Getting acquainted with fungi

– is the subject Ian Rose delighted his audience with at the Gardeners’ Association November meeting. Ian is a well established mycologist who has led and participated in numerous fungi forays across the British Isles. His talk was illustrated with a selection of slides featuring fungi in its many guises of colour, shape, and size. Location and smell, and importantly whether it was edible or poisonous were also useful facts noted. His extensive collection of pictures covered fungi ranging in form from ‘dry rot’ to the much prized ‘chanterelle’. Pictured right is the Cantharellus cibarius Chanterelle.

A day outing to East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden, Norfolk - http://www.e-ruston-oldvicaragegardens.co.uk - has been planned for 15 June 2011, stopping off en route at Taverham Garden Centre. Cost £18.50 for coach and entry. Members and non-members are urged to book early so as not to be disappointed. Further information obtainable from the Treasurer at terryclaydon@aol.com

At the next meeting on Monday 13 December at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall members will welcome Maureen Sayer, a local florist, who will demonstrate on creating festive decorations using natural materials from the garden. A fork buffet will be served at a cost of £2.50 to each member. New members are welcome to join the Association at the December meeting.

Joining our organisation is easy and inexpensive. Membership subscription is value for money at only £8 per year. The Chair, Valerie Lofthouse, can be reached on 01206 855450 or valerielofthouse1@hotmail.co.uk for details on the Gardeners’ Association.