Ben Pope, a local Head Gardener, came to give us a inspirational talk all about container gardening and focussed on what amazing results can be achieved with a little imagination. Growing plants in containers offers all sorts of opportunities to create spectacular displays in a flexible way. It does not have to be in conventional pots, anything can be utilised – tin cans, old china and any receptacles you may have around such as colanders and magazine racks and even old broken pots! It is important to ensure that there is adequate drainage and the growing medium can be adapted to suit the plants you are choosing to use.
Traditionally containers are created using colourful annuals such as petunias, lobelia, geraniums, fuchsias to name a few. However, wonderful displays can be made using succulents which are easy to grow and propagate. Plants which provide texture and colour as a green/leafy foundation in pots are ivys, helichrysum, heuchera and coleus which come a wide array of colours, and even herbs can work really well. If you have taken cuttings of some herbaceous perennials such as pittosporum or euonymus, these can look fabulous in a pot and can be transplanted out into the garden when they get too big.The big advantage is that they also offer winter colour.
Wonderful displays can be made using succulents which are easy to grow and propagate. They like a well-drained soil with a good proportion of grit. These grow well in a shady area as do ferns which can also make a lovely display. It is important to think about textures and plant sizes and place the plants in position before you finally plant them. Succulents are very easy to propagate as well, in some cases just breaking off a leaf/offshoot and inserting in the soil will result in new plants.
The Growing Together Project continues its excellent work at the schools and volunteers have been working hard to get the garden areas at Hayling College ready for planting. Any surplus food is provided to the Community Pantry in the Library. We still need more help here and in the Gardening Clubs which are flourishing in all the local schools. Just give Ray Jones an email on admin@hihs.org.uk and we will make sure he gets your contact details. The usual time at Hayling College is after school on a Wednesday. There is always time for a cup of tea and a chat as well!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Wednesday 22nd March - we are pleased to announce that Peter Rogers will be giving a monthly talk about ‘How to Grow Vegetables’. Start time is 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church Hall in Hollow Lane.
Wednesday 19th April - A trip is organised to the impressive Arundel Tulip Festival and Castle leaving from the Island by coach. If you are interested contact Kim on admin@hihs.org.uk. This promises to be a real treat!
Saturday 24th June - We are expanding our Summer Show to include a Community Fair to be held at The Hayling College. Any local groups interested in getting involved please contact Liese on publicity@hihs.org.uk.