A real feast of horticultural interest today as we visit two gardens in close proximity.
Botany Club – An afternoon In Bonchurch – Wednesday 10th August
Meeting at 2pm at Ashcliff in The Pitts (PO38 1NT), Judi Lines has gardened here for nearly twenty years and has a wonderfully mature garden with many specimen plants thriving in the warm shelter. As a taster, Judi has just donated several young Tetrapanax plants for us to pot on and sell for the Friends. Parking for less able walkers available on the drive.
Then up Bonchurch Chute to Elcombe House where Charlotte Walby (the Bonsai lady) will guide us round her wonderful collection of Penjing trees. The literal translation of both Bonsai and Penjing is: a tree or shrub potted in a shallow dish or tray. Charlotte has trained in China since 1989 and is the only westerner to have been invited to join the Guangzhou Penjing Association. After the tour you will be free to browse round and relax in her lovely garden and Charlotte has kindly offered to advise anyone who may have a tree of their own and is not quite sure how best to care for it – please do bring it with you!
There will be tea available at Elcombe House from about 4.15 pm with cakes provided by your Committee!
It is suggested that parking at the top of Bonchurch Chute (near Elcombe House) or in Leeson Rd near the junction with Bonchurch Chute would be easiest with only those unable to walk down (and back up!) the hill using the parking offered at Ashcliff. As usual, friends of members are welcome. Donation of £6 to include refreshments (non-members £8); it would be most helpful if you could let Anne know if you are intending to join us (hornettsnest@aol.com).