Page 53 - Simply Vegetables Autumn 2023

Ray Couldwell Natures Larder
Barbara Wilkinson - Herb Society
Manchester and Cheshire DA
In May we had a very good turnout for an extremely interesting talk from Barbara Wilkinson of the
Herb Society. She brought lots of interesting things with her and explained how all the things that grow on our allotments and gardens that we regard as weeds are actually very beneficial for our health. We will definitely be inviting Barbara back.
In June we had a DA trip to the new RHS Bridgewater garden instead of
a DA meeting. We had a really good turnout even though it was the hottest day of the year. The kitchen garden
was amazing as is the woodland. Unfortunately, due to the extreme heat I only stayed a couple of hours as there is very little shade there, even the pigs had gone in and were nowhere to be seen. I will be returning as I didn’t get to see the Chinese stream section.
In July it was Jackie Tucker from Elizabeth Gaskill house who gave a very interesting talk on the kitchen garden and what food the Gaskill’s grew. Unfortunately, I missed this meeting but heard good things from the other members.
In August was Ray Couldwell on Bonsai trees. We all learnt a huge amount from Ray who is extremely knowledgeable on Bonsai. He was also very entertaining and brought lots of trees with him. The nicest one in my opinion was an oak tree which he had named Pauline after the lady that owned it, who passed away last year and had left it to him in her will.
All in all we have had a very interesting few months.
Our next meetings are:
5th September – Rachel from “Don’t crop me now”
October No meeting as the room is not available
7th November – Quiz and Buffet
Email me at manchesternvs@gmail.com if you would like
more details on our meetings.
Kitchen Garden RHS Bridgewater
Simply Vegetables 53