Pruning for Fifty Plants that Changed History

With wet and cold weather making gardening seem a far-away prospect, two talks in successive months gave the armchair green-fingered members of Frome Selwood Horticulture Society something to think – or dream – about.

Jane Norris of the society reports, “Garden-trained ex-stage manager, Gilly Hayward from Moorlinch, gave a timely talk on pruning at the March meeting. Then in April, Bill Laws from Hereford gave an entertaining insight into his “Fifty Plants that changed the Course of History.”

“Gilly’s pruning advice was simple: look at the reference books (!), look at the plant, choose the right tool and cut cleanly. Deciduous trees, evergreens and shrubs of all description were discussed, all to preserve health, flowers and fruit, and shape and size.

“Pruning of a different nature had been undertaken by Bill Laws in his compilation of a social history talk on “Fifty Plants that changed the Course of History.” This was a personal list that provoked thought and discussion.  He named woad as a history changer.  The German chemist, Bayer, formulated indigo, profits from which indirectly helped to finance German manufacturing of munitions in WW1; imbibing cultivated Papaver samniferon and cocaine have delivered moments of heroism, and terror, and literary genius.  Rose petals were the basis of the rosary, and potatoes had had a direct link to the pandemic Spanish influenza of 1918.

“Many more examples could have been given, but just as with the in-house daffodil competition, choices had to be made.  Of the 50 bowls of Narcissi scajawea, Terry Joyce was judged top flowers, Sue Robinson second, Maureen Cullen third.  Denise Bull had the wooden spoon, but all efforts were awarded equal applause.

The next meeting is on 8th May, 7.30pm, Critchill School, BA11 4LD. “How to increase your Mental Agility by Gardening.” All welcome.”

More details from Jane Norris on 01373 462162 or visit the FSHS facebook page.