COLINTON GARDEN CLUB NEWSLETTER NO 70 April 2005

“April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.”

The Waste Land
T.S.ELIOT

In my garden, the vivid pink camellia plays la dame, centre stage, while the amelanchior floats a snow-white fairy backdrop to the robin red growth on the photinia but beware! The wicked North wind may return with presents of hail and frost to wither the Spring blossom to toady teabag brown. The weather for gardeners has been fickle and cruel but I have faith that Colinton gardeners can battle and win through to glorious summer!

We were transported to hot and clammy climes or, literally, “climbs” when Kenneth Cox of Glendoick took us plant hunting in Arunachal Pradesh, India on a cool February evening. A month later, we were in a cool conservatory polishing our aspidistras and eradicating unwanted visitors of the insect variety when Louise Galloway from the Botanics gave us a very informative talk.

The next item on the agenda is the A.G.M. I promise you Colinton Garden Club’s A.G.M. is never dull and there will be wine and soft drinks to aid the process. Two of our Committee members have intimated their intention to resign. Pat Currie has done sterling work over the last few years, editing and producing the newsletter. While the Garden Club is losing its implements officer, I am gaining a garage as John Lodge is standing down. On behalf of the Club I would like to thank them both for all their efforts. I would also like to thank Margaret and Carol and Patricia for producing the tea and coffee for all the meetings. They are our unsung heroines rescuing us from drought. Without the commitment and dedication of the Committee, the Club could not function. I value their support and excellent organisational skills. We have had good attendances at all our events this year. Thank you all for your enthusiasm. Please do feel you can make suggestions about future developments. Your contributions are very welcome and it is your Club!

I am delighted to report that two members have come forward to stand for the Committee. Unfortunately, despite all my attempts and persuasion, I have failed to find a successor as Chair. It is not too late. Please come forward!

There have been two new developments in the recent calendar. We have a small group working on a project to design and produce a garden for the Microgarden Challenge competition at Gardening Scotland on 3rd, 4th and 5th June. Please support us. Another small group from the Club attended and helped the children plant to Jonathan Davey’s design at the inauguration of Colinton School’s garden on 24th March. We are considering taking this forward with a garden club for children based at the school to encourage future members!

On the morning of the 4th of June, three garden owners have kindly agreed to open their gardens to club members from 10a.m. to 12.30p.m. Details under Forthcoming Events.

The outing this year, will be to gardens in Fife on 9th July. The details and cost have yet to be confirmed but this information should be available at the next meeting.

I wish you all happy summer gardening. Here’s hoping for better weather!

Isobel Lodge, Chairperson

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