Wollaston Gardeners Guild

The members held their monthly meeting at Stourbridge Institute on January 18 which was chaired by Fred Willetts. He opened the meeting by welcoming both existing, new members and visitors he then introduced the speaker for the night Mick Poutney

The President Eric Southall addressed the meeting and said how strange the weather had been this winter, with the very mild conditions setting things into growth, and then the sudden cold spell halting this. He also said, there were still jobs to be done, such as cleaning in the greenhouse, and sowing early seeds, you could also think about putting first early potatoes into trays to start the growth.

Jim Baker reminded the members about the day trips organised for this summer, the first being Bodnant Gardens on May 22 and Eaton Hall on July 31, and Pat Hassall mentioned the Presentation Evening at Churchill & Blakedown Golf Club on March 7.

The speaker for the evening was Mick Poutney who is no stranger to the Guild, and members know they always get a no nonsense black country talk, full of humour and facts with excellent slides, and they weren't disappointed. His talk on growing Gladioli was complete from the bulb to flower, and was packed with tips throughout the season to grow perfect blooms.

Fred Willetts thanked Mick for another most interesting talk, and the members responded in the usual manner.

There are no monthly competitions during January and February.

Fred Willetts closed the meeting, wished everyone a safe journey home, and hoped everyone had enjoyed the evening.

The next meeting will be held on February 15 and this will be the Annual General Meeting.

The group meets on the third Monday of each month at The Stourbridge Institute at 7 for 7.30pm, when all visitors are welcome. For further details phone 01384 828654.