July is one of the coldest months of the year and there is not much plant growth (weeds seem to be the exception) so much of the activity in the garden involves pruning, general clean up and maintenance. There are pruning demonstrations to be held on Saturday 4 and 11 July which will help to … Read More
As Winter approaches work in the garden slows down. With shorter and colder days it is better to choose the days that are fine and sunny to do the work as much that needs to be done is not as urgent as in the Spring and Summer. So far the weather has been quite mild … Read More
Lilium Regale Or should I say Xmas Lily as we commonly know them. The bulbs are sold now until July so that they create the lovely flower and scent we all associate with Christmas. Although you can plant them in the garden if you grow them in pots you can bring them indoors enhancing the … Read More
In recent newsletters we have featured the Orchards in Schools project in which project managers Michael Tennant and Sasha Goburdhone established fruit and berry orchards in five Christchurch schools last year. That was the “easy” bit. The schools have confirmed that they need help to maintain the orchards and so with your help we’re about to implement a three tier support programme. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
MEDIA RELEASE From: Canterbury Horticultural Society Date: 28 April 2015 Floral Extravaganza – an evening of inspiring floral art and design Expert floral designer Gislinde Folkerts with her contemporary Annette Waller have combined their talents to present the 2015 Margaret Watling Demonstration at the Canterbury Horticultural Society on Wednesday 20 May. A passionate Cantabrian floral … Read More
May is the start of many tasks around the garden to prepare for the coming Winter. With shorter days gardening time is reduced but do remember to keep your Winter garden safe. Treat paths and decks for moss and keep leaves off drives and paths where they may become a hazard, especially when wet. Cut … Read More
Snowdrops – on a wet and cold day when Winter has us firmly in her grip, how a patch of snowdrops can gladden the heart. They begin their flowering when little else does and therefore make themselves an invaluable addition to our gardens. Plant these lovely corms this month to ensure you are see the … Read More
Sweet fruit & crunchy nuts matched with tangy aged cheddar & crisp celery Ingredients 200g ripe apricots (or apples) 4 stems of celery 100 g walnuts (or hazelnuts) 120 g aged cheddar cheese (cubed or crumbled) Extra virgin olive oil Salt & pepper Method Halve apricots and stone. Slice thinly and add to bowl. Slice … Read More
Michael Coulter’s Top Tasks April is a busy month in the garden with the start of Autumn and cooler nights mean that we must get ready for the coming Winter. The Summer annuals are at the end of their flowering season so they need to be removed and the ground worked over and rested before … Read More
This beauty is called C. ‘Fairy Blush’. It was bred by Mark Jury and is a seedling of the camellia species C. lutchuensis. Camellia ‘Fairy Blush’ is classed as a miniature camellia. The flowers are light apple blossom pink fading to a paler pink in the centre and wonderfully perfumed. These masses of flowers are … Read More