Felpham and Middleton Horticultral Society

On February 26, members were given a very interesting and informative talk by Peter Liverman on the subject of Alpine plants.

Peter started his own nursery in Worthing before moving to Littlehampton.

He and his wife have been members of the

Alpine Garden Society for over 40 years and are still actively involved both locally and nationally. Over this period, he has observed and researched all types of alpines.

The talk consisted of details of the countries where alpines flourish.

He explained varieties are dependent on the climate and soil conditions in which they grow.

In regions such as the Himalayas and other mountain areas, they adapt in order to survive harsh conditions, in particular by growing low down to avoid windy conditions or becoming dry.

The talk included a visual explanation from maps where particular types of alpines can be found, accompanied by beautiful photographs of many plants. He said these plants can be found in snowcovered areas of mountainous regions, both below and above the tree-line, but also in very dry regions of the world.

It was very interesting to understand what times of the year alpines grow.

The talk also included the subject of growing alpines and similar plants, such as woodland plants in the garden.

Peter explained a crucial aspect of growing alpines was to ensure, when planting them, that the correct type of gravel is used.

It is also possible to grow alpines in troughs and pots and it is possible to see examples of these at many gardening locations, such as Wisley, and in particular the headquarters of the Alpine Society in the Horticultural College, Pershore.

This is where they hold 5,500 seeds, which can be purchased.

The Alpine Society is also involved in a conservation project with the RSPB and sponsorship in Edinburgh.

At the end of the talk, there was a brief questionand-answer session, after which Peter was thanked for a fascinating insight into this subject.

The society also announced the result of the spring bulb competition, where members grew Rip Van Winkle Narcissus in pots over the winter period. First prize went to Helen Bennett, with second and third going to Colin Bennett and Pauline Scrace respectively.

The society will be holding its spring show onsaturday, March 30, between 2pm and 4.30pm at St Mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close, Felpham.

For show schedules, telephone 01243 587753. Nonmembers are welcome to exhibit.

The next meeting of the society will take place on March 26 from 7.30pm at St.mary’s Centre, Grassmere Close, Felpham. there will be an illustrated talk on ‘Big Ideas for Small Spaces’ by Martyn Cox, award-winning garden writer, TV presenter and speaker. Martyn currently writes for Amateur Gardening magazine, Garden News and the Mail on Sunday.