhibi- tors, show gardens, not to mention all the different talks you could listen to. There were so many more gardens than I had imagined with my Arabian Nights Dahlias favourite having to be the Dogs Trust garden. Not only was it 9 DW&CVHS February 2017 tranquil and beautiful with amazing borders but they brought in some of their rescue dogs that really brought it to life as you could see the joy exploring and playing in this beautiful space brought them. At the end of the day as we sat with an ice-cream listening to a fantastic swing-band we were exhausted but with heads full of ideas and inspirations and a trolley full of plants and projects to take back to our little garden. poly-tunnel amongst the tomatoes Such a wonderful day that we and grew in spectacular fashion with can’t recommend enough nor thank very dark leaves and bright orange the Horticultural Society enough to flowers. have given us. At that time, Cannas were Rachel Herbert usually grown in public parks but rarely in private gardens. Apparently, the reason they were UK National Canna Collection common in public spaces was that no th 30 Aug 2016 matter how much they are neglected Another excellent visit organised by they seem to flourish and flower. Angus & Barbara - and so close to In 1997, Keith started to use home too! Thanks also to David the Internet, and this opened up the Jackson for the excellent photos. possibility of exchanging cannas with Around 20 members of the collectors worldwide, but particular- Society gathered in Farnborough at ly with collectors in the USA. Soon the home of Keith & Christine the number of cannas in their Hayward who currently hold the UK collection began to escalate. National Collection of Cannas. Realising that there were no We were invited into their suppliers specialising in canna back garden where Keith told us how rhizomes by mail order, Keith and they had started their Canna Christine decided to start selling collection over 30 years ago. cannas commercially. Their mail With a 10-metre long order company, Hart Canna, was poly-tunnel in the back garden and formed in 1998. an interest, at that time, in growing As well as by mail order, vegetables, Keith’s first purchase Keith & Christine also sell cannas direct from their 2-acre nursery in was an impulse buy. This ‘Wyoming’ variety was planted in the Bisley, and, during open days, from

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shire Group. Keith & Christine also exhibit at major Shows such as Hampton Court and Malvern and they also display at Wisley Gardens. They won a gold award in 2016 in the floral marquee at the RHS Hampton Court Flower show. Keith explained that, in addition to the General Judging their garden in Farnborough (they Criteria, they were also judged sell nothing but Cannas). under the Lindley Rules where Not having the production scientific and educational merit facility to grow their own stock, are included in the judging they began by importing canna criteria. rhizomes from Holland. Keith told us At the conclusion of our that they had been badly ‘let down’ guided-tour of the garden by a grower in Holland in the early Christine provided tasty cream days but subsequently found other teas and, at this point, most of us good growers in Holland, and other were glad to find a shady spot to countries within Europe. sit on a very warm afternoon. In 1999, in order to market In conclusion, a pleasant their canna business, they began to garden visit where we were made hold an annual Open Day in their very welcome by our enthusiastic garden at Farnborough, both as a hosts. marketing exercise and also to meet Ed their customers. They advertised their Open Days widely, both to Another aspect of our visit their customers and to the trade. Christine was kind enough to take Among many visitors to their some of us into the poly-tunnel for first Hart Canna Open Day was a representative from the head office of Plant Heritage who suggested that they might apply for National Collection status for their canna collection. With the support of the existing Collection Holder, Ian Cooke (of Brockings Exotics near Launces- ton, Cornwall), they submitted an application, and were accepted in year 2000 as members of the Hamp-

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a chat and started by explaining the shire’s beautiful countryside, rich in need to dead-head carefully to colour and flora. ensure that no dead flowers would Mark Porter, our host, greet- be left to drop onto leaves below ed us and showed us into the tea that might otherwise encourage room where we would enjoy our rotting and discolouration of the picnic lunch. Tea and coffee were leaves. provided. Some of us thought what a We were also informed that wonderful ‘Granny Annexe’ or compost has to be peat-free, in line ‘Holiday home’ it would be. Such was with RHS dictats. We were shown the delight of the gardens. the fertiliser granules that they Fifteen years ago Mark and use. his wife moved into a house with A final tip covered over- seven acres of fields. What a trans- wintering; cut down to about one formation; the house has been foot high, remove from pot, split enlarged and is now a resplendent with a knife if necessary and re-pot building with a beautiful patio that each half. Water and feed initially overlooks the Rose Garden. until established. Mark and his wife planned and Watering should continue all built the Rose Garden as soon as winter and plants must be kept in a they moved in, the thought of what frost-free place. Next Spring the to do with the rest of the seven growth will come from the base and acres was a very large thought. They last year’s stalk can be removed. decided to employ a designer, Chris Donna Gray Beardshaw (The Flying Gardener from television). He did not fly into Itchen Abbas Vineyard their garden but did plan a most 19th September 2016 attractive garden, with diverse We enjoyed a beautiful drive down plants, colours and contrasts. to The Down House through Hamp- Beyond the garden there is

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seat. The fact that she was covered another more recently planted in bubble-wrap caused quite a few vineyard with 1000 vines. The field double takes from other drivers. slopes gently down to the banks of For anyone wishing to visit the River Itchen meandering its the vineyard, it will be open on 19th way peacefully through the February 2017 to see crocuses and countryside. other early spring flowers (more Many of us had our photo- info – see page 3, Ed). graph taken with the young lady The initial 150 vines (white: reading her book - a fabulous life Phoenix, Seyval Blanc, Schoenburger size bronze statue sitting on a and red: Regent, Dornfelder, bench. Apparently, Mark had to Triomphe) were planted 6 years ago travel quite a distance to buy her and the next 150 vines were planted and such is her beauty that she did 3 years ago inside the beech hedge. not travel home in the boot of the They are pruned by either the spur car, but seated on the passenger

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The UK’s climate is now such that these grape varieties, tradi- tionally associated with the champagne region of France and other parts of the world, can be successfully grown in the south of England and produce award-winning sparkling wine. or Guyot (cane) method. Mark gave us a tour and talk The first wine was made at about the vines planted nearest the The Down House in 2008 and 150 house. He then showed us all the bottles were made from the 2010 various equipment needed to turn crop, the most drinkable being the the humble grape into nectar. We rosé according to our daughter! then sampled said delicacy, and of 1,000 new vines - Chardonnay, course bought some. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - were Barbara Cairns planted at the top of the meadow on the sloping, south-facing, flinty chalk terroir with the aim of pro- ducing an Itchen Valley sparkling wine in 2014.

Reports on Winter Talks

Biodiversity in Hart  Monitoring and survey work by Dr. Paul Howe  Land management and th 8 September 2016 enhancement Catering kindly provided by  Education and awareness Barbara Cairns Paul works in partnership with other Paul explained that he is employed groups such as Parish Councils, by Rushmoor Borough Council as friends of groups and other council their Biodiversity Officer and is departments and started his talk by also responsible for implementing explaining that there is a hierarchy the Hart Biodiversity Action Plan of sites across Europe, National (BAP). The specific actions outlined sites (Special Scientific Interest), in the plan fit into four broad and county sites (designated by categories: Hampshire Biodiversity Centre).  Development control and There are 4,500 hectares of

planning policy designated sites in the rural district

14 DW&CVHS February 2017 of Hart. For example, the Thames Odiham Common, the former Basin Heath is recognised interna- hunting ground of Edward the tionally as a Special Protection Area Confessor, has 39 ancient woodland (SPA) and covers over 2,000 indicator species, e.g. early Purple hectares (5,000 acres). Such sites Orchid, Solomon’s Seal, Lesser- are strictly protected and are Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, classified for rare and vulnerable Brown Hairstreak and Forester birds, and for regularly occurring Moths. migratory species. Although familiar to most of Paul showed us a map of the us, it was interesting to hear that, Thames Basin Heath within Hart and at 50 hectares, Fleet pond is the listed three rare and vulnerable largest freshwater lake in Hamp- birds. These birds are all ground- shire. The pond is also SSSI- nesting and hence susceptible to designated due to its ‘aquatic com- recreational activities such as dog- munity’. walking. The three birds are as fol- The Fleet Pond local nature lows: reserve also includes surrounding Dartford Warbler – numbers now wet woodland and heathland. Reed increasing. Warblers, Bittern, Common Tern, Wood Lark – found on the heathland and Harvest Mice are among the and, more recently, in the relatively more interesting species to be new (3-7 years old) pine forest. found in the nature reserve. Nightjar – rarely seen, well camou- We were also informed that flaged during the day and more Fleet Pond presents some interest- active after dark. ing issues in terms of balancing Sites of Special Scientific SSSI management with recreational Interest (SSSI) are nationally use. important sites, originally designat- The next category was Sites ed in 1981. Such sites include wood- of Importance for Nature Conser- land, aquatic, lowland, and grassland. vation (SINC). Such sites are Local examples include the Greywell important in a county context. Tunnel (bat roost), Odiham Common, There are 250 such sites in Hart, and Fleet Pond. covering approximately 2,000

Following Steve Thirkettle’s retirement from the committee, email communications with members are now handled by Sylvia Hebdon. With this change in emailing could we ask you all to ensure that Sylvia’s emails do not disappear into your ‘junk mail’ by adding [email protected] to your contacts list thus ensuring that you are kept up-to-date regarding visits and talks and other relevant items concerning your membership.

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Spot our new committee member! hectares and these are subject to a Paul ended his talk by inform- rolling programme of survey and ing us that he has a small budget of review. £5k/year to deliver small-scale Some of the more notable habitat creation projects, e.g. Zebon SINC sites managed by Hart Copse where, working with the Resi- District Council (HDC) include dents’ Association, they have creat- Hartley Wintney Common, Elvetham ed wildflower areas. Heath, and Royal Oak Valley. After the refreshment Management covers grazing, mowing, break, Paul answered questions from pond maintenance, ditch clearance, the audience; for example “What is and coppicing. an ancient woodland?” The answer Suitable Alternative Natural was “An area continuously forested Greenspace (SANG) covers new since 1600”. Another question was development and Hart DC will begin whether there needs to be another to manage a number of SANG sites cull of Canada Geese around Fleet over the next few years. Pond. The answer was that the local

Volunteer Needed

Car Park Manager - required to plan, set up, and coordinate the car parking area on the day of the Show. Please contact our chairman, Brian Leversha, for more information.

16 DW&CVHS February 2017 authority don’t do this sort of thing taking us on a wonderful journey. and it is up to the land-owner to Around 40 members and control. guests attended the evening which Asked about the council’s is a good testament to John’s relationship with the MoD who are popularity as a speaker. owners of large tracts of land The audience were split into locally, Paul answered that regular teams A&B, depending upon which staff changes at the MoD make it side of the room you were sitting. difficult to liaise with them. The As each slide was projected council did, however, work with the onto the screen John asked MoD on the Fleet Pond silting issue. alternate teams whether they knew The MoD also work with the the location or whether they knew a Wildlife Trust (view web link for particular fact about the area. No further info on this organisation points were awarded but people http://www.wildlifetrusts.org). enjoyed the mildly competitive The council also support the element of the ‘journey’ that start- Basingstoke Canal financially, as do ed in the Isles of Scilly and weaved the other councils whose areas it around the UK to Scotland. passes through. Such support is John started in the Isles of given in conjunction with the Scilly asking how many of the Basingstoke Canal Society. islands were worth visiting – answer: In conclusion, a very wide- seven or eight. However, the island ranging and interesting subject and of Tresco stood out for its well-presented by our speaker. sub-tropical plants that apparently Ed survive due to the shelter afforded by a belt of pine trees. Out & About: Britain’s Natural We visited an 11th Century Wonders church in Mylor, Cornwall. Still in by John Negus Cornwall we saw the village of (13th Oct 2016) Trebetherick where English poet Catering kindly provided by Sue John Betjeman was buried and St. Smith Enodoc’s Church, also in As a regular guest-speaker at our Trebetherick, famous from having winter talks, John Negus is well been virtually buried by adjacent known to Society members and sand dunes. always seems to come up with some- We moved on to Bodmin thing new to talk about. Moor and Daphne du Maurier, fa- In this case, John had a large mous for her novel ‘Jamaica Inn’. number of photos of ‘Britain’s Then on to a village close to Tintagel Natural Wonders’ and he chose an where we were asked about a deep audience-participation format for hole in the ground – apparently a

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by weathering and the answer to John’s question was that they are named ‘cheese-wring’, a press-like device that was once used to make cheese. This was followed by John asking from which port the China Clay of St Austell was shipped – Charlestown. Next on the journey was the Eden Project in Cornwall and a photo of the Biomes, each one named as per the contents, e.g. Rain- slate mine. forest, Humid Tropics, etc., the Next a rock outcrop of inside of each biome being granite slabs a few miles north of climatically and geographically Liskeard. The shapes were formed defined for similar communities of plants.

RHS affiliation and discounted entry to RHS Gardens All bona fide gardening clubs and horticultural societies with an annual membership subscription are eligible for affiliation to the RHS. Such clubs and societies should have a remit to promote horticulture at a local level, should hold regular meetings and/or hold an annual show. The DW&CVHS meets all these criteria and is affiliated to the RHS. One of the benefits of affiliation is the opportunity to purchase Garden Reduced Price Entry (GPRE) cards. GPRE cards can be used an unlimited number of times during the year and grant up to two people a 30% discount on the normal adult entry rate at any of the four RHS Gardens (except Wisley on Sundays). Members of the DW&CVHS might like to know that the Society holds two GPRE cards for use by our members. The cards are held by our Membership Secretary, Sylvia Hebdon, and can be borrowed after payment of a refundable £10 deposit. Please contact Sylvia as follows:- Sylvia Hebdon, Chelsea Cottage, The Street, Crookham Village, Fleet, GU51 5SQ. tel: 01252-622965 e-mail: [email protected]

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John moved on to the delightful Cornish village of Fowey where the historical novel ‘Frenchman's Creek’ was written by Daphne du Maurier. However, John’s question was about a more obscure author who wrote about Cornwall. I don’t think anyone in the audience knew the answer: A.L. Rowse. On to National Park and who wrote Lorna Doone (R.D. Blackmore) and the Tarr Steps across the River Barle. The stones weigh between one and two tons each and have been washed away many times, mainly due to debris such as branches floating down with the flood and battering the bridge. Debris esque walk alongside the East Lyn is now trapped by cables strung across River in North Devon and asked for the river upstream of the bridge. the name of the place where the Whilst on Exmoor, John recom- East Lyn river meets the West Lyn mended walking a stone track that climbs river – Watersmeet. up Dunkery Hill to the highest point on Whilst still on the Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon, at a height of north coast of Devon we were shown 1700 feet, with views of both the Bristol a photo of the Lynton and Lynmouth and English Channel coasts, the Severn Cliff funicular railway joining the Bridges, the , Bodmin twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Moor, and Cleeve Hill in The question this time was how it Gloucestershire. was powered – by water taken from Dunster Castle in was the nearby river and used as a also recommended for a visit. balance weight before being dis- John also took us for a pictur- charged onto the beach. John asked the name of the island, three miles by one mile in size, in the – Lundy Island, and he recommended a stay on the island in the 19th century lighthouse. With the emphasis on a good walk, John suggested a visit to Lydford Gorge, on the edge of Dartmoor. With the deepest gorge in the South West and a spectacular

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30m waterfall called ‘The White you can’t see the handholds. Lady’, the three-mile circular walk Chatsworth House in Derby- was highly recommended. shire was next on the list and the Next on the itinerary was answer to John’s question was ‘The Athelhampton in Dorset and then on to the National Trust-owned Slindon Estate near Chichester where they grow 80 different varieties of pumpkins and squashes including one called sweet dumplings. On to the Water Lillies display at RHS Wisley which John highly recommends and then to Winkworth Arboretum, famous for its autumn colours. From Devil’s Dyke on the South Downs to Lawrence Johnston's North Cotswolds ‘garden Emperor Fountain’. Also at of rooms’ at Hidcote. The design is Chatsworth we were asked who intended to create the illusion that commissioned the planting of trees it’s much larger than it really is. – answer Lancelot (Capability) Next slide showed the Brown. delightful Cotswolds village of Next on our whistle-stop Bibury and John asked about the age tour was the Brimham Rocks near of the cottages – circa 1415. Ripon in North Yorkshire, followed Bourton-on-the-Water in by Llanthony Priory halfway along the Cotswolds was described by the road between Abergavenny and John as being “the best place to be Hay-on-Wye. in winter”! Quiz question was to After John’s fascinating name the river, famous for its illustrated talk we adjourned for Rainbow Trout – River Windrush. some refreshments followed by a We then moved on to the question-and-answer session where Gargoyles at the bottom of Cleave John fielded many questions in his Hill near to Cheltenham, to own inimitable style. Winchcombe, and then to Stratford As usual with John’s talks, -upon-Avon. he was very generous, handing out Next port of call was the packets of seeds and even a few village of Malham in Yorkshire with books that were ‘awarded’ to those John recommending that the who gave the correct answers (or circular walk around Gordale Scar is something like that…!). undertaken anti-clockwise otherwise John finished by saying

20 DW&CVHS February 2017 that if anyone has any plants that Oblique cordons they can’t identify he would be quite happy for members to send him a photo, attached to an email, and he would try to identify them. In conclusion, many thanks to John Negus for a most entertaining and illuminating evening. are so compact that you can pack Ed them in at 1.0m to 1.5m between trees. Alternatively, for M26, the Fruit and Pruning size of the mature tree increases to by Jim Arbury 3m. th (10 Nov 2016) There are two main root- Catering kindly provided by stocks for pears, Quince C Donna Gray (dwarfing) and Quince A (semi- Jim began by explaining his current vigorous). For small gardens, Jim role at RHS Wisley and a little of recommended growing in oblique his background in horticulture. He cordons, at a 45-degree angle, to started working at Wisley in 1982 increase the length of the stem, and and for most of his time there has hence fruits, at picking height. worked in the Fruit Section, The trees are grown as a carrying out all aspects of fruit single stem, with all the fruit on growing. His remit also includes short laterals immediately off the instructing trainees, staff and central stem. Spacing between visitors and writing the tree-fruit cordons around 1m. A good crop can section of the RHS Vegetable and be expected after 2-4 years with a Fruit Growing book. Jim’s current minimum of two varieties growing title at Wisley is ‘Horticultural simultaneously for cross- Specialist’. fertilisation. To keep the trees Jim started his talk with compact, prune in August as growth advice on growing fruit with the slows. topic broken down into five sections: Jim also recommended spindle aspect, shelter, altitude, frost bush apple trees that are very pro- pockets and soil. ductive and heavy-cropping in a small Apples & Pears – discussed root- amount of space, with the potential to stocks, grafting and budding. There produce some fruit in the first year of are a large range of rootstocks planting whilst being easy to manage. available that enable one to choose Recommended cultivars of apples – the desired size of tree. For there are about 740 at Wisley and example, M27 apple rootstock will 2,000 in the National Collection. Jim grow to a mature tree with a 1.5m suggested growing something that height/spread. Apple trees on M27 21 DW&CVHS February 2017

Spindle Bush apple trees of sweet cherries. Pruning Jim recommended using a hard-point pruning saw wherever possible. Open-centred pruning methods help sunlight penetrate the canopy. The aim is to get a lighter crop of good size whilst keeping the tree short and accessible for harvesting. you like that is not readily available Prune in the winter months, i.e. De- to buy; for example, Discovery and cember to March. Formative pruning Scrumptious (early season dessert) is when young trees are pruned in and for cookers, Bountiful (less the first few years to get the acidic) or Lane’s Prince Albert (more framework right. acidic like Bramleys). Surrey Apples We were shown photos of such as Cockle Pippin and Claygate neglected trees and then discussed Pearmain were also recommended. remedial methods with the aim of Pear Cultivars – there are over 170 getting more air and light in. Jim European Pear cultivars at Wisley. suggested spreading the remedial Of those varieties, the best ones pruning over 2 to 3 years, e.g. first for the UK climate are Beth (early year open up centre and second year season) and the very widely-grown reduce height. Conference (mid-season). For making cuts, Jim advised For Harvesting, Jim recom- cutting to the point of origin or to a mended picking early varieties just side-branch one third of the before they are fully ripened, when diameter of the piece being they are firm and swollen and taste removed, removal of large branches sweet. Later varieties should part in sections, and cutting back to a easily from the tree when lifted and collar. gently twisted. After refreshments, Jim Plums – some plum rootstocks are answered a number of questions self-fertile such as Pixy and Saint from the audience. Julian A. In our area they can be A very interesting talk and grown as pyramids or fan-trained very encouraging for those who and, as such, are easy to cover with would like to grow more fruit in a fleece for frost protection. Victoria smaller plot. plums are harvested late summer/ early autumn. Ed Cherries – Morello Cherries are the main acid cherry in the UK, dark red in colour and excellent for preserves. There are quite a number

22 DW&CVHS February 2017 Quiz Night 8th December 2016

32 members gathered at the WI Hut for one of Angus’ Quiz nights and what fun we had. At the start of the evening there was the usual, supping of wine, selling of raffle tickets, and an extra raffle for a beautiful white and silver Christmas cake donated by a member. By way of introduction Angus said he had received loads of complaints about his previous quizzes being too difficult so he had ripped the planned one up and started again. Unfortunately, as we have not all got degrees in Quantum Physics – we were delighted to hear this and therefore might get the opportunity to get one or two answers correct. Angus went on to say that the quiz he was giving us tonight was the “dumbed down version” and would consist of 90 questions. We all thought this seemed like quite a lot but hey ho. We were split into six teams by picking your table number out of a bag, which works very well and you don’t know who you will be sitting with. Angus stood in the middle of the hall and read out the questions, some- times being asked to repeat the questions and sometimes people wanted a little more time to write down their answers. He was most patient. The ques- tions were very varied in content, some more difficult than others, but, and this was important, we all felt we had a reasonable chance of getting quite a lot correct. We paused for mince pies and more wine, kindly provided by our President Pat, and then Angus allowed each table to ask him to repeat one question each before swopping answer sheets with another table. Again Angus read out the answers, amongst much laughter, and the results were surprising. The winning table got 62 correct, whilst other tables were in the 50’s so a good result. We then had the two raffles. Ann won the cake and Brian said she would have to take it to Paris as she was going there for Christmas. Brian ended the evening by thanking Angus, Sue, Mike and Jane for getting the mince pies and serving the wine. He also thanked everyone for coming and wished us all a Happy Christmas. Donna Gray

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24 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Dogmersfield, Winchfield and Crookham Village Horticultural Society

Thursday 9th March 2017 (7.30 pm at the W.I. Hall, The Street, Crookham Village)

AGENDA 1 President’s Welcome.

2 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, 2016.

3 Approve the Chairman’s Report on the work of the Society during the preceding year.

4 Approve the Annual Accounts signed by the Accounts Examiner and Chairman, following a brief presentation by the Treasurer.

5 Election of Officers – Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Members.

6 Consider any motion that has been notified to the Secretary of the Society in the last 28 days prior to the date of the AGM.

7 Draw two tickets for an RHS Flower Show from a list of current paid-up Members.

8 Any other business.

The AGM will be followed by a demonstration of flower-arranging, by member Sue Gibbons, entitled ‘Spring has Sprung’. DW&CVHS February 2017

This year’s Flower Show & Fête Saturday 22nd July

Hampton Court Flower Show 2016 Summer and City Garden gold medal winner “A Summer Retreat” (see member Rachel Herbert’s account on page 9)

Reminder AGM Thursday 9th March 2017 at 7.30 pm At the W.I. Hall, The Street, Crookham Village, GU51 5SJ

the newsletter of the DW&CVHS