WINTER NEWSLETTER 2008 JUNE

Hello Everyone

A big thank you to the Zone Co-ordinators who have sent in their annual report, I have enjoyed reading them.  Could those who have not sent a report  I would appreciate it if you could do so SOON.  Thanks.

We have had our first touch of winter this morning about 9 degrees.  However, we have had plenty of rain – over 50 inches so far this year, so we are thrilled to bits.

Cold weather brings to mind, Mother England, the First Fleeters, determined to bring a bit of Britain to their new  land, bringing pots of English Primroses and handfuls of Oak seeds with them to the great unknown south land.

Colonial gardens were a combination of subsistence and ornamental plants, the Cottage Garden was uppermost in their minds.  Gardening in Australia has its bad moments, with torrential downpours which can sometimes wash out plants and topsoil to some far-off spot, vegetable seeds germinating only to wither and die because of sudden bursts of sun and dust.  Some of my sweet pea seeds planted in March washed off their raised bed onto the lawn and I had to replant them, funny how they looked almost healthier than the ones that remained in the bed. 

As the country was opened up  lots of unknown plants were revealed, we have all the world’s vegetation types and some of the most unique tropical and cool temperate rainforests.  Contrasting arid regions and coastal plant communities contribute a wide variety of plant life.  About 1970 the native plant revolution occurred, revealing the real worth of the indigenous flora that is now revered by the majority of Australians.  Improved hybrid varieties of these plants have been produced and we have such a wide selection to choose from – we are so lucky in what we can grow in flora culture and agricultural plants.  No wonder we are addicted to gardening.  Advanced methods of fertilising, propagating and insect, weed and disease control are used now to make our gardens even brighter and better.  However, some of these methods can prove to be very expensive, so best to provide controls that are natural if we can, depends on what sort of gardener you are of course and how much time one has.   Magazines bombard us with new ideas every week, month and year and are full of advertisements.  My grand dad just had a 44 gallon drum near the creek with cow and horse manure dissolved in water, he produced many a good vegetable from this source.

The options and rewards are endless from your garden, great satisfaction can result from growing your own plants.  Some folk specialise in orchids, bonsai, ferns, roses, dahlias, camellias, day lilies etc.  The recreational benefits of horticulture, regardless of whether your garden is a balcony, suburban or acreage block are endless.  Vegetables in pots are quite popular and the smell of fresh picked parsley or beans is so enjoyable and makes the mouth water.

PHOTO COMPETITION in Journal “Our Gardens”.

Still time to get your three photographs in for the Competition, details in the last two Journals.  Closing date 25^th August.  Results will be announced in the Summer Issue of “Our Gardens” at the end of the year.  Great prizes.  Entry forms available on request by email to priors@iinet.net.au or by post to the Editor, “Our Gardens”, 28 Bilwara Ave. Bilgola Plateau 2107.  GET THAT CAMERA OUT.

AWARDS: The Garden Clubs of Aust. Inc.  

Get your Club Nominations for the seven Awards before the 4^th July so that the Awards can be judged and announced at the AGM in Sydney on September 16.  Last year one of the winners travelled from Western Australia to receive his award.  Great Excitement.

CONVENTION 2009:

Convention 2009 will be held at Tamworth and planning has already started.   We all had a great time in Albury in 2007, meeting new friends and seeing new gardens.  Start saving now and planning the trip.  President Irene will be on the planning committee and with the experience she has under her wings it will be “A Good One”.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS for The Garden Clubs of Australia Inc.

Get nominations completed and submitted and also complete nominations for your Club Delegate for the AGM. Nominations to be in by the 19^th July 2008 THANKS

JUDGES for Garden Competitions and Cut Flower Competitions – local shows etc.

We have some new judges just finishing their training and willing to do the judging for you so please do not hesitate to contact Colin Simson – 02 4822 2103 email:  colinsimson@iinet.net.au  

MEMBERSHIP LISTS (Affiliate Clubs, Societies).

Please make sure members keep these up to date, emails are a big problem with folk changing providers at different times – saves so much time and money for the Committee if these lists are current.  These lists can be obtained from The GCA Secretary, Alan Strachan, PO Box 330, Goulburn 2580 email astrachan@aapt.net.au Every Secretary should have these lists.

WEBSITE – WEBMASTER, DENNIS PARKER (Spider).

Dennis keeps us all up to date on the Website and we are so grateful to him for his skills and help if we get into “trouble”.  If you do not have a computer go to the local Library and ask for assistance.

RESOURCES FOR CLUB ACTIVITIES:  Produced by Margaret Watts.

This  document will soon be available on CD.  The cost will be $5. Including packaging and posting. Margaret would like feedback from all Clubs and will answer questions – Tel. 02 9499 2259 email: hollmart@tpg.com.au

QUEENSLAND HOME GARDEN EXPO. will be held in Nambour Qld. on the ll, 12, 13^th July.  President Irene Woods, Sales person, Jeanette Chown, Margaret Watts, Dennis Parker and myself will be on the stall selling GCA merchandise.   A good chance to say “Hello” if you are in Nambour for the occasion.

JOURNAL “OUR GARDENS”

A wonderful gardener’s publication containing heaps of information and insight to how The Garden Clubs of Australia Inc. works.   All done by volunteer labour from our Committee and then passed on to the Printer for distribution.  Please ensure that all members, particularly new members are aware of the availability of the Journal.  Pat Prior, the editor, would like submissions for articles, photos of happenings etc.

Happy Gardening and Friendship – Glenys Bruun- Director of Zones – Tel. 07 5441 2692  email: gbruun@bigpond.net.au Address:  “Yorklea” 92 Petrie Ck. Rd. Nambour Qld. 4560

GLENYS BRUUN