Carsphairn SWI Garden Share and Say
Vice President, Dorothy Faulds welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies and previous minutes were noted and the Treasurer’s Report was given by Nancy White. Items that came up under business included a report from the recent Short Mat bowling competition, plans for the May Open Evening which is to be a Beetle Drive and other upcoming Federation events.
Dorothy then introduced ‘Share and Say’ on gardens and gardening. Members round the table were invited to share anything at all related to plants and growing. This brought forth a wealth and variety of different items. Everyone heard about which plants bees are attracted to at different times of the year. The June Gap was new to most members. A chart showing different colours of pollen collected and how this identifies the plants they’ve visited was shared.
Some members shared poems relating to gardening, providing lots of food for thought. How to make plant food from banana skins was well received too. There were stories of gardens and plants and how they had struggled and survived through the seasons for different reasons. One member shared a story about a special flower that pops up every year in their garden bringing pleasure and memories each time.
There were mishaps and rescues recounted. Some leaflets, fridge magnets, hellebore and money plant seedlings were offered for everyone to take home. Some stories prompted thoughts of the past and some pointed to the future. It was amazing how much members had learned from each other by the end of the session.
Alison Metcalfe and Susie Seed provided welcome refreshments which everyone enjoyed. While members caught up with each other over the tea and treats, Susie kindly judged the competitions. There was a particularly interesting entry in the ‘Bowl of Bulbs’ class (image: right).
The results were as follows:
Bowl of bulbs 1. Dorothy Faulds 2. Sheila Little 3. Alison Metcalfe.
Chocolate Sponge 1. Nancy White 2. Dorothy Faulds 3. Sheila Little.
Flower of the Month 1. Isobel Cuthbertson 2. Nancy White 3. Dorothy Faulds.
Dorothy thanked Alison and Susie for providing the refreshments and everyone for their contribution to the evening. The raffle which had lots of prizes was then drawn, and drawn and drawn!
Everyone helped to tidy up and headed for home. The evening had generated lots of laughter and learning. Throughout the proceedings our Carsphairn SWI mascot had kept a weather eye on everyone!