TOTTINGTON Horticultural Society's latest talk in March was given by Terry Morris. His subject was Gladioli.

Terry is an expert on these beautiful blooms, having won many prizes and championships. He is also a RHS lecturer and judge.

His enthusiasm and dedication were evident from his slides showing the many varieties he grows in all their glory. Preparation of the beds is of great importance, the soil being enriched with organic matter. Corms are planted about three inches deep in an alternate arrangement of rows, to take full advantage of the sunlight.

Gladioli grow best away from walls and fences. Miles of string and Buzz tape are used to protect the tender shoots from birds. One slide showed the sad sight of terrible damage done by Canada geese to a whole bed of young plants.

Preparation for shows is meticulous and time-consuming. In order for flowers to be presented at their peak of perfection, they are cut 24 hours before a show, and given a big drink in a sheltered corner of the garden. They are then packed in cotton wool and laid in trays to be transported.

Advice was given and questions were answered about growing gladioli corms. The evening ended with refreshments.

Our next event is the Spring Show on Saturday, April 9 at Greenmount Old School, open to the public at 2pm. This will be a lovely show with daffodils, spring flowers, cookery, crafts, wine and egg classes. Refreshments will be available.

DH

.

MR Terry Ashworth paid his annual visit to the Bury & District Recorded Music Circle with a programme entitled Enlish Byeways.

Opening with Edward German's Shepherd's Dance and O Peaceful England, followed by Arthur Sullivan's Festivities on the Village Green and George Butterworth with his Two English Idylls. Next came Two English Dances by Malcolm Arnold, and Brigg Fair by Percy Grainger. We then moved north, with two Northumbrian folk songs, Water of Tyne and The Keel Row. Terry ended the first half with The March from the English Folk Song Suite by Vaughan Williams. After the interval Terry was joined by Roy Turner in presenting a cine film This Realm, dating from 1977

It pictured some lovely scenes of rural England accompanied by some appropriate music. It proved a fitting end to a splendid evening. Both were warmly thanked by a very appreciative audience. Several comments were made citing that England was still a green and pleasent land as Terry and Roy had just portrayed.

Next Friday a change of programme with the The 3 Graces presenting Memories are made of these.

JS