July’s meeting of members was very well attended. On conclusion of club business the evening’s guest speaker, John Price, took the floor to talk about his second horticultural passion - hydrangeas, camellias being his first.

John briefly outlined his horticultural background in Cornwall and extensive travels around the world to widen his knowledge before commencing a most informative talk.

Two long tables had been set up whereupon a plethora of hydrangea bunches ranging in size, type and colour had been laid out to accentuate points he was making as he spoke. Highlighting the most common forms seen in Cornwall - macrophylla (both mophead and lacecap) and serrata (dainty lacecap), John showed members the spectrum of colours hydrangeas display. He explained the influence that soil aciditiy or alkalinity has on the colours produced and how to change the soil Ph to achieve the colours desired. He also advised members that red and pink hydrangeas do better in sun and blues in shade when it comes to positioning them to maintain their colours.

Hydrangeas are versatile plants and not averse to growing in pots - and even climbing hydrangeas are available, though they can take up to seven years to flower. Watering was covered and John stressed the desirability of using rainwater if at all possible, particularly for blue hydrangeas, as tap water contains lime which would, over time, turn them to pink.

Dispelling a few myths along the way, such as the use of rusty nails to produce blue plants, John went on to cover the feeding, pruning, and frost protection needed to maintain healthy plants. He also demonstrated the simplicity of propagating hydrangeas and talked about some of the varieties he finds most commendable.

At the end of his presentation, members were given a useful information sheet and offered the chance to buy hydrangeas grown by Towan Nurseries and to take selections from the variety of bunches on display for cuttings. A vote of thanks for John’s time and expertise was extended on the club’s behalf by Kristian Pixton.

The next hall meeting is on Monday, September 15 when Sheila Chandler will be covering ‘Late Colour in the Garden‘ and holding a plant sale. On August 5, members will be going on a coach outing to Bonython Estate Gardens, via a stop to explore at Roskilly‘s. The club meets at Mabe & Youth Community Project Hall in Primelin Place, Cunningham Park, Mabe.

New members and guests are always welcome. For further details, please contact Sue Mitchell on 01326 376418.