Herald - Issue 425

Page 48 • The HERALD • 23rd June 2022 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v ✿ DOWN THE GARDEN PATH ✿ A J GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton BEAULIEU HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Beaulieu Horticultural Society met on Monday 16th May to hear Roger Butler give an enjoyable talk entitled ‘Pelargoniums My Way’. As Pelargoniums rank as one of the highest number of potted plants sold and also in terms of wholesale value, it is quite likely that most gardeners will have grown a Pelargonium at some point in their gardening life. Roger began his talk by clarifying the confusion that o en arises around the name Geranium. Strictly speaking Pelargoniums should not be calledGeraniums. Geranium is the correct Botanical and common name for a separate group of hardy herbaceous plants which mainly die down in winter. Pelargoniums are a group of plants, native to South Africa that includes about 280 species of perennials and shrubs, o en called cranesbill on account of the shape of the seedhead or mistakenly geraniums, which are not usually frost Angel, Unique and Scented-leaved. ere are also species and primary hybrids. Moreover, e Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has created additional descriptions eg: Stellar or Cactus. During the talk members appreciated the helpful information on the selection and successful cultivation of these popular and attractive plants. Taking a clue from their origins in South Africa, Pelargoniums prefer to be kept dry rather than wet. It is a good idea not to use too big a pot, which is likely to hold too much water and they need to be kept frost - free. To overwinter, plants should not be cut back too hard in September or October, kept on the dry side and frost free. Pelargoniums are rewarding plants as they are relatively easy to propagate from cuttings taken underneath a leaf joint in September or October. e cuttings should be kept uncovered, out of direct sun and frost free. e plants respond to appropriate feeding… a balanced feed in winter and high potash in summer. ey have relatively few problems, provided they are not over- watered or attacked by vine weevils. e talk was very well illustrated as the speaker, Roger Butler, grows Pelargoniums for Shows. From the many beautiful photographs, members were able to appreciate the many di erent colours, leaf shapes and patterns, sizes and ower forms of these popular plants. e June meeting is for members only where they will be visiting to a member’s garden followed by a Midsummer garden party. Summer Show takes place on Saturday 2nd July at East Boldre Village Hall. Public viewing 2.15pm-3.45pm. e Beaulieu Horticultural Society is now also known as Beaulieu & District Gardening Club. New members welcome, contact Lynne Hubbard 01590 612408. hardy. Cultivated Pelargoniums are commonly divided into 6 main groups. ese are Zonal, those most commonly found in garden centres, Ivy-leaved, Regal, Roger Butler