February 2024
Well while writing this months bit for the magazine we are enjoying a really good cold snap. It
does not appear that it is going to last long though. This means the garden will be going from one
extreme to another. I was cutting a Sycamore back today and even in this cold the plant was
weeping from the cuts, it just shows that even the plants are not sure what is happening. So stay
calm and be patient.
Last year I said that the leeks had suffered from leek moth and also allium leaf miner problems.
So as a trial I covered the plants with insect mesh netting as soon as they were planted out.
Success, certainly no signs of the pests this year so that will now be an annual job to protect the
leeks. Just have to look at the onions now.
Snowdrops are just starting to show colour. Always a lovely site when fully out. Do not forget
planting the snowdrops in the green is one of the best ways of enlarging your collection. Just
plant clumps of 3 or 4 bulbs spaced around 4 in. apart and your display will be even better in a
couple of years.
If not already done you can sow sweet peas and broad beans. I like to plant them in root trainers
(old toilet roles or paper tubes are just as good). It means that you get a better root system when
planting out. Do not forget to get your early potato tubers ready for planting in mid march.
As soon as you can get safely onto the garden get out and apply plenty of mulch to the moist soil
so that it retains the moisture for the rest of the season.
New Year Party
January saw the club celebrate the start the year with our wonderful Buffet Lunch. Laid out for
the members and friends was the usual great fare provided by members and more heartier food
produced by Gill Bradley and her team of helpers. Froyle can always come up trumps when it
comes to a good feast. As well as the tempting food members were also mentally stimulated with
a couple of brain teaser quizzes. A great afternoon and wonderful start to the New Year.