At the October meeting the Group enjoyed another good lecture and the speaker was Chris Davey of Seagate Nurseries near Spalding.

In 2018 Chris and his wife Kate, took a huge gamble and took over a derelict nursery which was for sale and earmarked to be developed in a different way, having visited to buy some irises! A tree surgeon by profession his knowledge of Irises was very limited.

The site had to be lightened to allow the Iris to grow and flower. The remaining Irises had to be identified. Covid, of course bought its problems for Nurseries and plant sales needed to be boosted to make a living from the nursery. Amazingly, they are now attending 24 plant fairs a year and have become known as experts in their field and are 100% peat -free. They have also supplemented the perennial side of the business to increase their appeal. They did a wonderful Autumnal display on the evening including, Siberian Irises, Kniphofias and Asters (Symphyotrichums) and others to tempt members to buy!

Chris covered four different types of Irises as well as the native species. Dwarf ones were happy at the front of the border whilst the tall bearded ones are best at the back of the border. The latter do need more space and all of them prefer a sunny spot. Planting conditions were covered with the rhizome half in and half out in well- drained soil with added sand and grit. The time to divide is about four weeks after flowering and no later than October. Siberian Irises are good all-rounders and can tolerate wet and some shade. They should be divided in the spring. It is better to feed less than more and if fed do so with bonemeal.

The Nursery is closed now until March 2025 but plants can be ordered via email. It is certainly a nursery worth visiting during the flowering season. The couple will be attending the well-known Rutland Plant Fair that our Group is holding next year on May Bank Holiday Sunday.