Bridport and District Gardening Club

In 1138 Cannington Priory, gifted by the DeCourcy family, became the house of Benedictine nuns. After a somewhat colourful history, eventually it was leased to Somerset County Council, and became Cannington College, providing land-based education.

After merging with Bridgewater College in 2004, the redevelopment of the walled gardens began.

With building works still very much in evidence, members found themselves within the delightful grounds within the walls.

A guided tour wove around colourful garden rooms interspersed with mature trees.

A vivid golden border was much admired, planted in hexagonal shapes, honeycomb-style, with chocolate scabious dancing above to replicate bees.

A large botanical glasshouse impressed with an eclectic mix of sub-tropical plants. After a summer break, a talk on plant problems by John Horsey identified many of the pests and diseases we encounter on our plots.

Slides illustrated the range of mini beasts which delight in ruining our horticultural efforts, from legless molluscs, brightly hued beetles to millipedes.

John gave us a simple maxim to decide if they are friend or foe: If it moves slow it’s bad, if it moves fast it’s good.

Bacterial, viral and fungal diseases were also covered in this very informative talk.

It was with great sadness we learned of the death of Tony Lewis. A long term member of the club, Tony served a number of years as Treasurer. He will be sadly missed.