The meeting for October took place on Saturday 12th.

On entering towards the front door one steps past the the quiet flow of running water alongside the entrance, bringing us to the  lovely sight of the Sexy Orange Heliconia (Heliconia platystachys) in all its glory, as the centerpiece of the dining table. A stunning beauty of a display!

We had an extremely large turnout at the meeting, and so Nigel’s walk around the property was the first on the agenda. It was most interesting and informative. There were many notable plants as we strolled through his wonderful garden. 

Alongside the south perimeter wall was a line of palms, together with few foxtails in the mix. Bromeliads were placed in clusters at the foot of the palms. A gorgeous white bird of paradise (Strelitzia Nicolai) also stood on the border. 

A view out front, showed the majestic naked Indian tree which stood very tall and was meticulously pruned. 

Further to the perimeter of the front entrance, was a beauty of a weeping willow covered above its roots by a row of bromeliads.  Nigel explained the trauma it had been through having been treated for termites, which were now eradicated, and so aided the plant with the new growth present.  Nigel’s keen eye for placement of foliage seen at a glance of the plants chosen at the front entrance. Lush shades of green draped the driveway with a lovely wide copper full with many thriving water plants. 

There was a seating area closeby with some wonderfully small healthy succulents. Nigel explained that he has them on a metal grill so that he can easily lift off, if needed, as the area is drained into a trough especially when the grass area floods.

Strolling onwards heading in the direction of the shady areas passing the pool, we traversed down the hillside towards the pond. Hummingbirds in abundance were noticed excitedly crowding the bird feeders which  hung from a nearby tree.  

Walking downward passing some lovely orchids and lush green foliage dotted with white plumbagos, the majestic Samaan tree stood.  I believe with only a good few years old (11) with a lovely swing hanging off of one of its boughs.  Many members took turns enjoying it.  The wooden tree slabs at the foot of the tree were cleverly filled with tiny lights.

A walk around the pond gave quite a contemplative feel, which encouraged each one of us to look around, at the beauty of all the plants placed on the hillside. Every square inch was filled a true work of art!

The formal part of the meeting began shortly after everyone got seated. A short introduction was given to Shane Scott who was invited to speak on the venture of the cultivation of mushrooms at his company Happy Planet Organic Farms.  A truly fascinating talk, detailing the growing and harvesting of the oyster mushrooms. He explained the removal of mushrooms to be at least 4 times daily.  These mushrooms contain much protein and can be a part of any one’s daily meal and a vegetarian’s delight.  We were all treated to packages of white Oyster Mushrooms to take home. We thanked Shane for enlightening us on growing mushrooms.

The next speaker was Tonya D’Almada who gave a lovely informative talk on water plants, especially from the perspective of living in an apartment and using the space for plant decor wisely. Placing cuttings in water using some blaukorn pellets in container/vase helps encourage healthy plants and root growth.  Tonya bought with her a pothos and lucky bamboo plants. She advised on different water plants. A great idea especially since we all look to add some simple green corners/areas on shelves and tables throughout our homes.  Each month we have added one or two members to talk about various plants. Thanks to Tonya who shared her love for having water plants indoors.

The show bench was cut flowers which were collected by the members from their gardens.

Nigel’s orange heliconia was the winner in the large category. Simone Taylor won first and second prizes with an assortment of orchids, anthuriums, torch gingers, kimis, baby flame, Cheryl Lee Loy won third prize with gorgeous sprays of her purple orchids. Marion D’Almada entered a delightful array of red and orange heliconias and palm fronds, and Sonia Ross had red gingers. Well done members it was a lovely display.  Our lucky winner of pollinator plants from the raffle drawn was Janice Potter!

Noteworthy, our beautiful 2025 calendar has arrived and is available for sale. 

Our meeting ended shortly after 5:30 pm.  Many thanks to the Host and Hostess for allowing us this opportunity to enjoy a lovely afternoon and meeting at their beautiful home.

Happy Gardening…