WAGS NEWS
April 2006
Chairman's Piece
As I am sure you all know Bill Stickley has been very ill and is now needing oxygen. Obviously Joyce had been concerned on leaving him on the dark nights and I therefore volunteered to cover for her for the time being. However she now feels more confident to go out for an hour at night and will therefore be our fully fledged Chairperson for the coming year or two. Thank you Joyce for taking on the office which I know you will do very efficiently.
I would like to thank all members for their support and friendship over the past two years. Which the store has weathered well at a difficult time and is now on a firm footing with Gareth at the helm and Colin Timmins as assistant Manager and a big thank you also to the members who volunteered to help in the store and have continued to do so on a regular basis. There is a store rota on display in the store, if anyone else feels moved to do a morning stint now and again please sign up. I know you will be welcome. Thank you everyone for your cheerfulness and friendship over the years. We will still visit the store but perhaps not on quite such a regular basis. I must also thank Bill for all the good work he has done for the store over very many years. I’m sure that we shall still see him there from time to time and that we all wish him a continuing recovery with the return to a more active life.
Memorial Garden
Many of you will remember that some years ago we created a Memorial Garden outside St Mary the More Church and that members were going to plant and tend this. For many years Doug Sears has regularly carried this on. Unfortunately he is now unable to continue with the labour. We think and hope that the Council will carry on this task in the future. Further report expected. Meanwhile very many thanks to Doug for all his hard work.
Allotment Research
We received via our website – so ably run by Myron Edwards – a request for Allotment members who would be willing to fill in a questionnaire for a mature student in York who is need of the information for his dissertation entitled “Health & Wellbeing from the Allotment in the C21st” He had a rather tight time frame. I therefore rang round a number of members who worked allotments and managed to find eight members , working plots around the area who were willing to participate. These have been posted off and we await results. Thank you very much to willing participants.
P.S. John Wheelhouse has received the completed questionnaires and is very grateful to the respondents.
Iris Novell
From the President's Pen
A little bit about Bonsai.
There are several references to plants being kept in pots in Egypt and India in ancient times; these were kept for decorative and medicinal reasons. The first reference to what we now call Bonsai was in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where they created miniature landscapes and trees that they called Penjing, which literally translated means tray scenery.
One Chinese legend contends that it was in the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) that an emperor created a landscape in his courtyard complete with hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and trees that represented his entire empire. He created the landscape so that he could gaze upon his entire empire from his palace window. This landscape form of art was his alone to possess. It was said that anyone else found in possession of even a miniature landscape was seen as threat to his empire and put to death.
The earliest documented proof of bonsai was discovered in the tomb of Prince Zhang Huai, who died in 706 during the Tang Dynasty. Two wall paintings discovered in the tomb show servants carrying plants resembling bonsai. In one of the paintings a servant is seen carrying a miniature landscape and in the other painting a servant is shown carrying a pot containing a tree.
Penjing in China enjoyed vigorous artistic development during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and by the early years of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the art had become very popular, and the first manuals appeared. With increasing popularity, more commercial, folkloristic, and regionally diverse streams of Penjing sprang up alongside the more sophisticated, artistic forms. In addition to aesthetically refined Penjing, one could find trees whose trunks had been coiled to represent dragons and animals, or whose canopies depicted layers of clouds, or trees shaped to resemble the strokes of fortuitous characters.
The art of creating miniature trees probably reached Japan during the Heian period (794-1191), during this time Japan sent envoys to China to study arts, architecture, language, literature, law and Buddhism. In so doing the Japanese imported Chinese culture and arts on a large scale. Called Bonsai (tree in a pot or tray) in Japan, this art form was initially limited to the elite noble class and did not start to become popular until the Muromachi era in the 14th century, jointly prospering with the green tea ceremony to become part of Japanese culture.
By the Edo era in the 16th century, every citizen of every class, from the Daimyo (feudal lord) to the merchants, wouldn't hesitate at a chance to enjoy Bonsai together, and several competitions for potters were held. During this period the Japanese developed a passion for growing plants and gardens and in this period Bonsai styles appear on prints and illustrations along with life's events and landscapes. It is regarded that the Japanese Bonsai arts reached their peak by the 18th century, and were regarded very highly.
The Japanese went to great lengths to refine the art of Bonsai and a lot of credit must go to these early masters, the refinements that they developed have made Bonsai what it is today, and some consider that the finest Bonsai are still being developed in Japan. While it is almost certain that Western man had in some small way been exposed to Bonsai even as early as the 16th Century by sea traders and missionaries, the earliest Bonsai to come to the west came from Japan and China. The showing of Bonsai at Paris exhibitions in 1878, 1889, 1900 and the first major Bonsai exhibition held in London in 1909 increased western interest in Bonsai. In the late 1800's at least 2 Japanese nurseries had operations in America and a catalogue from the S.M. Japanese Nursery Company from 1904 indicates that over six hundred plants were auctioned off over a three day period in New York City. In these early years many westerners felt that the trees looked tortured and many openly voiced their displeasure in the way the trees were being treated by Bonsai masters. It wasn't until 1935 that opinions changed and Bonsai was finally classified as an art in the west.
With the end of World War II, Bonsai started to gain in popularity in the west with soldiers returning from Japan with bonsai in tow sparking western interest in the art. The large Japanese-American population was invaluable to Americans in this respect. Their knowledge in the art of bonsai was of great interest to many Americans learning the art. Today, bonsai are sold in department stores, garden centres, nurseries and many others places. However, most of these are young cuttings and not the true Bonsai produced by Bonsai masters. Most trees purchased today are known as pre-bonsai and for the most part are only used as a starting point. Good quality Bonsai take many years to grow and develop and may sometimes be bought from specialist nurseries or private collections.
Peter Atkins
Trips & Catering
Trips
Our first trip for 2006, on Thursday 4th May, is to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire. Sir Harold acquired the site in 1953 to provide a home for his ever-increasing plant collection, but surprisingly, had no overall plan for the garden. Join us and discover the result! The highlights for our visit should be Magnolia Valley, the Spring Walks (Camellias and Rhododendrons), and the Pond and Bog garden. There are good facilities for coffee, snacks and lunches, plus a picnic area.
On Sunday 16th July we shall be visiting Waddesdon Manor Gardens in Buckinghamshire. Established by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, the gardens were completed in 1899 and restored in the 1990s. Take in Baron Ferdinand’s Walk, visit the aviary, wander through the rose and water gardens, and see the spectacular carpet bedding on the parterre, all against a backdrop of the Manor itself and many beautiful sculptures. There are two restaurants, plus gift, food and wine shops to visit.
Trip 3 is to the National Arboretum at Westonbirt on Sunday 29th October … more details in a later WAGS News.
Trips will cost around £15 - £17 if we fill the coach. Do please book as soon as possible and invite your friends for a day out, too! A deposit of £5 would be appreciated. We look forward to seeing you.
Godfrey and Emma Broad
Catering
The A.G.M. was not attended by as many members as last year, however the cheese and wine that followed was enjoyed by those that stayed. Thank you to all those who helped in a variety of ways. Our next major event is the band concert in August. While some months away, I would appreciate helpers and of course the stalwarts who make such fine cakes. Please let me know if you are willing to help.
Barbara Caister
Shop Talk
In spite of ordering an increased quantity of seed potatoes, they were all sold out by the end of February. I suspect that part of the reason was the fact that they were delivered very early this year, before they became available in the market and garden centres. Weather permitting, I shall ask for an early delivery again next year, so they should be available in the store sometime in the middle of January. Particularly popular were the three varieties of salad potatoes, and I shall order larger quantities of these next year.
A small quantity of onion sets still remain, though I suspect that these will have been sold by the time the newsletter will have been published. On the other hand, a good selection of spring bulbs still remain.
The sixth Dobies order has just been delivered. I suggest that if anyone needs anything else from Dobies they give me their order ASAP. Otherwise, it may be too late.
Finally, there will be a few enforced changes to the store in the near future. The store counter has passed it’s “sell by date” and needs to be replaced. This is part of a plan to brighten up the store. You may have seen my initial efforts with a paint brush on the outside. Also, the power supply to the store is proving to be inadequate, and I am having discussions with Centre 70 and its electrical contractors about its replacement. I apologies for any inconvenience
Gareth Roberts
The Last Word
I joined five other intrepid students on a recent cold dry weekend in March to learn about Dry Stone Walling. We were allocated about a metre between two of us; one working each side of the wall. It took us all of an hour to demolish it, carefully placing the stones in piles to be re-used later on. The particular stretch of wall we worked on had been used several times before by students and had grown in width, to the extent that the top stones did not span the top of the wall. The principle of building bricks applies but you handle the same stone many times before you find a suitable position. It is not difficult work, but you do need regular breaks and to stand back and view your progress critically as you work along the wall. It was a very enjoyable weekend, and all of us (including the tutor) were pleased with the finished wall. There is no reason why dry stone walls could not grace a garden. Done properly they will last far longer than concrete or wooden fencing and look far more pleasing. Qualified stone wallers reckon a metre a day working in pairs so it is not a cheap option initially. If I have stirred some interest, have a look at the next book on Adult Learning courses to see the variety on offer.
Bonsai is a real art form and I hope that Peter’s article might inspire some of you if you are not already enjoying the fruits of your labours.
Tim King
Membership
The membership Secretary wishes to remind you all that the newsletter are published on the last Saturday in April, July, October and January. If you do not receive yours within the first two weeks would you please ask for them in the store, especially if you do not live in Wallingford. Delivery members please make a special note as we rely on you for delivery as soon as possible..
Gardeners Question Time
We have been given details of a Gardeners Question Time to take place on Friday 12th May 2006 at Crowmarsh Village hall. £5 to include wine & nibbles.
Plant Sale
The annual plant sale has been fixed for Saturday 20th May. Starting at 9am. You may well remember that last year it was very very wet. I’m sure the helpers do!! Nevertheless we made a bumper profit, thanks to all those who contributed such a wonderful variety of plants and to the helpers who braved the elements for three hours. We will hope for better weather this year and of course more plants to sell. Please will you all think of WAGS when you are sowing, dividing or taking cuttings and put a few aside for 20th May.
The store will be open on the evening of Friday 19th May 2006 between 6pm and 8pm when we will be delighted to accept contributions. See you there!
Charity Donations
Because of the generosity of members and friends in all our activities we were able to donate quite a large amount of money to various charities. The Elizabeth Coach has been suggested for this year’s main beneficiary. If you have any other suggestions please let us know.
Show Time
The following additions will be made to the schedule for the Autumn Show in August this year:
| SECTION 'C' - Flowers - Members Only | |
|---|---|
| Foliage | A vase of mixed foliage. |
| SECTION 'F' - Specialties - Open (to Men, Women and Children) | |
| Jelly | A jar, sealed. |
| Cordial | A bottle of fruit or flower cordial. |
| Lemonade | A bottle of home made lemonade, ready to drink |
| SECTION 'G' - Wine - Open | |
| Home made Liqueur | |
| SECTION 'K' - Children Only - Aged up to 7 years Child must be under 7 on the day of the show. |
|
| A 'Monster' made from vegetable produce. No artificial adornments to be used. | |
| A collection of Wild Grasses. | |
| A Decorated Jam Jar. | |
| A picture entitled "Animal's Home", using paint or crayons. | |
| SECTION 'L' - Children Only - Aged 7 to II years
Child must be under 12 on the day of the show. |
|
| Garden in a seed tray Size not to exceed 25 x 41 cm | |
| A Healthy Lunch Box With list of items | |
| Mini Scarecrow | Maximum height 50 cm |
| A Photograph entitled “Christmas" | |
| SECTION 'M' - Children Only - Aged 12 to 16 years
Child must be under 17 on the day of the show. | |
| A Photograph entitled "My Hobby". | |
| A Party Food Item, to include the recipe. | |
| Decorate a hat using natural materials. | |
| A Birthday Card. | Maximum size A4 folded. |
Bernard Novell
A newcomer’s story
I have always loved gardening and growing things. Until my retirement this had been restricted to pottering as and when with a few borders on the edges plus a small veggie patch at the back. Then last year, with more time available I decided to reshape the garden, grow more vegetables and develop the far back of my garden.
But where to start? Living in Wallingford for the last 30 years I did of course know about WAGS and occasionally visited the Saturday morning stall. I was always impressed by the friendliness of the people serving at the stall. They all seem to know so much about plants and flowers. So joining the WAGS and attending the shop more regularly seemed an obvious first step to a more serious and methodical approach to gardening.
And sure enough week after week the ‘wise men of the WAGS ‘ came up trumps.
Q: “Why is my cabbage not growing when I have dipped it in rooting powder?”
A: “ It s them pigeons. Cover with netting”
Q: “ Something’s eating my strawberries, what to do?”
A: “grow some onions next to them”
The list of tips is endless. With their help I have managed to grow wonderful beans of all varieties, French, runners, black ones and yellow ones. As for cabbages – I trebled my productivity to 1 largish one (enough for 2 meals) and 2 smaller , slightly holey ones (more advise needed). And what of my continuous display of colourful flowers? Well, again, I was well advised and all plants bought came up looking a treat. Having said that, some of the plants seem to think they know better and simple grow in an entirely different part of the garden to where I originally put them?! … But then, who am I to argue.
Throughout the summer the stalwart support from the ‘wise men of the WAGS’ gradually helped me to get a better grip on things . I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all. Then came autumn and the annual show. Well, I thought it was spectacular. No other word for it.
I just read that Iris would like to see more entries for the flower arranging section. But the standard is so intimidating! Maybe some instruction for newcomers to explain what it is the judges are looking for in an arrangement might help.
It’s the end of January and Spring is definitely on the way. I know because the first garden catalogue from Ken Muir has just arrived. The gardening business is massive and having so many experts gathering each Saturday morning is a huge help to novices like myself. Thank goodness for WAGS.
I am now looking forward to the new season and new ideas for developing my garden.
Here is a challenge for the membership.
What to plant in an area that is mainly dry and shady?
Karin Beasley
Ball Colgrave
Ball Colgrave has raised its head again. We are invited to “The Sun/Ball Colgrave Garden Party” on Sat 5th or Sunday 6th August between 10.00am and 4.00pm. The cost will be £4.50 in advance or £5 on the day if not pre-booked. If there is sufficient interest for the Saturday we can take a coach. Otherwise it is make your own way. If you are at all interested please let me know and I will book tickets for the Saturday. Payment with the booking please but I must know number before the end of April.