News
GQT at the Eden Project
Today’s Gardeners’ Question Time on BBC Radio 4 was recorded at the Eden Project. MPG member Catherine Cutler, Eden’s head of horticulture, spoke about the initial planting, started 25 years ago, notably of the rainforest area which has developed dramatically from a desolate moonscape. Some plants which were initially tiny have had to be removed as they become huge trees. Catherine has been particularly involved in the Mediterranean biome, where she is pictured here. She has been a member of MPG for ten years. Five of the Eden Project staff are members of MPG.
Bursary Committee
Lorraine Dodd has taken on the chairmanship of the Bursary Committee, succeeding Kevin Begley who chaired the committee for two years. Kevin is remaining on the committee as an adviser. Also on the committee are John Addison, John Fielding, Jenny Hunt, Lesley Jones and David Mason. Lorraine lives in rural north-east Wales and the picture shows her with her wire-haired dachshund which she and her husband have recently adopted from a rescue centre.
Mediterranean Plants and Gardens MC
Nominations for election to MPG’s management committee have closed in preparation for the AGM on 3 July. Jackie Hunt (pictured) and Andrew Mayo (who chairs the Tours Committee) are standing for election for the first time. John Fielding, Heather Martin and David Mason are standing for re-election. Incumbent MC members appointed in previous years and remaining in office are Sharon Horder, Anne Keenan, Gill Robinson and Michael Stearns. The committee can consist of up to nine members so the election is not contested. Information about the current MC members is on this page of the website.
Glorious day for Chelsea early birds
Thanks again to bulb specialist company Jacques Amand International, many of us were able to enjoy the opening hours of the first RHS members’ day at Chelsea on Tuesday 20 May with the showground almost empty. “The bliss of seeing all the outside gardens before the 8am crush was so special. An organised breakfast with somewhere to sit and relax before hitting the marquee was the icing on the cake,” commented a garden designer member of MPG. Another member spent most of the first hours in the great pavilion. We are very grateful to Nesta Jolliff (pictured on the Jacques Amand stand).
Can you identify this?
Should we have a Q&A facility?
MPG is planning to launch a way for members to put questions to each other. For example, a member has asked today for identification of this fritillary spotted in Sussex. Let us know whether you would find this a useful service, always remembering that all work on MPG is done by vulunteers among members. Please respond by using the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page.
Sharon Horder joins Tours Committee
Sharon Horder, who was elected to the Management Committee in 2024, joined the Tours Committee this year. She has attended one meeting so far and will be at the committee’s next meeting on 19 June. Her background has recently been in horticulture at two Oxford college gardens (Merton and Wadham) though now she divides her time in different roles. Sharon has also helped over an extended period in putting reports and other information on the Mediterranean Plants and Gardens website.