Little Common Horticultural Society

Tom Hart Dyke, of Lullingstone Castle, came to tell us about his World Garden and how it all started. He was so enthusiastic - telling us about his travels, plant hunting, in America and Australia and his return journey via Panama which ended in he and a friend being captured by rebels.

During his long stay he turned to designing what would become the World Garden hoping one day he would be free to create it.

He spoke about his much loved granny and how he would like to name a new plant after her.

We all took a much needed rest at half time, had a coffee and looked at the monthly show, and Tom was impressed to see that a plant bought at his garden by one of the members was included, and still doing well.

In the second half Tom explained with passion about his World Garden.

We saw some great overhead shots of how he laid out what used to be the walled garden with outlines of the five continents and sited plants where they originated.

Interestingly, not many of what we consider our cottage garden plants originated here.

He talked of the Eucalyptus now nearly 30ft tall almost obliterating the outline of Australia!

One hilarious slide showed how he had transported a Palm from a donor in the west country on the top of his estate car - it hung over the bonnet at one end and the rootball was tied to the back door.

His main problem with the World Garden is that due to the frost at Lullingstone (-11 one night) he has to dig up and shleter many of the tender plants.

He finished by saying he had travelled to many places in the world but never to Little Common! He will certainly be welcome again.

We were advised that details of the Society constitution, together with a Newsletter, were displayed on the noticeborad.

Also a list of outings, the first being a half day return visit to Emmetts Gardens on Wednesday, April 29, cost 11, or 6.50 to NT members.

A car outing will be planned on February 19 to Hadlow if we have enough people. Please contact the chairman on 01424 843307 if you are interested.

The date of the annual luncheon is March 18 at the Cooden Golf Club, cost 18.50. Contact outings Advisor on 01424 843088 to pay if you cannot attend our next meeting (remember subscriptions 3 are due) on Friday, February 13, when Michael Hoad will take us 'Roaming the Cuckmere'.

Those who have membership cards please bring them and sign in - otherwise 1 entry fee!