Prince Albert Garden Club News

- Gill Hall -

The Prince Albert Garden Club had another wonderful outing on Wednesday, 7 October, this time to Malachite Nursery. About 15 members and friends attended a very informative talk by Carol Tissiman on medicinal and culinary indigenous plants and their uses.

Carol and Dorrien arrived in Prince Albert about five years ago and had a few fruit trees and one other tree on their property. Their vision was to create a space for humans, dogs and birds to find peace, shade and to enjoy the views. They started by creating a beautiful pavement garden and from there, things have developed into a wonderful garden and nursery. Carol obviously has a passion for plants and caring for the environment and protecting Karoo flora that faces extinction.

”Plants in the Karoo need space and wind or they suffer from fungal problems such as aphids. Karoo plants (a bit like the inhabitants) don’t like crowds. Another common problem is over watering” Carol suggests watering well and then letting the ground dry out rather that watering often but lightly. Nothing is too challenging if you give plants enough space.

Garden Club members were spoilt with tea and a selection of delicious cakes and biscuits using herbs from Carol’s garden. The monthly lucky draw was won by Linda Smith – a special salvia murrii donated by Carol - and everyone received a lovely gift made by Carol’s right hand lady, Jeffline Hendricks. The winner of the Arbour Month raffle, gardening tools and an apron, was Megan Reinders. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and helped the Garden Club raise R240.

The next Garden Club meeting will be held at 15h00 in Jacqui and Neil Dixon’s garden – currently referred to as “Foggy Bottom” - at 4 Christina de Wit Street on 4 November, followed by tea at Miller’s Restaurant at R15 per head.

The annual Prince Albert garden competition has been postponed until 2010.