February Meeting

Tuesday 17th February 2015

Topic - Kevin Heinze Garden Centre

Presenter - Chris Reed

This month our guest speaker was Chris Reed. Chris is the Executive Officer at The Kevin Heinze Centre, located in Doncaster. Chris has a background in Agriculture and Permaculture and has been at the Centre for eight years. He spoke to us about the Centre and the great community work that is being done there. Kevin Heinze believed that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonder of working in the garden, and various programs have been established to accommodate all sectors of society, including children and adults with disabilities. This is known as Horticulture Therapy. There is a staff of seven and many volunteers. The Centre has two plant sales a year, in April and October. Visitors are always welcome.

Chris also gave us a fantastic demonstration on how to grow plants from cuttings. It was a very interesting and informative presentation and the members enjoyed it immensely - Thank You Chris!

The Betty Knox Award (Best Exhibit)

Our winner this month was Ron Lewis. Ron won with a Lewisia Cotyledon, a lovely plant with vibrant, large deep green leaves and pretty, small delicate flowers of pale pink and apricot. It was staged beautifully in a very attractive pot for maximum effect.

Popular Vote Award

Ron Lewis also won the Popular Vote Award this month - but with a second exhibit - a rare feat indeed! It was a Tuberous Begonia, large and perfectly shaped in a creamy colour with pale pink tinges around the edges of the petals - spectacular! The members loved it. Congratulations Ron - well done!