The meeting got off to a sombre start as we remembered one of our founding members, Daisy Dare, who sadly passed away at the age of 101. Our club co-President Adelina reminded us of 100th birthday celebration that we had last year for Daisy. She told us that going back through the Garden Club’s history the first mention of Daisy and her husband had be mentioned as founding members. They had served on the committee for many years he as Vice President from 1981 and she as Caterer and Librarian for many years. In 2007 they were nominated Club Patrons. They were both invaluable members. RIP Daisy Dare you will be missed.
Flora of the Month was lovely. Anthony bought in a selection of Jonquils; J. Soelil d’or, J. Paper White, J. Avalanch White (perfumed), J Grand Monarch, J. Sir Winston Churchill. Anthony and Lesley each bought in a Japanese Roof Iris (Iris tectorum) flower. Stephen bought in a beautiful white Arum lily flower.
Margaret presented the guest speakers. Steven and Diana both long term members. .
Steven showed a power point presentation of Singapore gardens seen on a garden tour with Jeremey Coleby-Williams. They visited the Gardens by the Bay for a Flower Spectacular. Steven then showed us some beautiful photos of the orchid (and bromeliad) gardens in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Diana Harden also did a power point presentation, showing some French gardens. Starting in Paris, then Versailles, Monet’s Garden in Giverny and to some chateaux gardens in the Loire Valley. The chateaus of Chenonceau and Villandry, the Marqueyssac gardens and some formal and informal gardens around the chateaus in Bordeaux wine region, the gardens around the Abbey St Andrew in Villeneuve-les-Avignon and then finished near Nice on Saint-Joan-Cap Ferrat with the Villa and gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild (known as the Pink Palace)
We so enjoyed their presentations. There are so many wonderful gardens to visit and to lust over.
