Snowdrops and Winter Interest Plants

It is quite some years since Mr Richard Ayres last came to speak to the Horticultural Society and he was a popular speaker then, just as he still is and when he came to the Society on the 27th February, about fifty people came to listen to his talk. It was great to see the hall full of people and I trust that you all enjoyed the evening and will come along to some of our future talks.

Mr Ayres was the Head Gardener at Anglesey Abbey until he retired in 2000 and his father was Head Gardener before him. His knowledge of both the Abbey and the gardens is vast and he has many stories to tell.

One of the most popular walks at Anglesey now is “The Winter Walk” and Mr Ayres informed us how this particular garden came to fruition. It is now famous for the many different varieties of snowdrops and people come to see them from far and wide. When the gardens were first opened particularly for the snowdrops, the profit was £300, the following year it was £1000. He didn’t inform us of the figures for recent years! I believe it is approximately fifteen years since the Winter Walk was planted and, although I have been many, many times, there are always different things to see and it is now extremely, extremely popular. Mr Ayres was warmly thanked by Dorothy.

Our next monthly meeting is on the 27th March and is KEEPING CHICKENS ON A SMALL SCALE, a talk given by Nigel Start. This is in the W.I. hall, beginning at 7.30 p.m. Members £1 and non members £2 which includes tea/coffee and biscuits. All are very welcome.