On 20th September CHAPS members and guests enjoyed the first in an autumn series of talks to be held at Quinnettes.
About 40 people were present to hear about “ Autumn Herbaceous Perennials” from renowned plantswoman Rosie Hardy, ably supported by her husband Rob, who was delighted to be introduced as Rob as he is usually “Mr Rosie Hardy!”. Rob began by telling us a bit about their nursery: Hardy’s Garden Plants”, near Whitchurch, on a 3 acre hillside site where they grow 12 – 1300 perennials which are treated “tough”.
www.hardysplants.co.uk for more information.
Rosie’s interest in plants began when she completed a Commercial Growing course in 1988 specialising in rhubarb!. This quickly progressed to perennials, then to small shows and thence to Hampton Court flower show and Chelsea where she has won a staggering 23 Gold medals.
Rosie then took over, and from behind a delightful jungle of inviting and exciting looking plants which they had brought along, told us about all of them from a new Salvia “Kisses and Wishes” – Mary Berry’s favourite plant at Chelsea this year apparently – through beautiful 5 ft airy grasses to Sedum (which have irritatingly had their name changed to Hylotelephium just to confuse us all). They are of course still the same autumn flowering plant beloved of pollinators and excellent for our dry, sandy soil. There was plenty of inspiration and many purchases were made. Altogether a very happy and informative evening was had by all.
Our next talk about Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming, is on
Thursday 18th October at 8pm at Quinnettes and all are welcome.