We started our November meeting planning forward to next year. Some of the group had moved plants which were in the wrong places, one had had a stepping stone path laid across the lawn which had proved very successful and all had essentially been clearing out and tidying up.

We found that during Summer Cosmos had proven very popular with many planning to grow it again from seed.

Having practiced taking geranium cuttings at the last meeting we reviewed successes and failures – there had been both

– and a few of the group members  ‘personal’ tips were added. These included: ‘don’t take cuttings if the soil is wet’,  ‘water the compost only not the plant’ and most strongly felt ‘DO NOT overwater.’ Basic ‘rules’ were repeated: cut below a node, plant around the edge of the pot deep enough to have around 3 nodes under the soil, have soil damp not wet and as above only water compost not the plant.

We went on to  take rose cuttings with the following applied:

Cut below a node, top cut above a node, take thorns off, plant 3 to 4 inches deep  around the edge of a pot and do not overwater.

We discussed compost with home made being championed by those who are able to store and make it. Otherwise Westland and John Innes were most favoured by experienced members within the group.

Garlic (provence) bulbs were split and shared for planting  in ‘deepish soil’ with approx. 3 inches of cover. In addition some surplus tulip bulbs were also shared.

Plot update. The plot has been dug over  and garlic cloves, snowball onions and red onions have been planted so far with further plans to plant broad beans and winter. It is to be sprayed with weedkiller

Our 4th December meeting is to be a Christmas  social morning at Brenda’s with all bringing festive food

Our first meeting of 2018 will be on 5th February