For many people, July's meeting at the Salle des fêtes in Coutures felt like coming home. The IGC had met there for many years before moving to Le Café Pluche, and we were happy to be back. With an increasing membership, the committee felt that we were outgrowing the rather limited space that Le Café Pluche had to offer and that it was time for a venue rethink.
It took longer than expected to secure the hall in Coutures, and we were told that we could use it only a week or so before our meeting, so everything felt rather last minute. Everything, however, worked out well, and our new set-up there proved to be quite successful. We'll tinker with the layout over the next few meetings so that we can find a system which suits us best.
Before introducing the talk, I reminded members of the requirements involved in using the Salle des fêtes, before running through
the programme for the rest of the year. I also reminded members that the 3-day coach trip planned for September was in danger
of being cancelled, since little interest had been shown so far.
Interest must be indicated to the secretary by July 31st.
Succulents super survivors talk
Jacquie treated us all to a superb presentation on succulents – the great survivors of the plant kingdom. She explained what defines a succulent as opposed to a cactus, how succulents store water, and the various features many of them have developed to ensure their survival in often inhospitable environments.
Many of the species she showed were new to us, and it was especially interesting to see several of them ‘in the flesh’, as Jacquie had brought examples from her own collection.
She also demonstrated how to take cuttings of Aeonium, which was something almost everyone in the hall was pleased to learn! With plants of the lovely zebra aloe to give away, Jacquie's talk concluded to warm applause. `
Next meeting September 10th
Lunch followed, and I think members had really pulled out all the stops on Thursday, as the lunch table was straining under the weight of the wonderful assortment of savoury dishes on offer. I was heartened that so many members responded to my appeal and stayed behind to help clear away and tidy up at the end of the session.
I am writing this newsletter the day after the storm which swept through our region last night. We had a power cut here in Douchapt which lasted almost 12 hours, together with some damage caused by the winds and driving rain. I do hope that most of you escaped unscathed. I was, however, delighted by the amount of rain that fell and rejoice at not needing to water today!
I look forward to seeing many more of you at our Show, Tell, Smell and Taste Day on 10th September. Until then, where conditions permit, happy gardening. Ian